30 Most Popular Dog Breeds in 2022

People and dogs go together like peanut butter and jelly, so it comes as no surprise that they are, by far, the most popular pets. When you decide to bring a dog into your home, you have certain qualities in mind. These include intelligence, obedience, and companionship, which coincidentally seem to be a predominant need people have in a pet. Which are the most popular dog breeds to have those qualities. There are also affordable dog breeds that you can get.

Some dog-lovers are in search of a dog to protect their families, and others are looking for a service or therapy dog. The good thing is that while you may be puzzled about which breed of dog you would like to introduce into your home, most of the work has been done by other dog enthusiasts who have compiled lists year after year naming the most popular dog breeds. Here’s a list of nine of the most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club’s latest figures.

The Popular Dog breeds of this year:

1. Labrador retriever

Hailing from Canada, Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed of the year. They have all of the components of a great family dog: obedience, companionship, intelligence, and gentle but protective nature. They were traditionally considered water dogs like the Poodle, but in recent years, the Lab has become the gold standard in the area of service dogs and family pets.

We have the top member of the most popular dog breeds – the adorable, affectionate, and outgoing Labrador retriever. This ideal family dog loves to be active and needs plenty of exercise. They are water dogs so a pool with a ramp would be great fun for them. The thick double coat can be found in a variety of 3 colors and needs plenty of grooming to keep it looking at its best. The even temperament of this breed and its easy-to-train nature make the Labrador the ideal pet for millions of owners.

2. French Bulldog

This small breed of dog is playful, intelligent, and versatile. The bat-like ears can give this endearing pooch an almost comical yet adorable look. The French bulldog is not a very active dog and needs little exercise to keep in trim. The short coat requires minimal grooming and can be found in a variety of 9 different colors. These little dogs prefer being indoors and enjoy nothing better than curling up on their owner’s lap.

3. Golden Retriever

At number 3 we have the ever-popular Golden Retriever. Loyal, affectionate, and smart, what else could you possibly want from a canine companion? These energetic and active dogs need plenty of exercise and are very playful and childlike. The friendly and loyal temperament makes them the ideal family dog that they get on well with both people and other animals. The thick double coat can be found in a variety of 3 colors and needs plenty of grooming. This wonderfully affectionate pooch makes a terrific family pet that loves to be around their family and other dogs.

A truly beautiful dog to own it’s has been one of the most popular dog breeds for years. Golden Retrievers are hunters and companion dogs that are commonly used as service dogs or therapy dogs. Their ability to sense their owners’ needs makes them preferable to other breeds, and their high level of intelligence is rivaled only by the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable and can live in bigger homes. As long as they’re exercised consistently and have enough stimulation, a Golden Retriever can be one of the most cherished of dog breeds for families.

4. German Shepherd

Intelligent, confident, and brave this large dog was originally bred to work and therefore needs plenty of physical and mental exercise to keep him both happy and healthy. This loyal family pet will make a great guard dog and is very affectionate and protective of children. The thick double short coat that can be found in a variety of 11 colors will shed in season and therefore requires plenty of grooming. These herding dogs have an astounding sense of smell and are commonly used in police and military services. Although they can be very fierce when seizing upon a perpetrator or an attacker, German Shepherds are extremely loving and protective of their owners. They do need very consistent and firm leadership as well as a regular schedule of exercise, but their intelligence and loyalty make German Shepherds a very popular breed of dog.

5. Poodle

The proud and intelligent poodle loves to be kept busy and enjoys nothing better than agility and obedience training. Their hypoallergenic coat sheds very little, but requires some professional grooming and can be found in no less than 10 different colors. These dogs love to be around people and must be at the center of daily life to keep happy. One of the most appealing things about Poodles is that they come in varying sizes, making them good for large and small homes alike.

Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy, which measure 15 inches tall, between 10-15 inches, and under 10 inches respectively. Highly intelligent, Poodles are very obedient and considered to be amazing companions. They’re classified as water dogs, which means that they have the ability to assist hunters with retrieving game-like ducks, and the Poodle is also rumored to be an expert truffle hunter.

6. Bulldog

This adorable and calm breed is protective and gentle with children and makes for an ideal family pet. Their short coat can be found in a variety of 10 colors with 4 distinct markings and requires little grooming. The saggy face and skin folds may need regular wiping free of dirt and stray food! These dogs are not very active but still require regular walks and playtime to keep them happy. These pudgy little fur-covered friends can be up to 40 or 50 lbs., which is quite surprising, considering that they are so low to the ground. Sadly, the Bulldog was first bred as a fighting dog, but the breed was preserved through careful pedigree selections to breed out its aggressive behavior. They were quite successful, and now, the Bulldog is one of the most loyal and loving dogs out there, which again, makes for a great companion.

7. Beagle

This sturdy, small dog was bred originally for scent hunting rabbits and like all hounds is very active and needs plenty of exercise. The short coat is prone to heavy shedding and regular grooming is required. The beagle can be found in a variety of 11 different colors with 1 distinct marking. This wonderfully affectionate pooch makes a terrific family pet that loves to be around their family. Beagles have been around since the 16th Century and are very small and playful.

