Popular Dog Breeds - How to Find the Perfect Addition to Your Family
There are hundreds of different types of dog breeds - thousands, actually, when you account for all of the mixed breed combinations! With so many choices out there, finding the best dog to join your family can seem overwhelming.
Maybe you want to follow the crowd, and just go with one of the most popular dog breeds. While the exact order changes from year to year, these breeds are almost always at the top:
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Golden Retriever
- Beagle
- Boxer
- Bulldog
- Dachshund
- Poodle
- Shih Tzu
But before you go for one of the most popular dog breeds, it's important to remember that all dogs are different. Sure, certain breeds may be known for certain characteristics, but each individual dog is going to have his own temperament. That's why your best bet is to meet a dog before you take him home and see if he's a good fit.
But what if you don't want to just follow the crowd?
That's where we come in!
We've researched the different types of dog breeds, so that you can learn everything you need to get a dog that your family will love.
So, where do you begin?
If you've ever watched a dog show, you know that different types of dog breeds are grouped into certain categories based on their size, abilities, and characteristics. By learning more about those categories, you can see what kind of dog will work best in your home. Those categories are:
1. Sporting
According to the American Kennel Club, sporting dogs live up to their name by being active and alert. They are great for outdoor activities like hunting and playing in the water. However, these dogs also need the most exercise.
Some of the most popular sporting dogs are Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers.
2. Hound
These dogs were historically used for hunting. Most of them have a great sense of smell, so they can follow a trail.
The Hound group is very diverse in size, with some of the most popular being the Bloodhound, the Greyhound, the Dachshund, and the Beagle.
3. Working
As their name suggests, these dogs are great at doing various jobs - like water rescues, guarding homes, and even pulling sleds. Working dogs are a great combination of brains and brawn, so they are strong enough and smart enough to take on a variety of tasks. However, most working dogs are also large - meaning you'll need lots of space for them.
Some of the most popular working dogs are the Great Dane, the St. Bernard, and the Siberian Husky.
4. Terrier
These dogs have a very distinctive personality. They are known to have lots of energy and be very lively. Many dogs in the Terrier group are small, but some of them are slightly larger.
Some of the most popular Terriers are the Scottish Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier (also known as the "Westie"), and the Airdale.
5. Toy
The smallest dogs, toys were bred to be companions. While they tend to be very intelligent, toy dogs also have a tendency to be feisty. Just think of the barking Chihuahua who likes to pick on much bigger dogs!
Toy dogs are some of the most popular dog breeds because they are great for people who live in cities and apartments. Because they don't take up a ton of space, they can go just about anywhere!
In addition to the Chihuahua, some of the most popular toy breeds are the Toy Poodle, the Yorkie, and the Pekingese.
6. Non-sporting
They may not have been bred to perform certain tasks, but they are loyal family dog breeds. And, they're very diverse. Some of the most popular non-sporting dogs are the Standard Poodle, the Bulldog, and the Chow Chow.
7. Herding
These are strong dogs that are great on farms because of their ability to give and take direction. However, they don't have to be big to work hard.
Some of the most popular herding dog breeds are the Corgi, the Sheepdog, and the Border Collie.
Now that you know more about the different types of dogs, it's time to figure out which one will fit best into your family's lifestyle. Sure, lots of dogs are considered "family dog breeds", but each family has its own circumstances. To see which types of dog breeds match up, ask yourself these questions:
How much space do I have?
Even having a backyard makes a huge difference in the types of dog breeds that are right for you.
Is someone around during the day?
If your family is gone at work or school for 8-10 hours a day, you shouldn't go for a breed that needs a lot of exercise.
What kind of activities do I enjoy?
The family who likes to sit around and watch movies needs a very different dog than the family who likes to be out on the boat or hiking through the woods.
Do I have small kids? Or, will I have small kids soon?
Some types of dog breeds aren't best for small children. For example, very small dogs may not be able to hold their own against little kids who play too rough.