The Top 10 Dog Breeds by Popularity

Every year a new list is published by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) of the top 10 dog breeds by popularity (i.e. registrations). Some breeds stay in the top 10 list for a long time – like the Labrador Retriever, others, come in and out of popularity – like the Bulldog.

I've compiled a list of the top 10 dog breeds for 2008 – along with some general breed characteristics.

  1. Labrador Retrievers

    2. Frankly it's no wonder the Lab has been at the top of the table for the past 18 years. Labradors are friendly, intelligent and patient with children. They'd make a perfect family dog and the medium breed size doesn't cause any concerns (like with big or giant dogs).

    Labs are natural companions and are not fussy, with even temperament. They also come in three colors and their coats are relatively hassle-free to maintain.

  2. Yorkshire Terriers

    3. 'Yorkies' are small but brave dog breed. They are beautiful to look at and although they have a slightly fiery temperament, are intelligent and good company. The fact that they are small in size also makes them a good dog breed to keep in smaller living spaces.

    Terriers have also been in the top 10 dogs list for a long time – so it seems they are the full package.

  3. German Shepherd Dogs

    4. German Shepherds are commonly on the top 10 dog breeds list. They are medium to large dogs, with longish coats. They are natural born protectors, with an even temperament.

    They are commonly used in police work and are very good herders.

    So it's plain to see why they make the list so often. German Shepherds would be a good companion with families and for single people.

  4. Golden Retrievers

    5. This medium sized dog has a distinctive coat ranging from dark to light golden color. It's easy to understand why this breed is top amongst other dog breeds is in the top 10 list. Golden Retrievers, have an even temperament, with a natural born ability and desire to please their owner.

    They will make excellent companions with small children, and guides for people needing assistance.

  5. Beagles

    6. Beagles are hunters by nature and they resemble foxhounds – only smaller. They are sturdy dogs, and don't require a huge living space. That, the fact that they are relatively low maintenance in terms of their grooming, and their merry personality make them a very desirable companion.

    They keep coming up in the top 10 most popular dog breeds according to the AKC list.

  6. Boxers

    7. Boxers are an alert and intelligent dog breed with a medium built body of muscle. They are the dog athletes of dog breeds, and would require consistent exercise and a larger living space. Boxers love to be with their owners and would make an excellent protector for your family.

    Their coat ranges from fawn to brindle colors, and it is relatively low maintenance as it is quite short.

  7. Dachshunds

    8. Friendly in personality with a keen sense of smell – Dachshunds are hunter dogs. They are good companions as well.

    They are considered to be a small dog breed, and it's no surprise they are in the top 10 list as they vary in coat type and color. Smaller living spaces will do just fine and lower grooming requirements.

  8. Bulldogs

    9. Dignified, adequate and even-tempered – Bulldogs have made it back into the top 10 dog breeds list. They have a very distinct look, and because they don't require too much exercise, they'd make perfect companions for people who also don't require too much exercise – hahaha.

    Bulldogs are short and stocky and their coat doesn't require too much maintenance. They come in many color variations, and are friendly and lovable in temperament. If you want easy puppy care in the early stages of your relationship – this could be a good dog for you.

  9. Poodles

    10. Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds of all. Combined with their sportiness, and the ease with which they take to puppy obedience training – it is just common sense that they made it into the list.

    Poodles offer a great variety of sizes and colors – and that makes him a very versatile breed. You can find them in small, medium and large sizes and their coats vary in color – but always solid coloring – never part-colored. Their coats need consistent care and attention – you should be prepared to do a lot of grooming and exercising if you pick them as your dog of choice.

  10. Shih Tzus

    11. Shih Tzus are very popular dogs because of their distinctive long silky coats. They are short and stocky – hence you can choose this breed if you live in a smaller space. You should expect to do a fair bit of grooming if you wish too keep his coat long and in good condition.

    But in return you get his loving and fun personality with attitude. Shih Tzus are a great choice for the top 10 dog breeds list – and will make better companions for families without children.

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