Written for dog lovers of all kinds, find out which top 10 dog breeds made the American Kennel Clubs "Most Popular Breeds" of the year list.
Each year, the American Kennel Club announces their "Most Popular Breeds" of dog. Some of these dog breeds return to the list year after year, while others are surprisingly new contenders. The list is based on the top pooches for 2008 and these dog breeds will continue to be popular into 2009. See if your beloved dog made the cut!
1. Labrador Retrievers
Easily the most popular dog breed of them all, Labrador Retrievers are friendly, lovable, smart and great with kids. They have continually been labelled as the most popular family dog according to breeder surveys.
2. Golden Retrievers
Right next to the Labrador Retrievers you'll find the Golden Retrievers which are also true American family dogs. These large dogs are extremely kind and gentle by nature and love playing with people and their toys. Just make sure you have enough space in your home as they can grow up to 90 pounds.
3. Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkshire Terriers, also referred to as "Yorkies" for short, are the smallest and mightiest terriers of them all. These tiny pooches are highly energetic and very protective and loyal to their family. This means that they don't always get along well with strangers and they are not afraid to speak up and let you know this!
4. German Shepherds
Among the most intelligent and most loyal dog breeds in the world is the German Shepherd. Because of their extreme intelligence and strength it's no wonder they are the dog of choice among the police force. This doesn't mean they won't make a great pet at home. On the contrary - they make great pets as long as you have room in your home for a large, lovable dog.
5. Beagles
The Beagle has been poplar in American households ever since Snoopy hit the big screen. Once raised as hunting dogs, this medium sized pooch is strong for its size. Just don't expect it to have an aggressive hunter attitude as this dog is kind and gentle and loves families.
6. Dachshunds
Dachshunds, also known as "wiener dogs' have also been a favorite among adults and children alike because of their cute, unique body shape. With a long body and short legs it may look like they can't run fast but don't let their appearance fool you. They love to run and play and can keep up with the ball. However, Dachshunds can also be quite protective animals and have been known to nip at strangers and other dogs.
7. Boxers
The American Kennel Club says that the Boxers play well with children, are extremely loyal and are low maintenance dogs. While they may not be the most intelligent dog in the bunch, they make up for it by being very energetic and fun-loving. Being headstrong, boxers require obedience training while they are young.
8. Poodles
Both standard and miniature size Poodles have long been popular both with the rich and famous and the not so rich. They are beautiful, loyal and extremely intelligent dogs which makes them popular among every socio-economic group.
9. Shih Tzu
New to the American Kennel Club's list, the adorable dog with the funny name has been growing in popularity over the last few years. Cut and cuddly, it's no wonder that the Shih Tzu is also popular in Hollywood making it into the homes of many famous celebrities. You don't have to be rich to own a Shih Tzu as they make great companions to the young and old.
10. Miniature Schnauzers
This miniature dog breed just made it onto the list new for 2008 but it's likely that we'll see them on the list again in the future. Miniature Schnauzers are smart, obedient and love to engage in non-aggressive play. They'll play well with children and or chew toys. Originally raised as farm dogs, miniature Schnauzers are energetic dogs that love to be around people. Similar to the miniature Schnauzer is the Schnoodle. Part Schnauzer, part Poodle, the Schnoodle is becoming ever more popular and makes a great pet.
Any one of these dogs will make great pets. Don't fret if your dog is not on the list as there are too many great breeds to make it into the top 10. You never know, they just might make the cut next year!
Remember that every great dog needs an even greater name. Check out the Most Popular Dog Names.
The copyright of the article Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds for 2009 in Dog Breeds is owned by Amie Cunningham. Permission to republish Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds for 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
OMG!!!! I have a Labrador names Cosmo, hes really popular? AWESOME!!!
p.s. labs, goldens, germans, and sheep dogs rule!
Dec 2, 2008 9:36 AM
Guest
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what about the Bernese Mountain Dogs are they at all a good breed? I have a
Golden Retriever though!!!
