The 8 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S., New Study Says

If you asked every dog owner across the country which breed is their favorite, you'd have far too many different answers. However, according to The Dog People at Rover, certain pups are more favored than others. Looking at their internal database, they broke down the eight most popular dog breeds in the U.S. They found that the most sought-after personality traits in a canine companion are friendly and social (24 percent), cuddly (15 percent), and loyal (15 percent). Read on to find out which dog breeds claimed a spot on the list.

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Rounding out the list in the eighth spot is the French Bulldog. Known colloquially as Frenchies, these dogs have big bat-like ears and cute, wrinkly faces.

"This compact breed is adored for being a friendly and companionable pet and needs minimal exercise, making it a popular choice for city living and families alike," according to Rover.

"Also known as a little lion or a lion dog, the Shih Tzu is a unique and well-loved toy dog breed," says Rover.

Shih Tzus love to cuddle and make for great companions. One of the unique and adorable physical features of these dogs is that they usually have an overbite or underbite.

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If you want a dog that fits perfectly in your bag, then the Chihuahua is perfect. These fiercely loyal dogs have big personalities but don't require a lot of physical activity.

Chihuahuas thrive in cities and can adapt to new environments easily. They're not the best with children, though, as they get anxious and jumpy more quickly than other breeds.

Known best as search dogs, German shepherds are undeniably loyal and energetic.

"In addition to doing police work, you're likely to find a German Shepherd following their owners on challenging adventures, learning tricks in obedience classes, and playing in the family backyard," according to Rover.

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Golden retrievers come in fourth thanks to their friendly disposition and unmatched intelligence.

These dogs are ideal for families or environments with lots of areas to exercise. They're kind, gentle, and trusting, according to Rover, and they're easy to train. But if you're not ready for a lot of dog hair, they might not be the breed for you.

Part golden retriever, part poodle, and 100 percent cute and cuddly, the Goldendoodle takes third place.

"They're relatively new, gaining popularity since the 1990's alongside other cross-breeds like Cockapoos and Labradoodles," Rover explains.

In addition to looking like little teddy bears, Goldendoodles are often hypoallergenic, which makes them a popular dog breed for those with allergies.

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Labrador retrievers are America's second favorite dog, and as Rover describes them as a "high-energy, water-loving family dog," it's easy to see why.

Labs are friendly, and as their name suggests, they love to retrieve, so don't be surprised if you're spending a lot of time playing fetch with them. They also get along well with children and other pets.

These pups easily take the number one spot for the most popular breed in the U.S. But don't get the term confused with the commonly used "mutt" or "designer dog."ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

"The difference lies in whether the mix of breeds is known or intentional. 'Mutt' typically refers to dogs with unknown or varied lineage, 'mixed-breed' refers to dogs with known but varied parent breeds, and 'designer dog' refers to dogs bred intentionally from two specific purebred dogs," explained Maria Baker, DVM, a veterinarian at Pet How, to Rover.

Baker also advises potential mixed-breed pet parents to "be prepared for the unexpected." As Rover notes, "Since none of these dogs belong to specific breed group, it can be tricky to predict their personalities, what they will look like and how big they'll get in adulthood."

Some popular mixed breeds are Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Puggles, and Maltipoos.

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