Special Report

The 50 Most Popular Dog Breeds in America

LUX_8 / iStock via Getty Images

Pet ownership is climbing in the United States, with families that own dogs leading the way, according to the National Pet Owners Survey, conducted by the American Pet Products Association. The 2019-2020 edition found that 67% of American households, or 85 million households, had at least one pet — the highest level ever reported. Of the households that had a pet, 63.4 million had a dog.

Families own many different dogs, from mixed-breeds to purebreds, but which are the most popular?. Purebred dog registry American Kennel Club has listed about 280 breeds on its website, and nearly 200 have made it into the organization’s popularity ranking. 

To identify the 50 most popular breeds in the United States, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data from the American Kennel Club released on March 16, 2021, based on 2020 AKC registration statistics.

Some breeds have been consistently popular over the years, with golden and Labrador retrievers and German shepherds regularly dominating popularity rankings. 

In fact, the Labrador retriever reigns No. 1 and has been the most popular since 1991. Golden and Labrador retrievers are especially popular among families, and for good reason. These are the best family-friendly dogs.

Some of the most popular breeds are of fairly recent origin, while others, like some hunting and herding breeds, would have been recognizable to Roman soldiers or Vikings.

The lifespan of the most popular dogs in the U.S. varies from as few as seven years to as many as 18, though the life expectancy of most breeds on this list is in the 10-15 range. These are the longest living dog breeds

Click here to see the 50 most popular dog breeds in America

emmepiphoto / iStock via Getty Images

52. Saint Bernard
> Weight: pounds
> Height: inches
> Popularity in 2019: 48 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 8-10 years
> Personality: Playful, Charming, Inquisitive
> Group category: Working

[in-text-ad]

ktatarka / iStock via Getty Images

50. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
> Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-26 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 45 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive
> Group category: Sporting

LynMc42k / Getty Images

49. Portuguese Water Dog
> Weight: 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
> Height: 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 50 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic
> Group category: Working

DevidDO / Getty Images

48. Akita
> Weight: 100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female)
> Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 47 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Personality: Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal
> Group category: Working

[in-text-ad-2]

andriano_cz / iStock via Getty Images

47. English Cocker Spaniel
> Weight: 28-34 pounds (male), 26-32 pounds (female)
> Height: 16-17 inches (male), 15-16 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 52 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Energetic, Merry, Responsive
> Group category: Sporting

adogslifephoto / Getty Images

46. Bloodhound
> Weight: 90-110 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 49 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive
> Group category: Hound

[in-text-ad]

f8grapher / Getty Images

45. Bichon Frise
> Weight: 12-18 pounds
> Height: 10-12 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 46 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 14-15 years
> Personality: Playful, Curious, Peppy
> Group category: Non-sporting

natenn / Getty Images

44. West Highland White Terrier
> Weight: 15-20 pounds
> Height: 11 inches (male). 10 inches, female inches
> Popularity in 2019: 42 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Personality: Loyal, Happy, Entertaining
> Group category: Terrier

irontrybex / Getty Images

43. Shiba Inu
> Weight: 23 pounds (male), 17 pounds (female)
> Height: 14.5-16.5 inches (male), 13.5-15.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 44 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 13-16 years
> Personality: Alert, Active, Attentive
> Group category: Non-sporting

[in-text-ad-2]

tkatsai / iStock via Getty Images

42. Rhodesian Ridgeback
> Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 41 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Dignified, Even-Tempered
> Group category: Hound

Dixi_ / iStock via Getty Images

41. Newfoundland
> Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
> Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 40 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 9-10 years
> Personality: Sweet, Patient, Devoted
> Group category: Working

[in-text-ad]

chris_leung / Flickr

40. Collie
> Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 38 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Devoted, Graceful, Proud
> Group category: Herding

Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

39. Weimaraner
> Weight: 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 36 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Personality: Friendly, Fearless, Obedient
> Group category: Sporting