Dec 8, 2008 6:34 PM
Guest
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so cute . i like german shepards . is this german sheperd running
through the field
Dec 17, 2008 10:46 PM
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I have a couple of border collies, labrador retrievers, golden retrievers,
beagles, german shepherd and longhair chihuahuas. Oh and a cavalier king
charles spaniel and a tibetian spaniel, you see I live on a farm!
Dec 18, 2008 8:04 AM
Guest
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golden retriever is best dog in world
Dec 20, 2008 3:43 PM
Guest
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dogs totally rule! i really like the labrador retrievers! they have been #1
since 1991 and i hope they continue to be on top. i like goldens and
dachshunds too.
Dec 26, 2008 5:56 PM
Guest
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I have a Lab & he is the sweetest dog in the world. NO JOKE!
Dec 27, 2008 3:55 PM
Guest
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poodles rock i have a 2 year old female SUPER smart and even more cute
Dec 29, 2008 9:37 PM
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i have a lab she is soo cute and nice also a pitbull X american bulldog
best dog ever
Jan 2, 2009 1:41 PM
Guest
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i have a brown lab and they are the best dogs ever! i hate yorkies and shi
zus i dont like little dogs, they need to be pampered too much!
Jan 5, 2009 3:05 PM
Guest
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I have 6 dachshund.(3 are lomg haired and 3 smooth coated)None of them are
nippy towards anyone. But they are protective if you hit me and I yell they
will then growl to protect me and my 4 daughters.This is the best breed I
ever owned. I love all my dachshunds.
Jan 10, 2009 5:48 PM
Guest
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What I find is amazing is the Australian Cattle dog, Blue Heeler, is listed
as one of the smartest dog breeds but you rarely see them around. We got
one 2 years ago and she is the most beautiful, clever, loving dog I've ever
known. Only having a few mutts when I grew up, and I loved them all, I
didn't have a vast knowledge of dog breeds but when I first saw my dog, I
loved how unique she looked, thought she looked a little like a dingo. I
knew nothing of the breeds background I later found out the breed was mixed
with the non-barking Dingo. What I really like about mine is she doesn't
have that doggy smell. She's not too big, not too small, around 35 lbs. She thinks she's a lap dog, loves to cuddle. She's also a great running
partner. I highly recommend this breed if the rest are like she is.
Jan 13, 2009 8:16 AM
Guest
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I have an Old English Mastiff and think this breed is often overlooked
because of it's size. They have the temperment, gentility, smartness of
the retrievers, are very doscile, don't require much exercise beside the
daily walk, extremly loving and loyal which make them easy to train (just a
harsh look and they melt and are willing to do what it takes to please)and
are great watch dogs. Only lets out a bark or two when someone aproaches.
Shhh our little secret is, the stranger will be licked to death.
Jan 15, 2009 4:33 PM
Guest
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My Dad used to have a German Sheperd and alot of our friends have Labs.
It's great that those dogs are in the top 10 but my favorite breed will
always be the Shetland Sheepdog- which is ranked 20. At least my sweet
little boy is in the top twenty. I love Shelties!!!!
Jan 18, 2009 4:04 PM
Guest
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I have a golden named Leo, he is awsome!!!!! Goldens are really
popular.
Jan 21, 2009 1:48 PM
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german shepherds are the most amazing breed ever in my opinon i love them
so much they are strong cute and preety big i just love them
Jan 21, 2009 5:50 PM
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i have a mutt named peanut and she is 15 and the best dog ever soon im
getting a pug which is my favorite
Jan 22, 2009 10:26 AM
Guest
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Proud Shih tzu mom here No surprise the little lion dog with a bid dog
personality in the top 10. This breed is absolutely wonderful for families,
singes, and the elderly. I highly recommend the breed to everyone. P.S. Small dog haters...Shih tzus are not yappy and demanding, but they
will try to talk your ear off.
Jan 22, 2009 4:32 PM
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The cocker spaniel should have been number one!
Jan 22, 2009 9:30 PM
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I LOVEVEVEVEV GOLDEN RETRIEVERS WAY BETTER THAN ANY OTHER DOG....just on my
opinion y'all have urs so dun mind me!! haha but all dogs rock!!! the weird
thing is that i have a cat!
