Top 10 Dog Breeds

The top five dog breeds in America were presented on the Today Show this morning, so I thought I would post the top ten dog breeds today:

10. Shih Tzu

The name Shih Tzu means lion, and as the name suggests these little dogs can stand up for themselves. But the breed’s temperament is loving and playful.

9. The Poodle

Poodles come in three different sizes: toy, miniature. and standard. The breed is incredibly smart and easy to train. They are energetic and require daily exercise. They also have hypoallergenic coats that require professional grooming to maintain.

8. The Dachshund

Dachshund means badger dog, and they were bred to hunt badgers leading to their long, low bodies. The breed comes in three different coat varies (wirehaired, smooth, and longhaired) and has a playful and loving temperament.

7. The Bulldog

Bulldogs are often loved for their unique appearance with short wrinkly faces, but they also have a loving and gentile temperament.

6. The Boxer

Boxers make great pets for families because they love attention. They are patient with children, protective, and loving. Boxers are athletic dogs that require daily exercise.

5. The Beagle

Beagles have great temperaments, easy to clean coats, and are a good size. Originally bred to hunt rabbits, these dogs make good pets because they are so friendly. The most famous Beagle is Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strip.

4. The Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are loving, friendly dogs, that make amazing family pets. The breed is energetic, requiring daily exercise, and loves to please.

3. The Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers were bred to hunt rats, but make wonderful pets. The small size of the breed, combined with its loving personality that make it so popular.

2. The German Shepherd

German Shepherds make loving pets and good guard dogs. They are energetic and loving. These dogs are incredibly popular as police and military dogs.

1. The Labrador Retriever

Labs are the most popular breed in America because of their loving and upbeat temperaments and for ease of training. These dogs are also good as hunting dogs.