The 50 Most Popular Dog Breeds in America

Who doesn't love a playful puppy? And with 360 different dog breeds worldwide—let alone the 190 in the United States—there's a pooch for everyone's tastes. In fact, there are so many kinds of four-legged friends that the American Kennel Club analyzed its most recent 2019 registration statistics to find the most popular breeds in the country. From cuddly corgis to towering great Danes, here are the cute canines you'll want to adopt ASAP. And for more adorable dogs, check out these 30 Photos That Show Why Senior Dogs Are the Best.

50 | English Cocker Spaniel

Shutterstock

No dog has more luscious locks than an English cocker spaniel. Even Pantene would be proud.

49 | Portuguese Water Dog

Shutterstock

These curly-haired cuties are also excellent fishing companions and love to play in the water (hence their name). And for more ways dogs make life better, check out the 15 Amazing Life Lessons You Can Learn From Your Dog.

48 | St. Bernard

Shutterstock

Back in the '90s, Beethoven stole our hearts. And now, everyone wants one of these gentle giants in their own family.

47 | Akita

Shutterstock

Akitas have an ancient Japanese lineage, which explains why they're so majestic. And for more charming puppies, check out these 27 Precious Photos of Dogs and Babies That Will Melt Your Heart.

46 | Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Shutterstock

The Chesapeake Bay retriever has a wiry, waterproof coat that sets them apart from their cousins, but they have the same friendly attitude you'd expect from all retrievers.

45 | Shiba Inu

Shutterstock

The Shiba is Japan's most popular pooch, and they have quickly become beloved in America, too. Just look at that happy smile!

44 | West Highland White Terrier

Shutterstock

Known as Westies, these small hounds are little balls of sunshine. And for more snuggly pups, sign up for our daily newsletter.

43 | Bichon Frise

Shutterstock

Bichons Frises look like little cotton puffs thanks to their fluffy fur. They especially love to strut their stuff at the groomer.

42 | Rhodesian Ridgeback

Shutterstock

It's not hard to see how this breed got its name. The dogs have a distinct ridge, or stripe of backward-growing hair, along their spines. They originated in Africa as tracking dogs and are fast, powerful runners as well as playful pals.

41 | Belgian Malinoi

Shutterstock

You'll want to be best friends with a Mal; these loyal pups love to be around people.

40 | Newfoundland

Shutterstock

Upon first glance, you may confuse a Newfie with a bear. But this massive pup is known to be especially sweet and protective around young children.

39 | Weimaraner

Shutterstock

Nicknamed the "gray ghost," this German canine is smart and swift, particularly when exercising or hunting with their owners.

38 | Collie

Shutterstock

Lassie is one of the first—and most famous—furry friends to break into pop culture. And now, you could take this long-haired herder home with you too.

37 | Basset Hound

Siberian spring / Shutterstock

You could spot a Basset from a mile away thanks to their big, floppy ears that basically brush the ground.

36 | Maltese

Shutterstock

These stylish pups are showstoppers due to their floor-length fur. And families have just as much fun dressing up their 'do with bows and accessories.

35 | Chihuahua

Shutterstock

Chihuahuas may be tiny enough to fit in your purse, but they have huge hearts and a big personality.

34 | Vizsla

Shutterstock

This gorgeous golden-colored dog was bred as a hunting companion, and today, they love a lot of activity, including running and training.

33 | Border Collie

Shutterstock

Incredibly intelligent yet kind and cuddly, border collies are the best of both worlds!

32 | Mastiff

Shutterstock

Mastiffs are stocky and can sometimes even outweigh a grown man. But don't let their size fool you—they're docile charmers.

31 | Pug

Shutterstock

While pugs may have a funny face, that's what makes them even more delightful. And for more quirky canines, check out 13 "Ugly" Dogs Who Are Really Just Adorably Unique.

30 | Cane Corso

Shutterstock

You can trace this dog's bloodline all the way back to ancient Roman times. In fact, the name cane corso means "bodyguard dog" in Latin, which explains why they're such great protectors.

29 | Miniature American Shepherd

Shutterstock

These mini shepherds are some of the hardest workers around. They're also agile and easy to train.

28 | Cocker Spaniel

Shutterstock

With their kind eyes and super soft ears, how can you not adore cocker spaniels?

