Top Dogs (and Underdogs): Most Popular Dog Breeds in America
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
Release Date: 07/23/2021
Fetching Phrases: The Curious Origins of Dog-Inspired Expressions
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore the stories behind some of the expressions we use in everyday conversation that were inspired by our relationship with dogs. Dogs have been companions to humans across all cultures and on every corner of the globe. So, it is no surprise that language is rich with dog-related idioms, metaphors, and rhetorical devices. Join us as we sniff out the intriguing history of canine expressions with dogged determination. Bonafide Bits: In 1896, the first “double dog dare” was laid down in the book, The Child and Childhood, by Alexander Francis Chamberlain. In...
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Poodles: A Marvel of Intelligence and Versatility
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we introduce you to the wicked smart, Swiss Army Knife of breeds, the beloved Poodle. Over the centuries, Poodles were bred as hunting companions but their versatility and intelligence led them to starring roles such as fashion plates, status symbols, comedians, rescue heroes, and crimefighters. Though often underestimated, underrated, and misunderstood, Poodles make excellent guide dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. Join us as we plunge into the history of these excellent swimmers and treasured family members. Bonafide Bits: In the 19th century, the French fell in...
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Sighthounds: Sleek, Swift, and Eternal
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore the indispensable Sighthounds. The sleek, swift, and beloved desert hunters and guardians of antiquity. The story of Sighthounds is the story of the oldest known domesticated dogs. Many of the breeds cherished today pre-date recorded history. Their loyalty, speed, and ability to spot and catch prey over long distances in the cruelest of conditions made them essential assets to pharaohs, kings, and nomads alike. Sighthounds were so revered that statues, murals, and golden relics were created in their honor. As a final testament to their merit, Sighthounds have been...
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Pet Loss and Grief: Paying Homage to Our Beloved Dogs
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we explore the weighty subject of humans finding ways to say goodbye to a beloved dog, and the spectrum of ways people deal with the grief of losing a beloved pet. For ages, proof of the unique bond between humans and dogs has existed in literature, song, and lore. But rarely discussed are the lengths humans will go to pay homage to their dogs after they have passed. Everyone mourns pet loss differently. From the creation of pet cemeteries to bestowing monetary gifts to cover future care, the love we feel for dogs extends beyond this earthly realm. Bonafide Bits: In a 50...
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Canine Mythbusting: Fact, Fiction, or Folklore?
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we dig deep into the depths of dog lore to separate fact from fiction. If humans understood all the wags of a dog’s tail there might not be so many misconceptions about what they prefer to eat, whether or not they want that giant hug, or if they really play poker. But, the better we get to know our favorite dogs, the more myths we’re able to bust. More importantly, the better humans understand their dog’s needs, signals, and communication, the stronger the bond between us becomes. Bonafide Bits Great Danes are actually German, not Danish. In 2023, Bobi, a Rafeiro...
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How Dog Breeds Get Their Names (Plus, the Most Popular Dog Names of the Year)
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this episode, we scour through the archives for irresistible stories behind breed names. Breed names are a vital tool for classifying our canine companions, yet it’s the individuals, the Lunas and Maxs, the Rovers, Spots, and Fidos who breathe meaning into who these breeds become in our lives. Many breeds acquired their names from the prey they hunted, the location in which they were discovered, or by inheriting the names of the people who developed or fancied them. The names we give dogs highlight times, places, and people in every chapter of the human story. Dogs accompanied our...
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Small and Significant: The Enduring Dog Breeds of the Toy Group
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this pick-me-up episode, we introduce you to the characters, companions, clowns, and survivors that are the dogs of the Toy group. Once seen as symbols of royalty and aristocracy, dogs of the Toy group were often the coveted spoils of revolutions, war, and palace coups. The refined elegance and charm of these compact dogs assisted in their survival and solidified their place in many decidedly non-royal homes of today. Join us as we look at how favorite breeds of kings, queens, monarchs, and fashionistas both plummeted and soared in popularity. Bonafide Bits: Chihuahuas, originally...