Utenzilije / Getty Images

38. Maltese
> Weight: 7 pounds
> Height: 7-9 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 37 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Personality: Gentle, Playful, Charming
> Group category: Toy

[in-text-ad-2]

RKSS / Getty Images

37. Belgian Malinois
> Weight: 60-80 pounds (male), 40-60 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 43 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Personality: Confident, Smart, Hardworking
> Group category: Herding

chuckrasco / Getty Images

36. Basset Hound
> Weight: 40-65 pounds
> Height: 15 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 39 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Personality: Charming, Patient, Low-Key
> Group category: Hound

[in-text-ad]

Tomas Maracek / Getty Images

35. Vizsla
> Weight: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
> Height: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 31 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Gentle, Energetic
> Group category: Sporting

LUX_8 / iStock via Getty Images

34. Chihuahua
> Weight: 6 pounds
> Height: 5-8 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 33 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Personality: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
> Group category: Toy

Byrdyak / Getty Images

33. Mastiff
> Weight: 160-230 pounds (male), 120-170 pounds (female)
> Height: 30 inches & up (male), 27.5 inches & up (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 29 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 6-10 years
> Personality: Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured
> Group category: Working

[in-text-ad-2]

ucpage / iStock via Getty Images

31. Miniature American Shepherd
> Weight: 20-40 pounds
> Height: 14-18 inches (male), 13-17 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 34 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Personality: Good-Natured, Intelligent, Devoted
> Group category: Herding

Bholenath / Getty Images

30. Cocker Spaniel
> Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
> Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 30 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-14 years
> Personality: Gentle, Smart, Happy
> Group category: Sporting

[in-text-ad]

LexiTheMonster / iStock via Getty Images

29. Pug
> Weight: 14-18 pounds
> Height: 10-13 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 28 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Personality: Charming, Mischievous, Loving
> Group category: Toy

cynoclub / Getty Images

28. Brittany
> Weight: 30-40 pounds
> Height: 18-21 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 26 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat
> Group category: Sporting

yanjf / Getty Images

27. Shetland Sheepdog
> Weight: 15-25 pounds
> Height: 13-16 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 25 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Playful, Energetic, Bright
> Group category: Herding

[in-text-ad-2]

Nigel_Wallace / iStock via Getty Images

26. English Springer Spaniel
> Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
> Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 27 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Friendly, Playful, Obedient
> Group category: Sporting

AsyaPozniak / iStock via Getty Images

25. Cane Corso
> Weight: Proportionate to height pounds
> Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 32 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 9-12 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Intelligent, Majestic
> Group category: Working

[in-text-ad]

Dorottya_Mathe / Getty Images

24. Havanese
> Weight: 7-13 pounds
> Height: 9-12 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 24 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Personality: Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny
> Group category: Toy

Seregraff / Getty Images

23. Pomeranian
> Weight: 3-7 pounds
> Height: 6-7 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 23 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-16 years
> Personality: Inquisitive, Bold, Lively
> Group category: Toy

vetdoctor / iStock via Getty Images

22. Bernese Mountain Dog
> Weight: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)
> Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 22 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 7-10 years
> Personality: Good-Natured, Calm, Strong
> Group category: Working

[in-text-ad-2]

Amy Newton-McConnel / iStock via Getty Images

21. Boston Terrier
> Weight: 12-25 pounds
> Height: 15-17 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 21 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Personality: Friendly, Bright, Amusing
> Group category: Non-sporting

chaoss / iStock via Getty Images

20. Shih Tzu
> Weight: 9-16 pounds
> Height: 9-11 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 20 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
> Group category: Toy

[in-text-ad]

Elen11 / iStock via Getty Images

19. Miniature Schnauzer
> Weight: 11-20 pounds
> Height: 12-14 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 19 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Personality: Friendly, Smart, Obedient
> Group category: Terrier

JamesBrey / Getty Images

18. Doberman Pinscher
> Weight: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)
> Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 17 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Loyal, Fearless, Alert
> Group category: Working

Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

17. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
> Weight: 13-18 pounds
> Height: 12-13 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 18 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful
> Group category: Toy

[in-text-ad-2]

format35 / Getty Images

16. Siberian Husky
> Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
> Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 14 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Loyal, Mischievous, Outgoing
> Group category: Working

RalfWeigel / Getty Images

15. Great Dane
> Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
> Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 16 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 7-10 years
> Personality: Friendly, Patient, Dependable
> Group category: Working

[in-text-ad]

Moires / Wikimedia Commons

14. Boxer
> Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), females are about 15 pounds less than male
> Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 11 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Bright, Fun-Loving, Active
> Group category: Working

Attila Fodemesi / iStock via Getty Images

13. Yorkshire Terrier
> Weight: 7 pounds
> Height: 7-8 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 10 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 11-15 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish
> Group category: Toy

GlobalP / Getty Images

12. Australian Shepherd
> Weight: 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
> Height: 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 17 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Personality: Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant
> Group category: Herding

[in-text-ad-2]

kreinick / iStock via Getty Images

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
> Weight: up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female)
> Height: 10-12 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 13 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Personality: Affectionate, Smart, Alert
> Group category: Herding

leungchopan / Getty Images

10. Dachshund
> Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds & under (miniature)
> Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)
> Popularity in 2019: 12 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-16 years
> Personality: Friendly, Curious, Spunky
> Group category: Hound

[in-text-ad]

BeeBuddy / iStock via Getty Images

9. German Shorthaired Pointer
> Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 9 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Friendly, Smart, Willing to Please
> Group category: Sporting

Gizmo / Getty Images

8. Rottweiler
> Weight: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 8 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 9-10 years
> Personality: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian
> Group category: Working

bruev / iStock via Getty Images

7. Beagle
> Weight: 20-30 pounds
> Height: 13-15 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 6 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-15 years
> Personality: Friendly, Curious, Merry
> Group category: Hound

[in-text-ad-2]

chee gin tan / E+ via Getty Images

6. Poodle (Toy)
> Weight: 4-6 pounds
> Height: 10 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 7 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Personality: Agile, Intelligent, Self-Confident
> Group category: Toy

Pekic / iStock via Getty Images

6. Poodle (Miniature)
> Weight: 10-15 pounds
> Height: 10-15 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 7 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Personality: Active, Proud, Very Smart
> Group category: Non-sporting

[in-text-ad]

patrickheagney / E+ via Getty Images

6. Poodle (Standard)
> Weight: 60-70 pounds (male), 40-50 pounds (female)
> Height: 15+ inches
> Popularity in 2019: 7 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Personality: Active, Proud, Very Smart
> Group category: Non-sporting

mladenbalinovac / Getty Images

5. Bulldog
> Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
> Height: 14-15 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 5 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 8-10 years
> Personality: Friendly, Courageous, Calm
> Group category: Non-sporting

jonathandavidsteele / Getty Images

4. Golden Retriever
> Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
> Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 3 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted
> Group category: Sporting

[in-text-ad-2]

Bigandt_Photography / iStock via Getty Images

3. German Shepherd Dog
> Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
> Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 2 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Personality: Confident, Courageous, Smart
> Group category: Herding

druvo / iStock via Getty Images

2. French Bulldog
> Weight: 28 pounds
> Height: 11-13 inches
> Popularity in 2019: 4 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Adaptable, Playful, Smart
> Group category: Non-sporting

[in-text-ad]

GlobalP / iStock via Getty Images

1. Labrador Retriever
> Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
> Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
> Popularity in 2019: 1 out of 197
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Personality: Friendly, Active, Outgoing
> Group category: Sporting

Sponsored: Attention Savvy Investors: Speak to 3 Financial Experts – FREE

Ever wanted an extra set of eyes on an investment you’re considering? Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply
clicking here
you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help guide you through the financial decisions you’re making. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.


Click here
to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.