Beagles are actually a part of the Hound family and are excellent hunters, prized for both their talent for tracking and retrieving prey. Their smooth coats are very easily maintained, but thanks to their hunting heritage, beagles require a lot of exercise and the proper leadership to be at their best. Another dog capable of great companionship, the Beagle makes for a wonderful companion for children and adults alike.  and other dogs.

Beagles named Him and Her were owned by US President Lyndon B. Johnson

8. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler makes a very loyal, loving, and protective pet that is usually reserved with strangers yet affectionate and dependable to its family. This medium to large size dog needs plenty of exercise and they excel in obedience training. These dogs love to be around people and must never be left for long periods in isolation or outside of the home as they can become destructive and unpleasant. The short-haired coat needs little maintenance and can be found in a variety of 3 shades.

Although they can look pretty mean with their big faces and dark coloring, Rottweilers are actually extremely friendly and loving when they are given the correct training and consistent leadership. Their large size also seems imposing to some, but they were originally bred as working dogs that pulled carts for their masters. Nowadays, the Rottweiler is seen as a guard dog and companion who is both protective and affectionate of family, but wary of strangers.

9. German short-haired Pointer

Intelligent, affectionate, and willing to please, the Pointer is a versatile hunter and is used as an all-around gun dog. This medium-sized, high-energy breed has boundless energy and needs plenty of exercise to keep him both healthy and happy. Their short coats can be found in a variety of 8 different colors with 3 distinct markings. These loving and adorable dogs make great family pets and want to be at the center of the pack!

10. Dachshund

The lively, curious, and friendly Dachshund is an old German type that was originally bred for baiting badgers. Their coats can be smooth, wire hair, or long hair and can be found in a variety of 12 different colors with 3 distinct markings. Coat type will determine grooming requirements but this can usually be managed by the owner. The dachshund has been one of the most popular dog breeds for years.

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Intelligent, bright, and friendly, the Welsh corgi is a medium-sized, short-coated breed that can be found in a variety of 4 different colors. These dogs are strong and athletic for their size and need plenty of exercise and stimulation and love to be given tasks. They excel in obedience and agility and these well-balanced dogs, neither reserved nor vicious, make affectionate and loyal family pets.

12. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, work-focussed, and lively breed of dog. Their coats can be found in a variety of 4 different colors with 3 distinct markings. This medium-sized dog is full of energy and needs plenty of daily exercise to keep him fit and healthy. These working dogs love to be useful and given tasks to keep them happy and mentally stimulated.

13. Yorkshire Terrier

This toy dog breed is energetic, playful, and loving. Active for their size, they are happy with a good daily walk and plenty of playtime. Curious and naturally adventurous they love nothing better than to explore the local sights and smells of the great outdoors. The silky long coat requires regular grooming and brushing to stop it from becoming matted and can be found in a variety of 4 different colors. Perfect for apartments and smaller homes, Yorkies are no heavier than 7 lbs. in adulthood and are a part of the toy group. The Yorkshire Terrier was historically used to catch rats, but it’s now considered a companion dog only with a ton of energy and character. Yorkies are extremely social, so they are the perfect pet for families or those looking for a lap dog. The only issue here is grooming, as they have long coats that need to be steadily maintained.

14. Boxer

The Boxer is full of fun, intelligent, and has lots of energy. This dog has a soft and silky short coat that requires little grooming and can be found in a variety of 2 different colors and with 3 distinct markings. These strong and speedy dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy in both mind and body. Their playful, protective and patient nature makes them excellent pets to have amongst children.

Boxers were originally meant to be hunters, and they are still used for this purpose by those who like to track and hunt game on a regular basis. This is why exercise is such an important part of their routine. Although they can look quite strong and dangerous, Boxers are very loving and protective of their owners and family and can make quite the companion. Strangely, the Boxer is most attracted to children and loves playing and snuggling. Essentially, the Boxer is a big softie with an outstanding level of intelligence and a large capacity for love. Another perk is how easy it is to keep them clean and well-groomed.

15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This loving, graceful, and mild-mannered breed makes an ideal family pet and they get on well with both children and other dogs. They need a small amount of daily exercise and one good walk a day should prove enough stimulation for both their physical and mental wellbeing. The glamorous and silky coat needs regular grooming and brushing to keep both glossy and smooth.

16. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman pinscher is an alert, brave and loyal dog. This medium-large breed is full of energy and needs plenty of exercise to keep looking muscular and trim. Their coats can be found in a variety of 4 different colors and their short hair needs minimal grooming. Known to be a good watchdog, this fearless breed will need to be well socialized and trained from a pup.

17. Great Dane

This large dog is affectionate, patient, and reliable and was initially bred for Boar hunting in Germany. Their coats can be found in a variety of 4 different colors with 3 distinct markings. This regal, dignified and strong dog is both elegant and powerful and ownership shouldn’t be considered lightly! Gentle and patient around children, these dogs make good family pets and because of their size make great guard dogs too!