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Leading the Way: Guiding Eyes, Ears, Noses, and Beyond (Part 2)
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this second installment of guide dog history, we introduce you to a new generation of service dogs and the growing, often unexpected, range of breeds being deployed. Today, in every part of the world service dogs are being trained and certified to guide the visually and hearing impaired. As scientists explore new frontiers in canine capabilities, evidence suggests that dogs can modify their behavior when a human’s biochemistry changes. This incredible olfactory sense offers humans yet another reason to appreciate, admire, and adore the canine counterparts who stay by their side in...
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Leading the Way: The History of Guide Dogs (Part 1)
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this podcast episode, we introduce you to a pivotal moment in the story of humans and canines, the training of guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired. Historical data suggests that throughout the millennia, dogs have been in service to humans. From a town square in Ancient China to the perilous battlefields of World War I, dogs have sacrificed their own needs and desires to care for, save, and guide us. Trainers spend months working diligently with guide dogs and their human partners in complex training exercises to prepare them for the tasks. It just may be that dogs are the only...
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All-American Dogs in the AKC: A Winning Combination
Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast
In this podcast episode, we introduce you to “All-American Dogs,” or mixed-breed dogs, and share some remarkable stories about them and the owners who love and train them. The AKC expanded American dog sports to welcome mixed-breed dogs in 2010, and they’ve been competing in events like Agility, Obedience, Fast CAT, and Scent Work ever since. These wild cards of the genus Canis can become circus performers, professional trick dogs, agility champs at Westminster, and lots more. We take a deep dive into the history of All-American Dogs in the AKC to find out more. Bonafide Bits The...
info_outlineIn this podcast episode, we explore the dog breeds that ranked on both ends of the spectrum of AKC’s statistics for breed popularity in 2020.
Dog breeds say a lot about America. Popular culture, urban sprawl, and economics are some of the many factors that can influence people to choose one breed over another. Sometimes the rise of certain breeds can be linked to a canine character in a book, television series, or movie. But, remember, “most popular” doesn’t mean “better.”
We explore breeds at the top of the list and the “underdogs” at the other end of the list that share traits and purpose.
Bonafide Bits
- A Labrador Retriever (No. 1) has topped the AKC’s most popular list since 1991.
- In the late 1800s, the Golden Retriever (No. 4) was developed by Dudley Marjoribanks as the ideal gun dog.
- The Harrier (No. 190), a hunting powerhouse, is rare today but has been part of America since colonial times.
- The rare Chinook (No. 186) was bred with similar intent to the mischievous Siberian Husky (No. 16) and is the state dog of New Hampshire.
Featured Breeds
Labrador Retriever
The sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever is America’s most popular dog breed. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog. Labs are famously friendly. They are companionable housemates who bond with the whole family, and they socialize well with neighbor dogs and humans alike. But don’t mistake his easy-going personality for low energy: The Lab is an enthusiastic athlete that requires lots of exercise like swimming and marathon games of fetch, to keep physically and mentally fit. Discover more about Labrador Retrievers at AKC’s Labrador Retriever breed biography.
French Bulldog
The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible. Discover more about French Bulldogs at AKC’s French Bulldog breed biography.
German Shepherd Dog
There are many reasons why German Shepherd Dogs stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherd Dogs will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there’s a “certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.” Discover more about German Shepherd Dogs at AKC’s German Shepherd Dog breed biography.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, an exuberant Scottish gundog of great beauty, stands among America’s most popular dog breeds. They are serious workers at hunting and fieldwork, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work. Discover more about Golden Retrievers at AKC’s Golden Retriever breed biography.
Bulldog
Kind but courageous, friendly but dignified, the Bulldog is a thick-set, low-slung, well-muscled bruiser whose “sour mug” face is the universal symbol of courage and tenacity. These docile, loyal companions adapt well to town or country. Discover more about Bulldogs at AKC’s Bulldog breed biography.