Jan 30, 2009 1:00 PM
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boxers are the best dogs ever!! i have three boxers named mac daddy
auriel and maverick i also have a shih tzu named poodie
Feb 1, 2009 10:11 AM
Guest
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these make good dogs because there very protective and make good house
guards
Feb 2, 2009 3:17 PM
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I have a very cute lab!!!
Feb 3, 2009 4:15 PM
Guest
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in my opinion yorkies should have been rated #1. mine isw 1 of the best
ones in the world!
Feb 5, 2009 5:48 PM
Guest
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I have a dog that is part min pin and part chihuahua and when he is hungry,
thisty or when he whants to go for a walk he tells.And you know what WE
NEVER TRAINED HIM! Plus when my dad gets here from work, and i Shout
"DADs HERE" he runs down stairs and starts sraching on the door.
We never trained him for that.ITS NOOOOOO JOKE! But do you know what I can
not belive is that my dogs kind wasnt even there. In my opinion I think
people nenver give little dogs a CHANCE. HEY gues what I heard or I saw
that if you look in the eyes of a chihuahua - well they say that their eyes
are the windows to your soul. YOU MIGHT SEE IT.
Feb 9, 2009 6:52 PM
Guest
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The sweetest, smartest, and most lovable family dog is the ROTTWEILLER.
Feb 19, 2009 1:39 PM
Guest
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I have a german shepherd, and he is my best buddy. I just wanted to say
that all dogs are great as long as they are in the right home, and that
does not mean a big back yard or a big house, you can have a big dog in a
small place, but learn about your exact breed and spend lots of time with
it, train it well and you will see that every dog will be good with
children and people, it is all about proper guidance, and knowledge. Every
dog wants you as the handler to lead, so lead. Anyways I have done enough
lecturing, just remember too enjoy your dogs because they are here to be
our companions and we owe it too them too have a good home for them,because
they would not think twice to stand up for us
Feb 20, 2009 10:01 PM
Guest
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i have a 9 month old golden retriever. retrievers are amazing!
goldens, labs, and germans are the best!
Feb 23, 2009 2:34 AM
Guest
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I have a 4 month old australian cattle dog,ive heard of the breed,and a
friend has one.im not the most energetic person but since i got her im
always on the move.they are so smart.she's already trained for her commands
n is my best friend . Ii highly recomend this dog.my lap puppy n
companion..xoxo my darlin pup *trinity*
Feb 28, 2009 3:43 PM
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I like border collies the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mar 1, 2009 1:12 PM
Guest
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Nothing beats a boxer, they are the best breed!
Mar 1, 2009 7:42 PM
Guest
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My dog passed away a couple months ago and i was looking for a new dog,
when i came across a breed called the Belgian Malinois I was very excited
at the looks of it. Now It constantly gets in the way of things and i just
don't know what to do. But anyways that may have been irrelevant but now i
am turned on to german shepards
Mar 3, 2009 4:13 PM
Guest
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my shi tzu is so cute! He only barks when my lil sis gets in his face, but
not if the doorbell rings!!! his name is Lightning MacQueen!!!
Mar 7, 2009 8:06 PM
Guest
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OMFG!!! i have a black lab named buddy awesome! he's the most famous. what
now! but, buddy got put down...:(( i want him back! anywayz.. i think
another good dog is shiba inu or akita inu!
Mar 12, 2009 10:07 AM
Guest
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I think Siberian husky should be on here...they are an amazing breed..i
have 2 and i will never have any other breed again...i have tried all sorts
of breeds and this one is perfect
Mar 12, 2009 11:19 AM
Guest
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i have a black labrador named playful and a blonde one named chewy both
girls i did not know they were so popular!so cool!
Mar 12, 2009 1:23 PM
Guest
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I LOVE GERMAN SHEPHERDS!!!!
Mar 12, 2009 4:49 PM
Guest
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I think a Cairn Terrier should be number 1 he is the best dog in the world
after all he was Toto in "The Wizard of Oz"! He is also my dog
he is the best!
