America’s Most Popular Dog Breeds, From Labs to Frenchies
The world of dog breeds is incredibly diverse, with many unique types of dogs. Certain dog breeds are more popular than others. Rover, a platform connecting pet owners with sitters and walkers globally, dove into their internal database to identify the eight most popular dog breeds in the U.S. Their findings reveal that the most desired canine traits by pet owners are friendliness and sociability (24 percent), cuddliness (15 percent), and loyalty (15 percent).
The study also highlights that most current pet parents (60 percent) own mixed-breed dogs. 40 percent have purebred dogs. Rover’s research shows that 22 percent of pet parents seek out specific breeds. Meanwhile, 19 percent intentionally opt for mixed breeds. Although more than half (58 percent) of pet parents consider breed an important factor when adding a new dog to their family. A significant majority (81 percent) would still choose to adopt a dog, even if their top three preferred breeds were unavailable.
And the most popular dog breed in the U.S. is…
Mixed-breed dogs claimed the top spot as the most popular breed in the United States, according to the study. It’s worth noting that the study distinguishes between mixed breed and terms like “mutt” or “designer dog.” Maria Baker, DVM, a veterinarian at Pet How, explained to Rover that the difference lies in whether the mix of breeds is known or intentional. “Mutt” typically refers to dogs with an unknown or diverse lineage, and “mixed breed” refers to dogs with known but varied parent breeds, she said. “Designer dog” refers to dogs intentionally bred from two specific purebred dogs.
Continuing with their rankings, Labrador Retrievers secured the second position on the list. While Goldendoodles followed closely as the third most popular dog breed in the U.S.
From German Shepherds to Shih Tzus and French Bulldogs, see the full list of most popular dog breeds in the U.S. here.
Fastest Dogs In The World
23. Boston terrier
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– Top Speed: 25 miles per hour
This small, friendly breed with a playful and energetic personality is known as the “American gentleman.” Boston terriers are thought to be directly related to the English bulldog terrier breeds and are well-built for canine sports—especially those involving speed.
22. Rat terrier
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– Top Speed: 27 miles per hour
Originally bred as hunting companions and for pest control, rat terriers are considered a rare breed. They are sociable, intelligent, easy to train, and especially compatible with young children, making them a great choice for first-time pet owners with families.
21. Siberian husky
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– Top Speed: 28 miles per hour
The Siberian husky historically endured harsh conditions that conditioned the breed to become an iconic choice for sled dogs. Despite their tough build, Siberian huskies are considered exceptionally friendly with children, due to their pack nature and high energy. However, the breed needs to be specially cared for and exercised sufficiently, and they are considered to be escape artists and have been known to jump fences as high as 8 feet.
20. Giant schnauzer
Rita_Kochmarjova // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 28 miles per hour
Giant schnauzers are gentle creatures with a timid nature, though they are known to become defensive when presented with new people or situations. Their history as farm and herding dogs trained them to be fast and playful, supplying them with an energetic and loyal nature. Giant schnauzers are known to be easily trained and loyal to their owner.
19. Anatolian shepherd
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– Top Speed: 28 miles per hour
The Anatolian shepherd is an old breed, dating as far back as 6,000 years ago, where they endured intense temperatures and displayed feats of speed while defending livestock from bears and mountain lions. Consequently, its forceful and defensive nature can make it a handful for owners to train—this breed must be socialized to properly train them as companion dogs.
18. Border collie
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– Top Speed: 30 miles per hour
Considered remarkably intelligent, border collies are bred for herding livestock and are known to be energetic and athletic, often displaying impressively quick maneuvers in dog sports. The breed is only recommended for owners who can keep up with its active lifestyle, which is known to be demanding.
17. Boxer
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– Top Speed: 30 miles per hour
Boxers are a kind and loving breed that display the utmost loyalty to their owner, and are patient and protective of children, making them an ideal family dog. The breed’s name is thought to derive from their inclination to stand on their rear legs and thrust their front paws forward—resembling a boxer’s movements.
16. Belgian Malinois
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– Top Speed: 30 miles per hour
Belgian Malinois are considered to be one of the most energetic dog breeds, which also means they demand plenty of attention and exercise. The breed is used for working tasks in military and police operations that require them to detect scents of possible threats. They are most notably used in White House defense.
15. Great Dane
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– Top Speed: 30 miles per hour
Ancestry of the Great Dane is widely thought to have originated from a dog breed present in ancient Greece; as depicted in Greek art, Great Dane look-alikes appear hunting wild boar. Despite its intimidating stature, this gentle giant is friendly and patient, rarely displaying aggression or hostility. Dogs of this breed are recommended for families as long as they raise them from a young age and socialize them properly.
