Dogs come in different shapes and sizes, you might wonder, out of over 300 internationally recognised dog breeds, what the most popular dog breeds are.
Amongst all of the wonderful canines, what are the most popular dog breeds in 2023? Here we have the latest list for the 15 most popular dog breeds:
The 15th Most Popular Dog Breed – English Springer Spaniel
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Breed group: Gundog
English Springer Spaniels are highly energetic mid-sized gundogs. They would rather spend their time outdoors than being cooped up at home. As active pups, they need more exercise than other breeds.
The English Springer Spaniel has an outgoing and friendly personality. However, he is alert and protective enough to be an adept guard dog. His intelligence and willingness to work with his owner make him highly trainable.
The 14th Most Popular Dog Breeds – West Highland Terrier
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Breed group: Terrier
The West Highland Terrier or Westie is a small pup with boundless energy. He is not a lapdog that is contented to receive cuddles for hours. The Westie enjoys spending his time being on the move with his owner. He is the ideal match for active dog lovers looking for a compact canine companion.
West Highland Terriers are full of curiosity. However, they can be challenging to train since they are independent thinkers. Whilst they are petite pooches, they rarely back down in a fight. For this reason, socialising a Westie at an early age is essential.
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The 13th Most Popular Dog Breeds – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Breed group: Toy
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also known as Cav, was a favourite lapdog of the English nobles back in the day. Today, he still retains an affectionate, sweet, and fun-loving nature. He loves to follow his family everywhere they go.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are suited for owners who can spend time with them throughout the day. Lack of interaction can easily leave them lonely and bored, making them prone to separation anxiety. Although Cavs are lapdogs, they still crave playtime. So regular exercise should be a part of their daily routine.
You may also like: Care for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The 12th Most Popular Dog Breeds – Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Breed group: Pastoral
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are big dogs in small bodies. There is nothing that brings them joy by getting into the thick of things. Playful and friendly, they are the perfect furry friends for children. However, since the breed is prone to nipping, consistent training is essential to curb this behaviour.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a highly intelligent and hard-working dog. Training him will be easy so long as you know how to handle his stubbornness.
The 11th Most Popular Dog Breeds – Miniature Dachshund
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Breed group: Hound
Miniature Dachshunds are fondly nicknamed sausage dogs by their fans. They may be diminutive in size, but their personality is far from tiny. Miniature Dachshunds are alert and vocal, which makes them a good choice for guard dogs.
The breed is prone to back problems because of the physique. Thus, he is better suited for families with older children. Younger ones often lack the understanding of how rough handling can hurt their furry pal.
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The 10th Most Popular Dog Breeds – Shih Tzu
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Breed group: Utility
A toy breed with a mix of spunky and affectionate nature, the Shih Tzu is a good family pet. He has been a highly valued lapdog in Ancient China. The Shih Tzu is content to stay and lounge with you on the sofa for hours on end. He only needs short walks and a few minutes of playtime to expend his energy.
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic dogs or dogs with smushed faces. They are prone to overheating if exposed to the sun for long periods. Avoid taking them out for walks during the hottest parts of the day. Place them in an air-conditioned room during summer and provide them with plenty of fresh water.
The 9th Most Popular Dog Breeds – Yorkshire Terrier
Lifespan: 13 to 16 years
Breed group: Toy
The Yorkshire Terrier is far from a lapdog despite his small stature and adorable looks. He is brimming with energy and always eager for a taste of adventure. Leaving him at home for long hours will push him to entertain himself. He may end up destroying furniture and chewing on your clothes.
For this reason, always allot a sufficient amount of time for his exercise needs. Yorkshire Terriers are bold and courageous pooches too. They will bark to alert their owners if they feel a threat close by. The breed is a good choice for dog owners looking for a small guard dog.
The 8th Most Popular Dog Breeds – Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Breed group: Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is called Staffy for short. Dog lovers gave him the monicker ‘nanny dog’ since he is gentle and patient around children. Whilst he may sport a fierce appearance, the Staffy is far from violent. He is affectionate towards people and longs to have fun.
