As our lives keep getting more connected with our furry friends, different dog breeds become more popular each year. And, with over 360 breeds out there, you might be curious which ones make the list. Well, the American Kennel Club keeps track of the most popular ones in the U.S. every year.
This article will look at the top 5 popular dog breeds of 2024 that everyone is talking about. Let’s find out which breeds are still stealing the spotlight.
1. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a special and popular small-dog breed that many people love, especially those who live in cities. These dogs are lively, charming, alert, and, most importantly, resilient. It’s no wonder they have been the most popular breed for the past few years, according to the AKC.
French Bulldogs look like mini Bulldogs, but they have big, erect ‘bat ears’ that make them stand out. They also have large, square heads with heavy wrinkles above their very short noses. Under their smooth, shiny coats, their bodies are compact and muscular.
People sometimes call French Bulldogs “Frenchies.” They are friendly and loving dogs that don’t bark much, but they are always alert, which makes them great watchdogs. They are happy living with singles, couples, or families and don’t need a lot of outdoor exercise. French Bulldogs also connect easily with other animals and love meeting new people.
Because of their body shape, French Bulldogs can’t swim, while their very close relative Pitbull can. so you should never leave them alone near water. They also have some health issues to watch out for. Like other flat-faced breeds, they can have breathing problems, especially in hot or humid environments. They’re also more sensitive to anesthesia.
To make sure your French Bulldogs stay healthy, you should test them for these conditions before they have puppies.
2. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds because they’re friendly, smart, and easy to train. They have beautiful, shiny, golden coats and are known for their wagging tails.
You might have seen Golden Retrievers before—they’re the ones with the big smiles. They are big dogs with a calm and gentle nature, which makes them perfect for small families. They love to be part of the action, whether they’re playing indoors or outdoors. You’ll often find them carrying things around in their mouths, and they especially love water.
Golden Retrievers are good with other animals, especially if they’re introduced to them when they’re young. So, if you have other pets, a Golden Retriever could be a great addition to your family. They’re best suited to active families like yours who enjoy spending time outdoors because they need lots of exercise and love to join in on all the fun.
However, they’re not good guard dogs because they’re so friendly with everyone. They thrive on attention and love, so they will be with you if you can give them plenty of care and affection. They’re great for families, even if you’ve never had a dog before. However, they do need some extra training. And to drill them, you need to use the right accessories from reliable sources. In this regard, the Alpine Dog offers some of the best leashes, harnesses, and collars.
Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but you need to be aware of potential health issues. They also need regular grooming to keep their coats looking nice. With the right care and training, a Golden Retriever can be a wonderful addition to your family.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, energetic, and playful dogs. Originally, this line was bred in the United Kingdom as hunting dogs, but now many people keep them as companion pets. You can train them easily for various tasks, including guiding the blind, assisting in rescue missions, or providing therapy to those in need.
Labrador Retrievers come in three different colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. They are good as guide dogs. Labradors have a high success rate in becoming guide dogs compared to other breeds like Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.
Labrador Retrievers are excellent at retrieving things, both on land and in water. They have a soft mouth, with which they can carry things without damaging them. Their webbed paws, otter-like tail, and waterproof coat make them great swimmers. Also, Labradors are not just good at physical tasks; they are smart.
4. Border Collie
The Border Collie is an amazing dog, but it might be a bit too amazing for owners who don’t have a lot of time, energy, or space. These dogs are full of energy and love to stay busy. When they’re done with their work, they’ll happily settle down for cuddle time.
Border Collies are medium-sized dogs, standing about 18 to 22 inches tall. They have strong, athletic bodies that are perfect for herding. You will find them in different colors and patterns, with almond-shaped eyes that show how smart they are. When they’re working, they have an intense gaze called the “herding eye.”
Border Collies are some of the most agile and balanced dogs around. They’re smart enough and at the same time, they love to learn new things. They’re great at agility training, herding, and obedience work. You can say- they need to have a job to do to be happy.
These dogs are friendly with their family and friends but can be a bit shy around strangers. Border Collies are usually healthy, however, you should check them for certain health conditions.
Border Collies need a lot of exercise every day. Just a short walk won’t be enough for them. They love to run and play, so they need space to do that. If they don’t have a job to do, they need even more exercise. That’s why these dogs are perfect for you if you love spending time outdoors. Your Border Collies will enjoy taking part in all kinds of activities, like herding, obedience, and agility competitions.
Border Collies love their families but may be a bit reserved around strangers. They do best with older children who know how to behave around them. Early training and socialization are also important for them. This breed learns quickly, but you need to teach them how to behave around different people and situations.
5. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a breed that started in Germany in the late 1800s by mixing different herding breeds. During World War II, they became the military’s top choice. They were also the first guide dogs. Today, they are one of the most popular breeds worldwide.
If you decide to get a German Shepherd, you should know they are known for their courage, loyalty, and guarding instincts. They are great guard dogs, police dogs, military dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and search and rescue dogs.
Moreover, they can also be good family pets, but because they are big and powerful with strong guarding instincts, you should buy them from good breeders. Dogs from bad breeders are more likely to be nervous. However, with proper training and socializing, they can be wonderful friends.
To prevent over-guarding and aggressive behavior in your German Shepherd, you should socialize and train it from a young age. They need to spend time with your family and meet different people and pets while being watched. Don’t leave them alone in a kennel or backyard.
German Shepherds are active dogs and need lots of exercise every day. If they don’t get enough exercise, they can get bored and cause trouble. Also, they need regular grooming because they shed a lot twice a year and a little bit all the time. Brushing them regularly can help control shedding and keep their coat nice.
Key Takeaways
In this list of the most popular dog breeds of 2024, I prioritize breeds that come in all shapes and sizes, from small and affectionate to large and loyal. Some breeds have always been favorites, while others are gaining popularity because of their unique traits and how well they fit into modern lifestyles.
Whether you are impressed by the intelligence of Border Collies, the affection of Labrador Retrievers, or the elegance of German Shepherds, there’s a beloved breed for you to choose from.