14. Poodle
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– Top Speed: 33 miles per hour
Poodles are known for their beauty and brains. Most commonly used as show dogs, poodles are ranked the third most intelligent dog breed by Vetstreet, and exhibit great agility and obedience. The breed is normally shy around new people but quickly expresses affection and playfulness when socialized well enough.
13. Pharaoh hound
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– Top Speed: 35 miles per hour
Pharaoh hounds are confident and self-reliant, but require special training that doesn’t involve disciplinary action. Though the breed’s DNA doesn’t have direct relation to Egypt, some believe it resembles breeds depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, which may support the myth of Phoenicians bringing the breed to Malta more than 2,000 years ago.
12. Weimaraner
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– Top Speed: 35 miles per hour
The Weimaraner is considered to be an all-purpose dog, with traits that fulfill a number of specific needs for hunting small game and sports, including speed and a keen nose. The breed is considered energetic and sociable, but when left alone, they tend to be anxious and unruly.
11. Doberman pinscher
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– Top Speed: 35 miles per hour
Doberman pinschers are a strong-willed and well-tempered breed, known for their graceful tendency to walk and stand on their toes rather than their paws. The breed is often perceived as intimidating due to its appearance, including the practice of clipping their tails and ears. Thankfully, some countries are beginning to outlaw the practice.
10. Scottish deerhound
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– Top Speed: 35 miles per hour
This ancient breed is believed to pre-date recorded history and varies little from its ancestors. Scottish deerhounds get their name from their reputation of being exceptional hunters of deer—they chase them down at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. While they may not be the fastest for racing purposes, some believe them to be faster than counterparts while in their natural habitat.
9. Whippet
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– Top Speed: 36 miles per hour
Whippets are often used as athletes in various dog sports, including racing and hare coursing, as the breed exhibits impressive speed and agility, especially when properly trained. The breed is described as quiet and timid, and may be happy resting for most of the day. However, whippets can be oversensitive, and may react when startled or touched.
8. Borzoi
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– Top Speed: 36 miles per hour
With a Russian name that translates to “fast,” the borzoi lives up to its name with the ability to run at a full speed of 36 miles per hour. Due to its slim build, silky smooth coat of fur, and its quiet and independent nature, the breed often appears in dog shows and athletics. Borzois are selective learners, requiring the owner’s patience and persistence to train.
7. Dalmatian
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– Top Speed: 37 miles per hour
The Dalmatian is iconically known for its appearance in Disney’s “One Hundred and One Dalmatians,” and for its reputation as a firehouse dog in the U.S. Dalmatians have a natural liking for horses, which made them ideal for running alongside firefighter carriages in the early years of firefighting, as they were one of the few breeds that could keep up with horses. The breed continues to be a mascot for firefighters—and the Budweiser Clydesdales—to this day.
6. German shepherd
Rita_Kochmarjova // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 39 miles per hour
German shepherds are historically used as guard and service dogs due to their natural eagerness to work. German shepherds used for police service are so inclined to perform that they have been known to become upset when they fail to sniff out dangerous objects, requiring their handlers to routinely set up hazardous items for the dog to find.
5. Vizsla
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– Top Speed: 40 miles per hour
Vizslas are bred to be hunters and retrievers—historically, the breed brought fowl to its owner after the bird was shot. The breed requires tons of attention and affection, and will sometimes whine when it feels ignored. Like most dogs used for hunting, vizslas require a level of exercise, so prepare to be active.
4. Afghan hound
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– Top Speed: 40 miles per hour
The Afghan hound is considered a staple in dog shows, as the breed has a long and luscious coat of fur that owners groom to highlight its silky appearance. While the breed is a popular competitor in show, it also possesses remarkable speed, which makes it a worthy contestant in agility sports.
3. Ibizan hound
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– Top Speed: 40 miles per hour
The Ibizan hound aims to entertain its owner with hyperactive antics and endless energy, as they will often escape crates and jump high fences. The breed has a natural inclination to run when unbounded, so it is recommended owners keep a watchful eye when their dog is off its leash. Ibizan hounds are also protective and bark only when necessary—characteristics of a great guard dog.
2. Saluki
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– Top Speed: 43 miles per hour
Salukis are sight hunters, using their sharp vision to spot prey from great distances, and relying on their extraordinary speed to hunt down small prey. While not acknowledged as the quickest dog over short distances, it is believed that the saluki is capable of faster speeds over long distances.
1. Greyhound
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– Top Speed: 45 miles per hour
The greyhound’s tall, slender build was specially bred for dog racing, making it the fastest dog, with a top speed of 45 miles per hour. Unlike other dogs, the breed is meant for speed rather than endurance, and doesn’t require much exercise. Greyhounds are often content with lounging around the house, and are recognized for their independent and gentle nature. However, without a proper outlet of exercise,they can become hyperactive and even destructive.