However, Staffies can be aggressive to other dogs if challenged. They need to be properly socialised early to make them accustomed to their fellow canines. Introduce Staffies to well-behaved dogs, but steer them away from strays to avoid dogfights.
You may also like:
- Everything You Need to Know About the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed
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The 7th Most Popular Dog Breeds – Jack Russell Terrier
Lifespan: 15 to 17 years
Breed group: Terrier
The Jack Russel Terrier is a good canine companion as much as he is a devoted hunting dog. Give him a task to do, and he will happily carry it out. Much like most hunting breeds, he possesses limitless amounts of energy. He is better off with dog owners who have an active lifestyle.
High prey drive also comes with Jack Russell Terriers. They are not the best furry friends to have around smaller pets. Being around hamsters, rabbits, mice, and gerbils can easily trigger their chasing and nipping instinct.
The 6th Most Popular Dog Breeds – Cocker Spaniel
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Breed group: Gundog
Cocker Spaniels are easy-going and affectionate dogs that crave cuddles and attention. They are not inherently aggressive towards humans and other animals. They are less likely to keep intruders away, so they are not good options as watchdogs and guard dogs.
As the breed has steadily risen to popularity, he has attracted a lot of unscrupulous breeders. These types of breeders often produce high-strung Cocker Spaniels that are difficult to train. Do thorough research to get your Cocker Spaniel from a reputable dog breeder.
You may also like: A Smart Guide to Cocker Spaniel Training
The 5th Most Popular Dog Breeds – Poodle
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Breed group: Utility
The Poodle is one of the most popular and one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs. He is straightforward to train, which makes him a great match for first-time dog owners.
Poodles come in three size variations, and each of them has a distinct personality. Standard Poodles are more reserved than their smaller counterparts. Toy Poodles are adorable lapdogs, whilst Miniature Poodles are the most active amongst the bunch. The Poodle is also a popular dog to make mixed breeds.
The 4th Most Popular Dog Breeds – French Bulldog
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Breed group: Utility
The French Bulldog is one of the most popular breeds on the internet. Countless dog enthusiasts fell in love with his quirky and comical personality. He is small in size and often prefers to live a sedentary lifestyle. That’s why he is one of the best dogs for apartment living.
Note that whilst French Bulldogs have long lifespans, they are very vulnerable to many health problems. Keep them healthy by following a regular exercise regimen and getting them checked consistently by the vet.
The 3rd Most Popular Dog Breeds – Golden Retriever
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
Breed group: Gundog
Another popular dog breed that has been consistently on the top ranks is the Golden Retriever. He is well known for being a gentle and even-tempered canine companion for all ages. The Golden Retriever lack guarding instincts, and they are quick to trust strangers. Opt for another breed if you are looking for a guard dog.
Being happy-go-lucky family pets are not only the things Golden Retrievers do best. They are also the top choices as search and rescue dogs and service dogs for the disabled.
The 2nd Most Popular Dog Breeds – German Shepherd
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Breed group: Pastoral
German Shepherd dogs are one of the smartest dog breeds. Their agile bodies and quick minds allow them to be honed into police and military dogs. Because of their herding capabilities, German Shepherds also do well as service animals.
The German Shepherd dog is a protective family dog. Thus, he is often wary of strangers. Guarding your home is a task he will excel in. Just be forewarned that poorly bred German Shepherds are often high-strung or aggressive. Only buy a German Shepherd puppy from reputable breeders.
The 1st Most Popular Dog Breeds – Labrador Retriever
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Breed group: Gundog
Earning the top spot as the most popular dog breed this 2021 is the Labrador Retriever. He is consistently number 1 in the US, according to the American Kennel Club. He is definitely one of the best furry friends for humans and animals alike. His patience, amicability, and liveliness easily garner the friendship of many.
Labrador Retrievers are well-rounded dogs that are highly capable of learning complex tasks. They can be sniffer dogs, search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, show dogs, and therapy dogs. Training them is relatively easy, as they love to learn. However, be prepared for occasional bouts of wilfulness.
