America has spoken! The Top 50 Favorite Dog Breeds have been revealed. Is your pooch on this list? Only one way to find out! I was crazy excited to see the #1 dog! Now wait, don’t go scrolling down there to the bottom yet. No peeking ahead! Here’s a hint, though: my beautiful girl Tasha was one! We love all dogs here, but I have to admit that I do see a lot of my personal favorites on this list.
So just how did this list come to be? PetBreeds, a search engine dedicated to all types of pets, did their own analysis to determine which pooches we love the most. They did this by calculating the average user rating from one to five and the total number of reviews for each dog breed on their site. They filtered out breeds with fewer than 40 reviews. Once they had their data points, they went through and gave every breed a score out of 100, then ranked those dogs from lowest to highest. According to PetBreeds, there were no ties.
Let’s check out the top 50 favorite dog breeds!
TOP 50 Favorite Dog Breeds in the US
#50. French Bulldog
Overall Score: 73.7
The low-maintenance French Bulldog makes a great family watchdog. Since he doesn’t require as much exercise as some other breeds, he’s perfect for apartment living. This breed typically lives about 11 years and weighs between 22-28 pounds.
#49. Newfoundland
Overall Score: 74.1
Commonly called a Newfie, this big guy is awesome with kids and relatively easy to train. He’s usually gentle and cheery. He’s also an incredibly loyal pooch. Sadly, he ranks among the second most expensive breed due to medical costs associated with issues like hip problems and gastric torsion.
#48. Cane Corso
Average User Rating: 4.38
This giant pooch is known for his cheery disposition, courageous demeanor and intelligence. He’s also a great watch dog, but not really too good with kids overall. Cane Corsos are also called Italian Mastiffs. They weigh up to 110 pounds. My friend has a Corso named Snookie. Yes, she watches too much of a certain Jersey girl show! Snookie, the dog, is actually great with her older kids, but she’s incredibly protective and does not get along well with strangers.
#47. Bulldog
Overall Score: 74.1
The lovable bulldog with his muscular body and cute little wrinkly face is a pretty low-maintenance pooch. Yet, according to PetBreeds, they cost an average just over $1,000 a year in medical costs.
#46. Goldendoodle
Overall Score: 74.2
With a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, this popular crossbreed is affectionate, smart and loves socializing. He’s also good with kids and pretty easy to train.
#45. West Highland White Terrier
Overall Score: 74.2
The cheerful, independent Westie is another great pooch that’s pretty good with kids overall, but he can be a little high-maintenance. My brother has a Westie Schnoodle (Westie/schnauzer/poodle), and I know from experience that they can be pretty high-energy. My “nephew” Owen is fabulous with my human niece, though! Crazy patient!
#44. Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin)
Overall Score: 74.3
The itty bitty min-pin weighs in at a max of about 10 pounds, making him a great dog for people who want small dogs that stay small. Although he’s tiny, he’s a pretty healthy breed overall, with no major health issues associated with his breed.
#43. Dalmatian
Overall Score: 74.7
These guys definitely make my personal list of favorite dog breeds! Every time I see a Dalmation, I think “why, yes, I would like a plantation full of them!” These “firehouse” dogs are absolutely fantastic for children with their bright, cheery, loyal personalities. They are fairly energetic pups, though, so make sure you take the time to exercise them properly!
#42. Cockapoo
Overall Score: 74.8
This gal is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a poodle, as the name suggests. They’re sweet pups that don’t shed too much and just love to love!
#41. Samoyed
Overall Score: 75
We’ve talked about the Samoyed quite a bit here, so you should recognize this breed! Samoyeds are beautiful, smart and social but wow, they shed like crazy!
#40. American Staffordshire Terrier
Overall Score: 75.1
One of my favorite dog breeds, this pooch is incredibly loyal to his family, relatively low-maintenance and doesn’t shed a whole lot. They do tend to have issues with hip dysplasia as they get older, though.
#39. Boston Terrier
Overall Score: 75.2
Boston Terriers, aka America’s Gentlemen, are pretty well-known for their friendly personalities, but did you know that they’re also good watchdogs? Unlike me, they don’t require a whole lot of exercise to maintain their figure, either, making them great choices for apartment dwellers.
#38. Jack Russell Terrier
Overall Score: 75.5
Now here’s a guy with energy! The Jack Russell is best suited to families who like to get out and go on adventures. He’s pretty low-maintenance otherwise, but he’s definitely a shedder! He’s also a challenge to train.
#37. Australian Cattle Dog
Overall Score: 75.9
The medium-sized Australian cattle dog is, as you’d imagine, pretty easy to train, given his original job. He’s also pretty good with kids. This breed is energetic, so he’s perfect for active families.
#36. Saint Bernard
Overall Score: 76.1
When I was a kid, I thought St. Bernards actually came with barrels around their necks. This giant pooch has a rep for being incredibly intelligent and independent. He’s have to be, given that his breed is often used as a search and rescue dog. Sadly, due to his large size, he only lives up to about 10 years.