18. Miniature Schnauzer

This little fellow is affectionate, intelligent, and obedient, loves people, and makes an ideal family pet. The versatile small breed is happy living in a city apartment dwelling or running around in the countryside just as long as he has human companionship. This handsome pooch can be found in a variety of 4 different colors and has a thick double coat that requires some clipping but is generally low maintenance with little grooming required.

19. Siberian Husky

The Siberian husky is a playful, faithful, and sociable breed of dog that has lots of energy and needs a very active lifestyle. They like nothing better than to run free outdoors, but due to their predatory nature must not be allowed to roam free when around smaller animals. Because of their love of running, they should always be kept within a safe confine or on a leash for their own safety.

Sensitive and extremely intelligent this breed needs mental stimulation to stop them from becoming bored and venting their excess energy on destruction! The thick double coat can be found in a variety of 4 different colors and must be brushed at least weekly, and daily during shedding seasons.

20. Bernese Mountain Dogs

The Bernese is a variety of Swiss Mountain Dog and is often referred to as a ‘gentle giant. This large dog is calm, good-natured, very strong, and agile, making them the perfect breed for working in mountainous regions. These dogs love to be outdoors and need medium exercise. They are double-coated which means they are heavy ‘shedders’ and need regular grooming.

21. Shih Tzu

Gregarious, outgoing, and good-natured, the Shih Tzu is an ancient breed, with a long and noble Chinese history. They can be found in a variety of 14 different colors with 3 distinct markings. This toy dog breed makes a delightful and loyal companion and as these were originally bred for life inside the Royal palaces, they make ideal apartment pets. Their long and luxurious coats need regular and thorough grooming.

22. Boston Terrier

This Native American breed is a comical, bright, and friendly little dog. The happy-go-lucky breed is a very low-maintenance dog and makes a great choice for the first-time owner. Easy to please, these little fellows make excellent family pets. They require some, but not excessive exercise and make particularly good city pets. Their short coats mean that they are easy to maintain with minimal grooming.

23. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a bubbly, lively, and spirited little dog that likes nothing better than to be at the center of attention. They can be found in a variety of 18 different colors with 9 distinct markings. These little dogs are the heaviest shedders of hair amongst all of the toy dog breeds and require plenty of grooming to keep their coats tangle-free. As one of the most popular dog breeds Pomeranian combines smarts, small size, and good nature.

24. Havanese

This outgoing, intelligent, and fun-loving dog is the national dog of Cuba and the country’s only native dog breed. This small and sturdy dog is full of charm and can be found in a variety of 16 different colors with 6 distinct markings. These fun-loving dogs don’t need much exercise and love to be the center of attention and make excellent watchdogs!

25. English Springer Spaniel

The English springer spaniel is obedient, friendly, and playful and makes a perfect family pet. This medium-sized dog can be found in 6 different colors and their coats need regular grooming. These very active dogs need plenty of exercise to keep them both mentally stimulated and physically happy. The majority of Springer spaniels are healthy dogs but like all dogs, good breeders are essential.

26. Brittany

The Brittany is a sensitive and good-natured dog and makes them one of the most popular dog breeds for a family pet. These intelligent strong and vigorous dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and to keep them healthy. Their coats can be found in 7 different colors and require regular brushing twice a week to keep them clean and free of dirt and mud.

27. Shetland Sheepdogs

The Shetland sheepdog is a miniature working collie dog and can be found in 6 different colors. These intelligent, energetic, and good-natured dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them both physically and mentally in good shape. Their long, rough double coat needs plenty of regular grooming to keep them in tip-top condition.

28. Cocker Spaniel

This happy, smart, and gentle dog is the smallest member of the sporting-dog family. The beautiful coat can be found in a variety of 13 different colors (to compliment any home ) with 2 distinctive markings. Sturdy and compact, this dog is built for endurance and speed. Generally, a healthy breed that is trusty and playful. They make great family dogs and are good with children.

29. Mastiff

The Mastiff is a brave, noble, and good-natured breed of dog and can be found in a variety of 3 distinct colors. Another ‘gentle giant’, this large dog will need early socialization and training to keep it friendly and well behaved with other people and animals. They make excellent companion dogs and are eager to please their owners and excel in obedience and agility classes. With a short coat, these dogs need little grooming.

30. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua originated from Mexico and is the smallest breed of dog. These petite canines are either long or smooth-coated and can be found in a variety of 9 different colors with 6 distinctive markings. These little dogs are a mixture of charm, elegance, and cheekiness and are well known for their terrier-like tendencies. They need little exercise and enjoy being in the home and make excellent apartment dogs. Chihuahuas have been one of the most popular dog breeds for years but are now declining in popularity.

Choose one of the most popular dog breeds or go your own way

As expected, the most popular dog breeds exhibit the most desirable traits for a family pet, or at the very least, an obedient dog who is smart and able to adapt well. Some of the breeds listed above have been on the AKC’s list of top breeds for years, and with the correct breeding, training, and leadership, these nine majestic creatures will remain in the top ranks of popular dogs for a decade or more. If you’re interested in getting a new pet for your home and have chosen one from the list, be sure to research breeders and shelters in order to obtain the most well-rounded, healthy, and safe animal to be a part of your family.