Surprised That These Are The Most Popular Dog Breeds?

Can you believe that there are over 300 dog breeds in the world? This is crazy to think about since you typically see the same few types of dogs on your trips to the dog park, veterinarian, or local pet shop. While you may be thinking you know what the top five most popular dog breeds are, we think this list may surprise you.

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#5 Beagles

Beagles are part of the hound family. That’s the reason they have such a strong sense of smell. In the past, Beagles were used to track down animals for hunting. Beagles are very active and playful, but can also require a lot of patience to properly train.

#4 Bulldogs

Did you know there are many kinds of bulldogs? There are English Bulldogs, British Bulldogs, American Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, just to name a few. This breed originated from fighting mastiffs in England although now their appearance barely resembles this ancestor. Bulldogs are known for their stocky, muscular bodies and short-muzzled face.

#3 Golden Retrievers

We were surprised to see that Golden Retrievers ranked third on the list of most popular breeds. We thought they would be the most popular! Goldens were originally bred as hunting dogs, just like Beagles. They were used to sniff out the hunt and then taught to retrieve it once killed. Today Goldens are known for being a family-friendly dog, hence why lots of families with small children have them. Along with being sweet and friendly, they have great agility and obedience skills, often competing in shows for these categories.

#2 German Shepherds

This breed originated in Germany, leading to the name German Shepherd. They are known for their courage, confidence and intelligence, making German Shepherds the perfect companion. Since they are so large, they require lots of exercise for both their mind and body.

#1 Labrador Retriever

Did you guess the Labrador Retriever would be the most popular dog breed? Their friendliness and energy level are what makes them so popular among people looking for a pet. They also are typically very healthy and have a long lifespan. However, they do require frequent grooming because of their long coat of fur.

What breed is your dog? Let us know below in the comments! We are interested to see which breed is the most popular among our DGP family.