Top Ten Breeds

So you want to know the top ten dog breeds in the United States? Here they are and why!

1. Labrador Retreiver
   Bred primarily as a working gun dog, the Labrador Retriever is a gentle breed with an outgoing nature and a ridiculously friendly temperament. This athletic dog can go from the hunt to the showroom to the family room with equal aplomb.
   
   Because of their gentle natures, Labrador Retrievers make good pets when children or seniors are part of the household, although as pups they can get extremely wild and energetic. While they aren't aggressive, they are known to bark at strangers from time to time. Keep in mind that Labs have big appetites and need lots of exercise, but they're extremely friendly dogs.
2. Golden Retriever
   The Golden Retriever is another highly intelligent breed which are often used as guide dogs for the blind. They are also hunters, family pets, and show dogs. Goldies tend to be friendly and good-natured and are not known for hostility towards people, children, or animals. This even temperament makes them a great family dog, especially with children.
   
   The Golden Retriever is a big dog with a big appetite, so it will need a lot of exercise, especially if confined to an apartment all day. They also shed TONS in the summer, so get ready to have dog hair cover your clothes, food, and everything in your house.
3. German Sheperd
   The German Shepherd is an extremely intelligent dog, often used as a guide dog, police dog, herder. It's an all around great family pet, and their SAT scores are unbelievable. They are curious, faithful, obedient, and love to be in on all activities.
   
   While they make great housedogs, German Sheperds are not recommended for apartments unless you are willing to exercise them for at least two hours each day. Also note that they also eat their weight in food every two and a half days.
4. Dachsund
   How can anyone not love the little wiener dog? They make great apartment dogs, the short hairs require minimal grooming, and are endlessly entertaining to look at. A great companion dog, the Dachsund is intelligent, active, and fiercely loyal to its owner. Often they focus in on one person to the exclusion of all others.
   
   The breed was originally developed in Germany over 300 years ago, and the name is actually German for "badger hound." They are fiercely courageous, even to the point of foolhardiness, and their small stature allowed them to quickly jump into badger holes and flush out badgers on badger hunts.
5. Beagle
   Since 1998, the Beagle has slid in total registrations by over 7,000; it remains at number 5 this year despite the dip in total numbers. The most famous Beagle of all time is undoubtedly Peanuts star Snoopy, who may have single-handedly brought the breed to the top of the list in the first place.
   
   Originally a kind of foxhound, the Beagle is a great tracker and hunter. It should never be allowed out without a leash for this reason, as it will often take off on its own, following a trail to who-knows-where. They are friendly, cheerful dogs, known for imitating vultures and chasing Red Barons. Prospective owners, be warned that they are a vocal dog, due to their background on the hunt.
6. Poodle
   The national dog of France, the Poodle makes and excellent pet. Poodles are intelligent, loving, active, barky, and playful, but also elegant with the right cut and style. The cruel, psychedelic "tie-dyeing" of Poodles has thankfully gone out with the 60s, and the Poodle remains a great family dog, whether you get the Standard, Miniature, or Toy variety.
7. Chihuahua
   Bless you, Taco Bell. Ever since their famous ad campaign, the popularity of this cute little Mexican dog has been skyrocketing.
   
   The perfect-sized dog for urbanite apartment-dwellers, the Chihuahua is very adaptable and loves to travel. They must live inside, however, due to a pronounced agoraphobia in the breed. They also get cold very easily, so be prepared to knit plenty of little doggie sweaters. Chihuahuas have been around for many years as both a popular pet and a religious symbol dating back to the time of the Aztecs.
8. Rottweiler
   The Rottweiler is a massive, powerful, and confident breed, and they make excellent guard dogs. They can, however, be aggressive towards children, so it's best not to chance it if you have toddlers. Rottweilers should be used for police work, as guard dogs, or as a pet for adults.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
   Academics have long debated whether the Yorkie is a small dog or a large sewer rat. After all, when the Yorkshire Terrier is not properly groomed, it looks like a mangy little furball. However, when properly attended to, the Yorkie is a pretty dog that old women like to carry in their purses.
   
   This little dog is quite independent and a great companion. They are especially good apartment dogs and they do not need much exercise.
10. Boxer
    The Boxer is a very alert-looking animal, with pointy tips to his ears that are generally cocked forward. There is a bit of the pug-nose look, and the jowls hang down a bit, but the head has a distinctively chiseled look about it.
    
    Originally developed in Germany as a guard, working, and companion dog, the Boxer was a cross between several breeds, including a Great Dane (hence the ears) and the Bulldog (hence the nose). Its alert posture is due to the fact that it is a "hearing" guard dog, but when not at work it is a playful breed and very patient with children.