Did you know that there are over 340 dog breeds known throughout the world? That’s a lot! 

The American Kennel Club (AKC), the non-profit organization that is considered to be the expert in all things dog breeds, health, and training, recognizes 197 of those breeds. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, good news — we here at Finn put together the ULTIMATE guide on dog breeds, from most popular, to rarest, biggest, smallest, and those with the longest life expectancies. 

If you’re thinking about rescuing a dog or buying a puppy of your own, you’ve come to the right place.

What Even is a “Dog Breed?”

Fun fact! According to the American Kennel Club, human beings have been breeding dogs since the beginning of time. Like, prehistoric times. Crazy, right? 

Since the beginning, humans have purposefully bred dogs to perform various jobs like hunting, guarding, and herding. To put it simply (and kind of technically), a dog breed is a particular type of dog that humans breed to perform particular tasks. 

While some dogs are still used to working, most of them are our companions, best friends, members of the family, and right-hand pals. They live with us, play with us, keep us company, and show us an unlimited amount of affection that we show right back. 

While each dog is different, a dog breed has a distinct set of aesthetically and temperament traits. 

Most Popular Dog Breeds

The most popular dog breeds of 2020 were released in March of 2021 by the American Kennel Club’s registration statistics. Here are the top five most popular dog breeds in the United States of America this year. 

1. Labrador Retrievers

Labrador retrievers take the cake! And it’s easy to see why. They’ve hit number one for 30 years in a row. No, really! Labradors are one of the most popular breeds on the planet. 

They are friendly, outgoing, and active. They are absolutely great with families, especially with young children. Labs are affectionate and good with other dogs, and their huge smiles and bubbly demeanor are hard to resist. They’re sweet-faced, high-spirited, and easy to train. As far as coat colors go, they come in yellow, black, and chocolate. Don’t ask us to decide which one is right for you. We love them all!

2. French Bulldogs 

The adorable French bulldog is number two on the AKC’s list. These pouty little creatures are characters, and we’re living for their personalities. They’re short and stocky, playful, smart, and adaptable. They’re great with children, affectionate with people, but are sometimes cautious around other dogs. Can you blame them? Frenchies run on the smaller side, and bigger dogs can sometimes be intimidating. Their smushed faces and robust wrinkles are adorable. These pups are an exceptionally companionable breed, and we recommend them for young families. 

3. German Shepherds

The regal German shepherd comes in third place. You can spot a purebred German shepherd from a mile away. They’re popular among Americans due to their confidence, courage, and intelligence. They’re protectors — large, agile, and muscular. They are quick to learn and retain information. 

German shepherds are one of the most loyal breeds out there, willing to put their own lives on the line to protect their loved ones. Unfortunately, this breed tends to have hip and joint issues. If you’ve just welcomed a German shepherd into your home, consider providing them with a hip and joint supplement for extra support.

4. Golden Retrievers

Back to the retrievers, we go. The golden retriever takes fourth place and again, for good reason. This breed is a family favorite because they are friendly, intelligent, and devoted. They usually serve as guides for the blind, work search and rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work. 

Of course, they’re known for their beautifully luscious coats that are iconically golden in color.

5. Bulldogs

Bulldogs make the cut! Of course, they do. Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds in the world. The bulldog is friendly, courageous, and calm, even with their distinct snorting habits. It’s hard to resist that infamous mean mug that’s actually not mean at all. 

Bulldogs are great family canines and will climb into your lap as long as you let them. They are low to the ground, pretty round, and require a fair amount of exercise to keep them healthy and in shape. They don’t particularly love the hot weather as their squished noses cause labored breathing in the heat.