Top 20 most popular puppy breeds

From tiny to calf-sized, from highly demanding to easy to handle, from super agile to super affectionate: There is a wide variety of dogs, 360 breeds to be accurate. So if you are looking for a puppy, you are spoilt for choice. To make it a little easier, we have gathered a list of the top 20 most popular puppy breeds currently  in the US, including a brief summary of their traits.

1. Labrador Retriever

friendly, loyal, and intelligent, needs a certain amount of attention due to its high energy levels

2. German Shepherd

highly trainable, fearless, and devoted, very protective and territorial and thus sometimes aggressive towards strangers and other dogs

3. Golden Retriever

gentle, friendly, and intelligent, can shed a lot of hair

4. French Bulldog

playful, alert, and affectionate, Brachycephalic Syndrome 

5. Bulldog

courageous, independent, and loyal, Brachycephalic Syndrome  

6. Beagle

cheerful, curious, and gentle, can be stubborn and difficult to train

7. Poodle

intelligent, active, and proud, needs a lot of attention, prone to separation anxiety

8. Rottweiler

devoted, confident, and self-assured, can be difficult to handle when overly protective, thus needs a lot of training

9. Yorkshire Terrier

courageous, intelligent, and affectionate, prone to bark a lot

10. Boxer

energetic, loyal, and playful, can be too energetic for some families

11. Dachshund 

courageous, loyal, and affectionate, pronounced hunting urge, prone to back issues

12. Siberian Husky

mischievous, independent, and loyal, loves the cold, especially the snow, needs a lot of excercise

13. Great Dane

gentle, loyal, and dependable, prone to hip dysplasia 

14. Australian Shepherd (see photo at the top)

intelligent, hardworking, and loyal, loves to learn, thus needs challenges, otherwise it will become bored and troublesome

15. Shih Tzu

affectionate, independent, and cheerful, prone to tear stains

16. Chihuahua

alert, loyal, and brave, prone to barking a lot

17. Pug

playful, affectionate, and mischievous, can become destructive when bores, can experience breathing issues and therefore be prone to snoring 

18. Maltese

gentle, lively, and playful, prone to barking

19. Pointer

loyal, energetic, and alert, can be difficult to handle and is prone to chasing small animals

20. Cocker Spaniel

cheerful, gentle, and patient, prone to ear infections 

For more information visit our page on the most common breeds and their temperaments.