When I did a online search for America's 10 most popular dog breeds for 2012 every list was a little different. So to be on the "safe side", I decided it would be best to go with the American Kennel Club's most-popular list. What is your favorite breed?
1 Labrador Retriever - AKC's most popular dog for the last 21 years, in addition to having wonderful dispositions Labradors are athletic and love to swim, play catch and retrieve games,
are good with young children, elderly, and for protection.
2 German Shepherd - Because of its strength, intelligence, abilities in obedience
training and its loyal and protective nature, the German Shepherd currently account for 4.6% of all dogs registered with the AKC.
3 Beagle - A small to medium-sized dog, Beagles are intelligent with a great sense of smell and tracking instincts and are popular as pets because of their size, even temper, and lack of inherited health problems.
4 Golden Retriever - Historically developed as gundogs to retrieve shot waterfowl during hunting and shooting parties, the Golden retriever’s intelligence makes them versatile, allowing them to fill a variety of roles including guide dogs for the blind, and search and rescue participants. Their loyal and gentle temperament make them popular as family pets.
5 Yorkshire Terrier - A small dog breed developed in the 19th century in the county of Yorkshire, England to catch rats in clothing mills, this petite pup is celebrated for its large personality, portability, adaptability and lasting
energy.
6 Bulldog - Commonly referred to as the English Bulldog, the Bulldog is a muscular heavy dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose. Despite their fat "puss" expression, Bulldogs are generally docile, friendly and gregarious. Since they do
not need a lot of physical exercise, they are well-suited for living
in apartments and other urban environments.
7 Boxer - In spite of the fact the breed was developed in the 19th
century for the purpose of dog-fighting, boxers adore their humans, especially children, and are both protective
and patient. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness
make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion.
8 Poodle - The poodle breed is found officially in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, with many coat colors. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the Poodle is skillful in many dog sports including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. Classified as highly energetic,
Poodles like to be in the center of
things and are easily trained.
9 Dachshund - Dachshunds are a lively and playful breed known to be excellent hunters —
hence their name, which means “badger dog” in German. Their size,
adaptability, as well as their affinity for children, makes them an
ideal family pet.
10 Rottweiler - A strong and powerful working dog, the Rottweiler has grown in
popularity over the years. While this breed may seem fierce at times, Rottweilers
are intelligent, obedient animals that are great protectors. Though they may be less than friendly with strangers, they are playful and
loving toward their families.
