For almost three decades, the Labrador Retriever has consistently been at the top of the list of most popular dog breeds – and for good reason. This family-friendly breed is smart, patient and sweet. However, they’re not the only breed to have won over the hearts of the nation; many others are following hot on the heels of the Lab. And, of course, we shouldn’t forget the mixed breeds – they remain the most popular dogs of all. But let’s take a look at some of the most popular dog breeds in the USA this year.
Labrador Retriever
As we’ve already said, the Labrador Retriever or Lab as they are affectionately known, is a perennial favourite. Extremely friendly, affectionate and easy-going, they really are a man’s or woman’s best friend. They were originally bred to retrieve ducks after a shoot, and so they love a game of fetch! Their exuberance and love of life will cheer up any household.
German Shepherd
Intelligent, obedient and extremely capable, German Shepherds are often employed as working dogs, sniffing out narcotics, working with the police and the military, helping out in search and rescue missions and taking part in guiding and assistance work. They also make extremely faithful companions and excellent guard dogs. However, if you choose one as a pet, you’ll need to have a lot of time to spend with them as they are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise and activities to stop them from becoming bored. Also, be aware that they can get arthritis in their back hips. If that does happen, be sure to check out our guide on the top treatments for dog arthritis.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever are easily recognized by their golden coloured coat and their non-stop wagging tail! They’re extroverted, easy-going and easy to train. Just like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retrievers are gun dogs that were bred to retrieve ducks and game during hunting and shooting parties. Their soft mouths enable them to retrieve game birds without damage. As a pet, their happy personality and love of play mean that they fit into all kinds of families.
French Bulldog
They may look tough, but the French Bulldog is an extremely sweet and quiet canine companion. Their unmistakable bat ears, wrinkled face, irresistible puppy eyes and bow-legged gait has won the hearts of the Australian dog-owning population. As a small dog with a short coat, they’re easy to look after and their need for minimum exercise makes them the perfect choice for dog lovers that are short of time and space.
Poodle
Poodles have an undeserved reputation for being extremely high-maintenance dogs due to their curly coats and the type of frou-frou styles often seen on show dogs. But this needn’t be the case, especially if you choose a more simple style. They do, however, require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition. As a canine companion, they make great family dogs. They’re fun, extremely smart and easy to train but their abundance of energy means that they need plenty of exercise.
Beagle
Originally bred as scent hounds, Beagles are small, compact and hardy dogs who make a great family pet, especially for families with kids. They love to sniff out different scents and are happiest when following a trail. This is hardly surprising as their noses have 220 million scent receptors! This can also lead to your Beagle marking its territory in places you may not want it to. If this happens, use an enzymatic cleaner from PetLab to get rid of the smell and any stains. If you bring a Beagle into your home, be prepared to take it on lots of adventures and you’ll be rewarded by a happy, outgoing and loving dog who simply adores making new friends.
