According to the American Kennel Club, the five most popular dog breeds for 2022 in the US are listed in this article. We dive into a brief description of each breed and comment on why they might be so popular. While we all love our furry friends, some breeds seem more popular than others. This could be due to personalities that match the breed, popularity, or even trends worldwide. At the end of the day, choosing the right dog is always up to you. My advice is to try match the breeds’ inherent needs with your lifestyle.

Below is a list of the most popular dog breeds, including the top 5 dog breeds in the US according to the American Kennel Club.

1. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is the number one most popular breed in the US. This breed, commonly referred to as a ‘Frenchie’ is a small compact preet with its characteristic squashed nose and upright bat-like ears. They are a small and charming breed known for their perky ears, short snouts, and sturdy, compact bodies. They possess a friendly and mild-mannered temperament, making them excellent companions for a wide range of families and living situations.

Frenchies are particularly known for their playful and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they require minimal exercise, making them well-suited for apartment living. Their coat is short and smooth, requiring minimal grooming.

Color and Health Concerns

Isabella French Bulldog dog puppy. The most expensive color variant of the popular dog breed. Image by: firn on https://depositphotos.com/home.html — Isabella French Bulldog dog puppy. The most expensive color variant of the popular dog breed. Image by: firn via Depositphotos

They come in various colors with the silver color referred to as blue, there is also lilac. Both of these show this undertone of color in the light. There are also tri-colours among the more expensive dogs due to their unique coloring. Lastly the most expensive colouring of a frenchie is ‘isabella’. However, their brachycephalic facial structure means they can be prone to breathing difficulties, so owners must be mindful of their health needs. There are many breeders selecting for a slightly longer snout to avoid this. I am optimistic that mindful breeders can make this shift towards a breed that can breathe better.

Frenchies are often seen on social media and appear very cute. The trend and presence of them on social media might be the reason for them gaining the number one spot for the most popular dog breed.

2. Labrador Retrievers

dog relaxing on grass — Labrador retriever dog, the second most popular dog breed in the US. Image via Depositphotos

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular and versatile dog breeds, beloved for their friendly nature, intelligence, and loyalty. Labradors, sometimes referred to as Labs, are notorious for being great family dogs and known for their loving personality.

Originating from Newfoundland, these medium to large-sized dogs are known for their short, dense, and water-resistant coats. Labs come in three color variants which come in yellow, black, and chocolate colors.

Image showing the three color variations of Labs. From left to right: chocolate, tan, and black. Image by: Farinosa on https://depositphotos.com/home.html — Image showing the three color variations of Labs. From left to right: chocolate, tan, and black. Image by Farinosa via Deposit Photos

Labs are highly social and get along well with families and other animals, making them excellent companions and service dogs. They are particularly noted for their patience with children. Labradors have a strong love for activity and enjoy swimming, fetching, and outdoor play, which makes them great partners for active individuals. Their eagerness to please and quick learning ability make them highly trainable, excelling in various canine sports and professions. Labs like to retrieve things, as their name denotes. They love playing a game of fetch and being an active member with their humans. They are also often used as guide dogs and service dogs.

Labs, interestingly, often get a little chubby as they age so it is vital to feed them the correct dog food throughout their life. Also, maintaining a good exercise routine can help with this. It comes as no surprise this cuddly dog found its place at number 2 for the most popular dog breed in the US.

3. Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are a beloved dog breed, renowned for their gentle disposition, intelligence, and striking golden coats. They originated in Scotland in the 19th century, bred for retrieving game during hunting expeditions. Golden Retrievers are characterized by their friendly and tolerant attitude, making them excellent family pets and companions.

They thrive on interaction and are happiest when involved in family activities. Their intelligence and trainability make them suitable for roles in search-and-rescue, guide dogs for the blind, and in therapeutic settings.

These dogs require regular exercise to manage their energy levels and maintain their health. Their dense, water-repellent outer coat needs regular grooming. Golden Retrievers are known for their loyalty and are often described as “kindly, friendly and confident.”