Flat-Coated Retriever
The Peter Pan of the Sporting Group, the forever-young Flat-Coated Retriever is a gundog of relatively recent origin. Happy, self-assured, and willing to please, a good Flat-Coat will retrieve a duck or a show ribbon with equal aplomb. A Flat-Coat will stand as tall as a Labrador Retriever, but in silhouette, they present a leaner, more elegant look. Dogdom's champion tail-waggers, Flat-Coats are among the happiest of all breeds. They mature slowly; some owners say that they never grow up at all, retaining a puppyish taste for rambunctious mischief into old age. This can be either delightful or exasperating, depending on your tolerance for such antics. This highly energetic breed requires lots of outdoorsy exercise. Discover more about Flat-Coated Retrievers at AKC’s Flat-Coated Retriever breed biography.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion recognized by his tight tuxedo jacket, sporty but compact body, and the friendly glow in his big, round eyes. His impeccable manners have earned him the nickname “The American Gentleman.” Discover more about Boston Terriers at AKC’s Boston Terrier breed biography.
Cocker Spaniel
The merry and frolicsome Cocker Spaniel, with his big, dreamy eyes and impish personality, is one of the world’s best-loved breeds. They were developed as hunting dogs, but Cockers gained their wide popularity as all-around companions. Discover more about Cocker Spaniels at AKC’s Cocker Spaniel breed biography.
Beagle
Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion, but it is also happy-go-lucky, funny, and — thanks to its pleading expression — cute. They were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy company and are generally easygoing. Discover more about Beagles at AKC’s Beagle breed biography.
Poodle
Forget those old stereotypes of Poodles as frou frou dogs. Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart “real dogs” of remarkable versatility. The Standard, with his greater size and strength, is the best all-around athlete of the family, but all Poodles can be trained with great success. Discover more about Poodles at AKC’s Poodle (Standard) breed biography.
Border Collie
A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog—maybe a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep it occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. Discover more about Border Collies at AKC’s Border Collie breed biography.
Collie
The majestic Collie, thanks to a hundred years as a pop-culture star, is among the world’s most recognizable and beloved dog breeds. The full-coated “rough” Collie is the more familiar variety, but there is also a sleek “smooth” Collie. Discover more about Collies at AKC’s Collie breed biography.
Harrier
Somewhat resembling a Beagle with a gym membership, Harriers are larger, more powerful hounds than their diminutive cousin but smaller than the English Foxhound, a breed used in their development. Standing between 19 and 21 inches at the shoulder, Harriers have the timeless look of a working pack hound: a short, smart-looking coat; low-set, velvety ears; an irresistibly sweet face; and enough muscle and sinew to endure a long day's hunt. A well-built Harrier will cover ground with a smooth, efficient gait. Discover more about Harriers at AKC’s Harrier breed biography.
Belgian Malinois
The smart, confident, and versatile Belgian Malinois is a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner. To deny a Mal activity and the pleasure of your company is to deprive him of his very reasons for being. Discover more about Belgian Malinois at AKC’s Belgian Malinois breed biography.
Siberian Husky
The graceful, medium-sized Siberian Husky’s almond-shaped eyes can be either brown or blue and sometimes one of each and convey a keen but amiable and even mischievous expression. Quick and nimble-footed, Siberians are known for their powerful but seemingly effortless gait. Tipping the scales at no more than 60 pounds, they are noticeably smaller and lighter than their burly cousin, the Alaskan Malamute. As born pack dogs, they enjoy family life and get on well with other dogs. The Sibes’ innate friendliness renders them indifferent watch dogs. These are energetic dogs who can’t resist chasing small animals, so secure room to run is a must. An attractive feature of the breed: Sibes are naturally clean, with little doggy odor. Discover more about Siberian Huskies at AKC’s Siberian Husky breed biography.
Chinook
Tawny-coated, no-frills Chinooks are muscular and substantial, with males standing as high as 26 inches at the shoulder. Chinooks were conceived as dual-purpose haulers, with the power of freighting dogs and the speed of sled racers. They are the picture of stouthearted dignity, with a kindly twinkle in their dark, almond eyes. Chinooks are calm, people-oriented dogs with a special feel for children. They are trainable workers who aim to please. Sledding, carting, obedience, agility, search-and-rescue work, and herding are a few pursuits they've mastered. Chinooks are not particularly busy dogs, but they need consistent exercise to stay in proper condition. Discover more about Chinooks at AKC’s Chinook breed biography.
For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or AKC.org.
Shareables
- Most popular doesn’t make one breed better than another but it does reveal some fascinating insights into people, trends, demographics, and in many ways America itself.
- The French Bulldog is made for the city which might explain why it’s the number one dog in major U.S. centers from LA to New York.