Mar 18, 2009 11:31 AM
Guest
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woot go dogs they rule i have 4
Mar 18, 2009 11:32 AM
Guest
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go dogs i have four yea.
Mar 22, 2009 9:01 AM
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I AM 10 AND I HAVE A SHIH TZU NAMED LUCKY I HADHIM 4 2 YEARS HE IS 2.
Mar 26, 2009 5:51 PM
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I have a very cute Dachshund that just had five adorable puppies !!!!!!!
Her name is Tutty & i've only named 2 of them i've named aboy Yappy
& the girl Roxie. I also have this pitbull named Peggy she had babys
twice some of were sold or gaven away, and this realy cute boxer named
Sasha she is bearly 2 months old and when I lay on the floor she starts
barking like crazy and then lays down with me and she is so cute and
adorable!!!!!!!!
Apr 13, 2009 12:11 PM
Guest
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Golden Retrievers R the Best in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have 2,
one's a boy named Chip, the other's a girl named Kookie! They're both 1
year old because they're brother and sister! As I said before... GOLDEN
RETRIEVERS R THE BEST EVER:)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apr 13, 2009 12:14 PM
Guest
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I have two Golden Retrievers and they are totally the best dogs ever! But
I really really don't like Chihuahuas; they're so annoying!
Apr 16, 2009 4:14 PM
Guest
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all the dogs above are cool i dont know what you guys are talking about!
Apr 16, 2009 4:15 PM
Guest
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all the dogs above are cool!
Apr 18, 2009 12:14 PM
Guest
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yea bernenes are graet i had one but it died :( he was so good with
kids i love you bo~my dog~
Apr 26, 2009 6:04 PM
Guest
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I think the Jack Russell terrier should be on there, their the best dog
ever.
May 2, 2009 11:12 PM
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i heart golden retrievers!!!! I'm gonna buy one, you see my dad played in
the nfl, actually he won the superbowl, so we r loaded. Anyways, my favs. r
goldens, labs, bernese mountain, and german shepherd. I AM A TOTAL ANIMAL
LOVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 3, 2009 12:07 PM
Guest
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DACHSHUNDS RULE
May 7, 2009 8:36 AM
Guest
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I think you should have Mini Golden Doodles
May 7, 2009 8:39 AM
Guest
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i love caviler king charles spaniels they should be number 1 and love
german shepards
May 18, 2009 1:54 PM
Guest
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i have a black labrador his name is Frodo and he is the cutest dog ever!!!!
Labs are the best kind of dogs!
May 21, 2009 6:16 PM
Guest
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beagles are the best dog you can have they are happy-go-lucky kind of dogs
and are fantastic with kids and other dogs and animals I recommend the
beagle for everyone who has kids and other pets they're dont need much
grooming care i know this because i have three and i hunt breed and do
agility with them and have four kids EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A BEAGLE
May 23, 2009 1:03 PM
Guest
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OMG!!! I have a yellow lab named sugar and everybody loves him!!!!
Labs Rule!!!!
May 26, 2009 12:21 PM
Guest
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rottweilers are better than all these dogs but i like german sheperds and
golden retreivers and labs.
rotties
rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 30, 2009 4:22 PM
Guest
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these are all great dogs, but they left out the BEST breed: White
Westhighland Terriors, aka Westies!(Ceasers dog food commercial)
May 31, 2009 6:16 PM
Guest
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GOLDEN RETRIEVERS R
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No offence I hate Chihuahua's.
Jun 2, 2009 12:52 PM
Guest
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my yorkie rox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! p.s his name is Mater like cars!!!!!!!!
Jun 11, 2009 8:55 PM
Guest
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I have 2 dogs 1 is a dachshund named Jake and the next is a lab named
Baxter they are nice to me but,baxter likes jumping and biting me and my
dads hand.Jake likes biting me also. I am a big dog lover and I am not a
cat lover
Jun 11, 2009 9:21 PM
Guest
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I have a dachshund named Jake and a lab named Baxter. They are so cute DOGS RULE!!!! #1 p.S dog lover.
Jun 12, 2009 6:16 PM
Guest
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Labradoodles rule! (a cross between a poodle and a lab)