#35. Shiba Inu
Overall Score: 76.6
If you don’t mind a dog that sheds endlessly, the Shiba Inu is an affectionate and independent pup who’s great with kids. Maxing out at about 23 pounds, the Shiba is great for people who want a solidly medium-sized dog.
#34. Bichon Frise
Overall Score: 76.6
The Bichon Frise is a little guy with a big heart. Don’t let his size fool you, he’s a fantastic watchdog. He’s great for people who can’t tolerate dogs that shed much.
#33. German Shorthaired Pointer
Overall Score: 77.1
The German shorthaired pointer is easy to train and loves kids. He’s not the best choice for people who live in apartments, though, as he does need to exert his energy frequently.
#32. Chihuahua
Overall Score: 77.1
Don’t let their itty bitty size full you, Chihuahuas are incredibly smart and brave watchdogs! They prefer to live in warm climates, and preferably in your house- NOT your purse! These little guys can live between 14-18 years, so please, please be sure you’re ready for a long commitment before adopting.
Related: Getting a Dog – There’s a lot to Think About
#31. Papillon
Overall Score: 77.1
Did you know these pups are sometimes called butterfly dogs? I have no idea why. Do they eat them? Anyway, the Papillon is another bright and cheery pooch that loves kids and is easy to train. He’s also pretty easy on the budget when it comes to vet bills, since he doesn’t have any major problems.
#30. Havanese
Overall Score: 77.6
These pups are incredibly loving and affectionate towards their families, making them perfect for houses with kids. They don’t mind living in an apartment either! The Havanese maxes out at about 13 pounds, so they won’t cost you a fortune to feed.
#29. Lhasa Apso
Overall Score: 77.6
The beautiful Lhasa Apso is originally from China and prefers to live in a cold climate. He’s good with kids, smart, playful and independent. Maxing out at 15 pounds, he’s another great choice if you want a small pooch.
#28. Collie
Overall Score: 78
If you’ve ever seen “Lassie,” you know that collies are incredibly smart and loyal breeds who take very well to training. My Maia is half collie, although apparently NOT the part that is either easy to train or has any desire to save Timmy from the well. She’s a lazy hound! Oddly, she’s also part Lab, so you’d think she’d be more energetic. I digress. Collies are fabulous family dogs, but they do shed like crazy.
#27. Border Collie
Overall Score: 78
Not to be confused with the Lassie-type Collie, Border Collies are insanely smart. Sometimes a little too smart! My aunt has a Border named Brian. He loves to watch YouTube videos of himself. My Cooper is part BC, but he mostly uses his smarts for stealing food. If you want a dog with an incredibly unique personality, the Border Collie your breed. .
#26. Yorkshire Terrier
Overall Score: 78.2
Yorkies may be small, but they have BIG personality! They’re pretty high-maintenance, but the love they give you in return is worth it. They’re hypoallergenic dogs, making them great for people with allergies.
#25. Great Pyrenees
Overall Score: 78.4
The Great Pyrenees is a great big pooch who loves his family but can be a challenge to train. While many of the giant breeds are kind of laid back, this guy actually loves getting out and moving. The greatest expense in owning one: grooming!
#24. Pomeranian
Overall Score: 78.6
The sweet little Pom is smart, happy and relatively easy to train. They range from 3-7 pounds and max out at about 11 inches tall.
#23. Beagle
Overall Score: 79.2
Another one of my all-time favorites, the Beagle is a sweet, gentle and loving pooch that adores his family. He has a soulful characteristic bark that, quite honestly, you’ll either love it or it will drive you nuts. Me, I love it!
#22. Akita
Overall Score: 79.3
The Akita is native to Japan, and when I lived there, I saw plenty of them to prove that! They’re gorgeous dogs that tend to be fairly protective of their people. While they look aggressive, though, with good training they’re no more aggressive than any other breed.
#21. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Overall Score: 79.4
This fierce hunting dog originally came from Zimbabwe. While he’s an excellent watchdog, he’s actually pretty mild mannered overall. Since he’s fairly active, he’s not a good choice for laid-back apartment dwellers.
#20. Basset Hound
Overall Score: 79.9
The gentle Basset Hound is pretty well-know for being a laid-back breed that just likes to chill with his people. He’s good with kids, but since he’s a regular shedding dog, he’s not too great for allergies.
#19. Mastiff
Overall Score: 80
Not to be confused with the Italian Mastiff featured earlier on this list, the Mastiff is a giant breed dog that hails from England. He’s loyal, smart and loving. Weighing in at 175-190 pounds, he does eat his fair share of food. Still, not as much as you might expect!
#18. Great Dane
Overall Score: 80
Another gentle giant, the Great Dane is the Scooby-Doo of dogs, known for his smarts and his quiet personality. Be warned, though, he only lives up to about eight years.
#17. Shetland Sheepdog
Overall Score: 80.1
The Sheltie is often called a miniature collie and it’s every bit as smart as its larger counterpart! They’re also friendly and affectionate.
#16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Overall Score: 80.2
With a name like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you’d expect this dog to be regal and royal! While they’re definitely gorgeous dogs with a sophisticated flair, they’re also very cheery and down to earth. They love socializing!
