Dog lovers often treat their pets as family. Many people have a favorite, or preferred breed. Do you ever wonder how popular your favorite breed is? If your family is considering a new pet, it’s a good idea to learn about the breeds temperament to find our how they would fit with your family and style of living.Following are the top twenty breeds, according to the registrations by The American Kennel Club, along with a brief description of the breed.
1. Labrador Retriever: The affable, kindly dog seems to get along well with everyone, making it a popular choice. The Labrador is a retrieving gun dog. The sturdy dog is medium size and has a dense, weather resistant coat. the Labrador has a even temperament, is outgoing and gets along well with other dogs and people. Labradors are not only great pets, they can be found in guide and assistance dog programs, substance detection,and search ad rescue work. The Labrador Retriever has been at the top of the list for most popular breed since 1992.
2. Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkies, as they are commonly called, are toy terriers with long silky coats and playful attitude. Yorkies are terrific family dogs, but because of their small size, not the best pet for families with small children.
3. German Shepherd Dog: German Shepherds were originally bred in Germany to be a protector and herding dog. The distinctive Shepherd is a wonderful family member. The German Shepherd is also an excellent service dog in explosive and drug detection and also great for animal assisted therapy.
4. Golden Retriever: The Golden Retriever as bed for the purpose of retrieving wildfowl on land and water in Scotland and England. Golden Retrievers are eager to please and have a trainable, adaptable nature. The Golden Retriever is an ideal family pet, but required training and exercise, so must have room to run. Besides being a terrific family pet, Golden Retrievers are useful service dogs, guide dogs or the blind, therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs.
5. Beagle: Beagles date back1300’s, when it was bred as a hunting companion for small game. The Beagle has a small compact, muscular body, bold attitude and hardy bearing. Beagles are smart, independent and easily bored. They make great family pets.
6. Dachshund: Often referred to as the “Weiner Dog” the Dachshund has a long, low, sturdy body and short legs. The breed was developed in Germany three centuries ago to go underground and hunt badgers and other animals. Dachshunds are people oriented dogs and make wonderful companions and pets, with their bright intelligence and affectionate nature. Dachshunds come in three varieties and there are two sizes in each variety. The varieties are Longhaired, Smooth haired, and Wire haired. The two sizes are miniature and standard.
7. Boxer: The Boxer is a medium sized dog with square features and balanced proportions. The Boxer is a highly intelligent dog. The Boxer is responsive to it’s owner, fearless but tractable, energetic and patient with children. Boxers are ideal family dogs, but can be protective when called upon. As a boisterous, clownish dog the Boxer is not for the frail or timid.
8. Poodle: Poodles are often known as dogs with fancy, fussy haircuts. Poodles are great for people who are looking for a charming companion, show dog, hunting retriever and a bright trainable god. Toy poodles are up to 10 inches high, Miniatures are 10 to 15 inches high. Standard poodles are over 15 “.
9. Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu was developed in China’s Imperial Courts and has a long history. In recent years Shih Tzus have become very popular as sturdy, lively, alert Toy dogs and happy companions.
10. Miniature Schnauzer: Schnauzers are highly intelligent, sturdy dog with wiry coats that are either black or salt and pepper in color.
11. Chihuahua: Lately seen in the arms of various “Hollywood Stars” and socialites, the Chihuahua is an ancient breed. Chihuahuas is a lively, clever breed that weighs less than 6 pounds. There are long haired and smooth haired varieties.
12. Bulldogs: Bull;dogs have tough guy good looks with a fun loving affectionate spirit. Bulldogs adapt well to families with playful children or to sedate apartment living.
13. Pug: The Pug is one of the world’s oldest breeds. Pugs originated in China about 700 years ago. Pugs are small, sturdy dogs with a sensitive sincere nature. Playful Pugs are great with children. Pugs are friendly, uninhibited, comical dogs that come is two colors, fawn and black.
14. Pomeranian: Long haired Pomeranian are a Nordic breed. Pomeranian are spirited, loving, loyal dogs who are small in size, weighing 3 to 7 pounds.
15. Boston Terrier: The Boston Terrier is the result of selective breeding of the Bulldog and the white English Terrier in Boston during the 1870’s. The Boston Terrier is the first genuinely American breed. An excellent companion and house put, he Boston Terrier’s personality has earned the nickname “The American Gentleman”.
16 Cocker Spaniel: The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the hunting variety of dog. It’s affectionate disposition has been is a popular companion dog for over sixty years.
17. Rottweiler: The powerfully built Rottweiler is medium to large in size. This breed loved to work and is capable at herding, carting, search and rescue, therapy work and more. The Rottweiler is a devoted companion.
18. Maltese: The Maltese is a luxurious lap dog that has been a favorite of royalty.
19. Pointer (German Shorthaired): The German Shorthaired Pointer has handsome god looks. Bred as a high performance hunting dog, this breed is a versatility sporting dog. As active breed that needs exercise, the German Shorthair can be well suited to family life.
20. Shetland Sheepdogs: The adorable Sheltie was developed in the Shetland Islands as a hardy working dog and an intelligent affectionate companion. The Sheltie is a responsive, trainable dog and wonder companion.
Breeds 21 through 25 are: Doberman Pinschers, Welsh Corgies (Pembroke), Miniature Pinscher, Great Danes, and Siberian Huskies