27 | English Springer Spaniel

Shutterstock

Not to be confused with its cousin, the English springer spaniel is larger and has shorter hair.

26 | Brittany

Shutterstock

These red dogs are the definition of sporty and can be found running across fields or any landscape where you let them stretch their legs.

25 | Shetland Sheepdog

Shutterstock

Imagine a compact collie, and you've got a Shetland sheepdog. The Sheltie is a super smart pal who came from the Scottish islands.

24 | Pomeranian

Shutterstock

It's not hard to understand why these dogs are called pom poms. Some have so much hair, you can barely see their little faces!

23 | Bernese Mountain Dog

Shutterstock

Bernese mountain dogs are the perfect addition for a family thanks to their dopey, friendly personalities.

22 | Havanese

Shutterstock

Havanese are sprightly, social creatures—and the only breed native to Cuba.

21 | Boston Terrier

Shutterstock

These dapper dogs can be recognized by their white-and-black color combo that resembles a tuxedo. Boston terriers also have great manners, earning the nickname the "American gentleman."

20 | Shih Tzu

Shutterstock

Don't say this breed's name too quickly or you could get a few sideways glances. But despite their rather hilarious name, Shih Tzus are funny little fellows and a joy to be around.

19 | Doberman Pinscher

Shutterstock

The noble Doberman pinscher is one of the most dignified dogs around. Beyond being a loyal guardian, they're also intelligent—and amiable—pets.

18 | Miniature Schnauzer

Debra Anderson / Shutterstock

Miniature schnauzers may look like they have a grandfather face, with grey hair, thick brows, and a long, white beard, but they're all the more adorable because of it.

17 | Great Dane

Shutterstock

Sure, Great Danes are about as tall as a horse, but they're complete couch potatoes. You won't find a better snuggle buddy!

16 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Shutterstock

This British breed has dreamy, round eyes that you could melt into.

15 | Siberian Husky

Shutterstock

Huskies resemble their wolf ancestors in appearance, with icy blue eyes and a snow-white and black coat. It's a wonder to watch these powerful sled dogs race through the tundra in their element—and it's also comforting to curl up with them at home, too.

14 | Boxer

larstuchel / Shutterstock

Though the name may make you believe they're fighters, boxers are patient and playful, particularly around kids.

13 | Australian Shepherd

Shutterstock

Aussies are one of the most distinctly beautiful breeds. They often have many separate shades in their fur and can have two different eye colors, as seen in this pup pictured above.

12 | Yorkshire Terrier

Valerie Nik / Shutterstock

If you want a tiny lap dog, look no further than the kind-hearted Yorkie.

11 | Dachshund

Shedara Weinsberg / Shutterstock

These adorable pups are often called wiener dogs because their long, slim bodies resemble hotdogs.

10 | Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Shutterstock

Corgis have made a serious comeback in popularity. And who could blame them? Look at their little legs and loaf-like bodies!

9 | German Shorthaired Pointer

Shutterstock

Pointers almost seem royal with their signature straight tails and slim frames.

8 | Rottweiler

Shutterstock

Don't be intimidated by a Rottweiler's strong, and sometimes domineering, appearance. They're complete softies inside!

7 | Beagle

Shutterstock/kobkik

Who wouldn't want Snoopy as a pet? Beagles are the ultimate best friend.

6 | Poodle

Shutterstock

If style is a priority when you pick a pooch, a poodle is the most glamorous choice.

5 | Bulldog

Shutterstock

With their scrunched faces and hunched shoulders, the bulky bulldog is a courageous and kind canine.

4 | French Bulldog

iStock

Frenchies are favorites for city-dwellers who live in small apartments. But with their docked tails, soft ears, and scrunched faces, they're cute no matter where you live!

3 | Golden Retriever

Shutterstock

You can thank Air Bud for making the golden retriever the iconic American dog. Their gentle spirit and happy-go-lucky grins are just some of the many reasons they're beloved.

2 | German Shepherd

Shutterstock

German shepherds are popular both in the police force and in families. Besides being downright beautiful, they're also intelligent, loyal, and gentle.

1 | Labrador Retriever

Shutterstock

Whether you have a black, chocolate, or yellow one, Labs are the ultimate canine companions. They're happy in every environment—from a lake to your living room—and have never met a person they don't instantly befriend. And for more happy pals, check out these 40 Puppy Pictures That Will Put a Smile on Your Face.