#15. Siberian Husky
Overall Score: 80.3
These mouthy dogs were originally used as sled dogs (and still are in some parts of the world). They’re incredibly hardy and energetic pooches that, obviously, prefer colder climates. These guys NEED to be exercises frequently. Check out a few fun training games for your active Siberian Husky to help burn that energy!
#14. Poodle
Overall Score: 80.3
While poodles come in several sizes, the #14 most popular dog in the US is actually the standard poodle. These pups are among the smartest of the bunch and incredibly easy to train. They’re perfect choices for families with kids!
#13. Australian Shepherd
Overall Score: 80.3
The Australian Shepherd is often called the little blue dog. They’re smart and loving, but don’t really like living in apartments. They’re best suited for homes with a bit of land for roaming.
#12. Dachshund
Overall Score: 80.6
This “hotdog” dog is incredibly smart and independent, but oh-so challenging to train! My brother also has one of these, Belle. They’ve been trying to house train her for, oh gee, three years now. Don’t let their small size and sweet face fool you, these pups were originally bred to hunt badgers. Belle looks like a sweetie, but she’s a mad bunny killer!
#11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Overall Score: 80.9
Smart and affectionate, the Corgi is another great choice for kids, as long as you don’t mind shedding. These medium-sized dogs can live up to 13 years.
#10. Shih Tzu
Overall Score: 81.1
Did you know that Shih Tzu actually means “lion dog”? These guys may be small, but they’re mighty! If you want a friendly yet confident small dog and suffer from allergies, this is the breed for you.
#9. Miniature Schnauzer
Overall Score: 81.2
The miniature schnauzer may rank #9 on the list of Top 50 Favorite Dog Breeds in the US, but they rank #1 on my list of favorite hypoallergenic small dogs! My aunt has a sweetie named Otto that exudes charm and affection. These dogs are smart, easy to train and incredibly loving towards their families.
#8. Boxer
Overall Score: 81.4
Boxers are so friendly that they’re practically famous for it! They’re also quite smart dogs that love kids. This is another breed that I have experience with. My friend with the Cane Corso also has a Boxer named Ben. Benny the Boxer! He’s an absolute charmer, good-natured and listens really well.
#7. Pug
Overall Score: 83.8
The Pug is one of America’s favorite dog breeds because he’s just so darn adorable, good with kids and low-maintenance. He loves, loves, loves his people! The only downside- he sheds pretty much constantly.
#6. Doberman Pinscher
Overall Score: 85
These German dogs are among the most elegant breeds with their proud stature and athletic nature. They’re not considered the best breeds for kids, but with proper training they can be a great family dog. Please, if you adopt a Doberman, do not crop his ears or dock his tail. It’s just not medically necessary.
#5. American Pit Bull Terrier
Overall Score: 86.2
You know how much we love pits here, right? I’m absolutely not surprised to see him make it into the top 5 of America’s favorite dog breeds, he’s definitely one of my favorites! Pits are insanely affectionate and loving to their families, but they do need proper training. Not because they’re bad dogs, but because they have a bad reputation. Through good training, you can help avoid major misunderstandings when your pitty goes in for a kiss and a stranger things he’s going for the kill.
#4. Golden Retriever
Overall Score: 86.9
I’m not surprised to see the Golden make one of the top spots on this list! They’re incredibly popular dogs, especially with families. Known for being happy, loving goofballs, they’re easy to train and perfect for kids. However, they do need a lot of exercise, so they’re not really suited to apartments.
#3. Labrador Retriever
Average User Rating: 4.6
Total Number of Reviews: 212
Overall Score: 89.9
Like the Golden, the Lab Retriever is another dog you’d almost expect to see in a top spot on the list of favorite dog breeds. They’re happy, family-loving dogs that live to please and love to swim. Again, although my Maia is also half lab, she missed the memo about the water-loving part. She hates the water. They do shed a lot though, so be warned.
#2. Rottweiler
Overall Score: 90.1
I’m actually kind of surprised to see the Rottie in the #2 spot, to be honest. They’re gorgeous dogs, but I didn’t realize they were so popular! Rotties look intimidating, but they’re actually pretty good-natured dogs. They’re also very smart. Sadly, they do tend to have a lot of medical issues, making them pretty expensive as far as vet bills go.
#1. German Shepherd
Overall Score: 93.4
The #1 most popular dog breed in America also happens to be my #1 favorite (shhh, don’t tell my other dogs!). I grew up with a German Shepherd named Jake that I loved so much, I named my son after him! Years later, as an adult, we adopted Tasha, who we recently lost after 14 years. Considering the average life expectancy is 11 years, we were lucky to have that extra time with her. These dogs are incredibly loyal, smart and loving. They’re also very protective of their families, especially the children.
So there you go! The top 50 favorite dog breeds in America. Again, this is based on research done by PetBreeds.com. All lists like these are subjective, based on data available. So if your dog didn’t make the list, don’t be upset. He could be on another list somewhere.
