The 15 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the US (2023)

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Dogs are the most popular species kept as pets, and the bond between humans and these fantastic creatures goes back nearly 30.000 years. We have carefully bred dogs so that all living breeds have specific purposes. Dogs can hunt, protect, alarm, keep our farms and stables vermin free, or just to keep us company; they have played different roles throughout many centuries.

As a result, people started carefully breeding specific dog breeds to make ideal family pets. Particular breeds have exactly the characteristics we want in pets, and because of those characteristics, these 15 breeds became the most popular dog breeds in the United States of America.

15. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a working Nordic breed that was carefully bred and used as a sled dog. These dogs might have slightly wild tendencies, but it is a popular breed that many American families think that this is precisely the breed for them. These dogs can have a somewhat higher prey drive, so they shouldn’t be left alone with other, smaller pets. Read more about these wonderful dogs here.

14. Boxer

The Boxer, or German Boxer, is a Bully-type dog breed with a lively and friendly character. They will require early socialization, training, and plenty of activities since they are rather energetic. Make sure these dogs get enough daily playtime and walking because if their physical activities are not met, they can become destructive. Find out everything there is to know about the Boxer here.

13. Australian Shepherd

Despite the name that suggests these dogs are from “down under,” they are actually American dogs. They were developed during the gold rush when miners and gold seekers wanted to have an adaptive, versatile working dog capable of completing complicated tasks and jobs. Their intelligence is still one of their most popular traits, and you can read more about these dogs here.

12. Yorkshire Terrier

The lovely Yorkshire Terrier is the first small breed on this list. These adorable little pups are everything you might want from a lap dog; they are affectionate, good-looking, and they barely shed. These dogs are popular dog show contestants and even more popular family pets. Read their full profile here.

11. Dachshund

In the eleventh place, we have the Dachshund. The “Sausage dog” is one of the most popular dog breeds in America for quite some time but always miss the TOP ten spot for a couple of places. These dogs are semi-active and make great playing partners for kids. They love their owners and are very gentle with them. Read more about Dachshunds.

10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the biggest winners and is climbing this list fast in the last years. These dogs might be small, but they were bred as energetic, herding dogs working in the English and Welsh countryside for centuries taking care of flocks of sheep. Their soft coat makes them quite popular in the US. Check out their full profile here.

9. German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a fantastic hunter. This is a breed that was bred almost exclusively for working alongside their hunters. Still, through selective breeding, they became ideal family pets for all families that can provide them with enough space to run, explore, and play. Read more about the German Shorthaired Pointer. 

8. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is one of the most popular guarding and protecting breeds in the US. These dogs were created with that goal in mind; in fact, they have been protecting their owners since the beginning of the breed. American families quite like these dogs, and that’s why they are our number 8.

7. Beagle

The adorable Beagle is a sensitive dog breed initially created to hunt and track prey. It is hard to imagine these lovely dogs having to do anything with hunting, and we are glad to say that these days, they are mostly active family pets who want nothing but love and affection from their families. You can check the full profile of Beagles here.

6. Poodles

Poodles come in three different sizes - Standard, Miniature, and Toy. They are all part of the same breed, and the most significant difference is their size. No matter what size they might be, Poodles make excellent family pets that love nothing more than having a family to entertain and love. These adorable dogs are somewhat of clowns and will surely make their families laugh. Read more about Poodles.

5. Bulldog

The Bulldog, or English Bulldog, as it is sometimes called, is a popular, large-boned, calm dog breed that is known for their adorable wrinkly faces. These dogs are popular family pets because they do not require an awful lot of activities and are just happy with a peaceful life at home. Check the Bulldog’s full profile.

4. French Bulldog

The lovely little Frenchie kept his position from the previous year and remained a stable number four on our Most popular dog breed in the US list. These dogs are made to be human companions that prefer living the peaceful indoor life but can get equally happy following you to any adventure that pops into your mind.

3. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever might be number three, but it is the most popular choice of American families. These dogs make fantastic family pets that are incredibly gentle when they need to be but equally playful when the time is right. Goldens are a popular choice for anyone that doesn’t care about their shedding and wants an affectionate breed to love and adore. Read more about the Golden Retriever.

2. German Shepherd

Our steady number two is the intelligent German Shepherd. These dogs are top picks for police and military, not only in the US but worldwide as well. They are capable of performing the most complicated tasks and can quickly learn new things. They are reasonably active, and if you can provide them with an active home where they can feel loved, you will get the best possible pet that will also protect you with their life. Check out the full German Shepherd profile.

1. Labrador Retriever

This doesn’t surprise anyone because these dogs have kept the number one position for the past 30 years. Labradors are smart, loyal, funny, affectionate, and extremely lovable, so it is no wonder they make the top choice for anyone who wants a dog. They are equally attractive for singles and families. Just keep in mind that they are active dogs that can quickly get quite fat if not adequately exercised. You can read all about Labrador Retrievers here.

Now you know what the most popular dog breeds in the US are, but there are things you should know if you are getting a dog of a specific breed. Make sure you get your dog from a reputable breeder. Don’t buy a dog from a backyard breeder or a puppy mill. Getting a dog without any health certificates and tests can have catastrophic consequences.

If you cannot buy a dog from a responsible breeder, think about adopting. There are plenty of dogs that need your love and a second chance at life.

World Dog Finder team