4. German Shepherds

German Shepherd Dog, Adults laying on Grass. Showing their distinct black and tan markings. The most notable color of the breed. Image by slowmotiongli via Deposit Photos — German Shepherd Dog, Adults laying on Grass. Showing their distinct black and tan markings. The most notable color of the breed. Image by slowmotiongli via Depositphotos

German Shepherd Dogs are distinguished by their strength, intelligence, and versatility, making them one of the most respected and recognizable breeds worldwide. Originating from Germany in the late 19th century, they were initially bred for herding and guarding sheep. Their courage and loyalty have made them ideal candidates for various roles, including police, military, and service work.

German Shepherds are large, muscular dogs with a distinctive black and tan coat, though they can also appear in other colors. They possess a keen intelligence and are highly trainable, known for their eagerness to learn and work alongside their human companions.

Highly Trainable

Soldier with military working dog, a German Shepherd showing its versatility as a breed. Image by serezniy via Deposit Photos

Despite their strong exterior, they are known for their gentle nature with family members, making them excellent family pets. Proper socialization and training are essential for German Shepherds to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults.

There are many different bloodlines amongst the German Shepherd breed. This knowledge is vital when selecting which line you would like to own. For example, if your goal is to have a more family-orientated dog, I would caution against choosing working bloodlines. These dogs are more highly strained, and driven and require training to stimulate them. They may also have an aggressive streak if they are from bloodlines used in law enforcement work.

They are also a highly intelligent, energetic breed and therefore require adequate stimulation to keep them happy. They also have a medium coat so this is also something to consider when it comes to having hair around the house.

5. Poodles

Shot of Three Miniature French Poodles on Chair. Image by jmpaget on Deposit Photos — Shot of Three Miniature French Poodles on Chair. Image by jmpaget on Depositphotos

Poodles are celebrated for their distinctive curly coats, intelligence, and elegant demeanor. Originating in Germany as water retrievers, their name derives from the German word “pudel,” relating to splashing in water. Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, catering to a variety of lifestyles. Their hypoallergenic coats make them a favored choice for individuals with allergies. Beyond their physical appeal, Poodles are renowned for their sharp intellect and adeptness at learning, excelling in obedience and agility sports. They possess a playful and adventurous spirit, enjoying both physical and mental stimulation.

Royal Poodle showing its love for water. Image by Madrabothair via Deposit Photos — Royal Poodle showing its love for water. Image by Madrabothair via Depositphotos

Despite their regal appearance, Poodles are friendly and social creatures, forming strong bonds with family members. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat’s health and appearance. Their versatile nature and affectionate personalities make Poodles a cherished companion in many households.

Due to their hypoallergenic coat characteristic, they have been used to create new dog breeds such as the labradoodle and golden doodle. Golden Doodles, a mix between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, are known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coats. These sociable and affectionate dogs inherit the best traits from both breeds, making them excellent family pets. They thrive on human interaction and are adaptable to various living situations.

To Wrap Up

Labradoodle dog taking advantage of its hypoallergenic coat by lounging on the furniture. Image by Lopolo via Deposit Photos — Labradoodle dog taking advantage of its hypoallergenic coat by lounging on the furniture. Image by Lopolo via Depositphotos

These 5 most popular dog breeds in the US come as no surprise when reading about their known character traits. Just because these are the most popular breeds does not need to limit your choice when selecting your next furry friend. Most importantly, always match your lifestyle and presence of kids (and cats) to the breed you select, as some dogs are better suited to certain environments.

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Alex Van der Walt, B.Sc. Animal Science & Vet Student

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Animal Science & Veterinarian Studies

I am a born and raised Capetonian with a strong love for all things animals and outdoors. I am currently a first-year veterinary student at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. I completed a BSc in Animal Science at Stellenbosch University, where my passion for working with animals only became stronger. I have always surrounded myself with animals and been fortunate enough to work closely with them. I hope I can share some of my passions for animals with all of you as readers.

Alex enjoys writing about domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. As well as exploring some of the wildlife in Africa.

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