Can You Identify the 40 Most Popular Dog Breeds in America?

Jacqueline Samaroo

According to the American Kennel Club, this is the Number 1 most popular dog breed in the US! Do you know its name?

There is no doubt that the Labrador Retriever is an extremely popular dog across America. It has taken the top spot in the American Kennel Club's ranking for over 25 years in a row! That's pretty much thanks to the Lab's winning personality, described as "friendly, outgoing and active" by the AKC.

The second-most popular dog breed is used extensively by the police and military. Do you know its name?

German Shepherds are strong, obedient and easily trained, making them good animal actors. In fact, Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd who starred in multiple films between 1922 and 1931, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame! Plus, the 2008 film "Bolt" centers around a white German Shepherd puppy.

Which large dog breed from the "sporting" category has been ranked 3rd-most popular in the US for several years running?

True to its name, the Golden Retriever has a thick, rich, luxurious coat which can be anywhere from light to dark golden in color. This "friendly, intelligent and devoted" breed has been named the State Dog of Delaware.

Currently at Number 4, this ranked all the way down at 11 in 2013. Do you know the breed?

Popularly called the Frenchie, the small breed is described by the AKC as "playful, alert, adaptable and completely irresistible." The shape of a Frenchie's ears (called bat ears) is one of the breed's most distinguishing characteristics.

Which dog breed, shown here, comes in at very respectable Number 5 on the popularity list?

Over the past few years, the Bulldog breed has held on to either the 4th or 5th place on the list. This breed is friendly, courageous and calm," according to the AKC. Those qualities explain why President Calvin Coolidge had a Bulldog - one he gave the super cute name of "Boston Beans"!

Do you recognize the small scent hound shown here? Hint: Snoopy is one and so is Courage the Cowardly Dog!

This intelligent and friendly tracker has seen a small decline in popularity, moving from 4th place in 2013 to its current position at 6th, overall. President Lyndon B. Johnson apparently loved the breed - he has 3 of them with the unusual names of "Him," "Her" and "Edgar"!

Can you name this dog breed which is sitting pretty in 7th position on the AKC list?

The AKC says that this breed is "active, proud and very smart"! Poodles are categorized as Standard, Miniature and Toy, with the Toy version being no more than 10 inches tall. The easy-to-recognize Poodle clip is both decorative and functional, as it helps to keep the dogs' joints warm.

Which affectionate, loyal and protective dog breed stands confidently in the 8th position on the list of most popular breeds?

They may be in 8th place on this list, but this courageous working dog is often the top choice as a police dog, guard dog or search and rescue dog. The Rottweiler has a characteristically short, shiny, black coat with rust or tan markings.

"Affectionate, sprightly and tomboyish" is the description the AKC gives for which popular breed of dogs?

Yorkshire Terriers (lovingly known as Yorkies) are categorized as Toy dogs due to their small size. When the AKC compiled its most recent list of popular dog breeds, the small and spunky Yorkshire Terrier was ranked 9th out of nearly 200 breeds!

This dog rounds out the top ten of the most popular dog breeds! Do you recognize it?

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a Sporting dog which has seen a steady increase in popularity over the years. Back in 2013, the breed was ranked as 13th most popular but has now broken into the top ten - and probably has its sights set on the Number 1 spot!

Sitting just outside of the top ten is the intelligent, medium-sized dog shown here. Do you recognize the breed?

Boxers have a cheerful disposition and a protective nature, making them good dogs to have in homes with children. This might be behind why Boxers have been consistently popular with dog owners in the US. In 2013, they were ranked Number 7 and now they are still going strong at Number 11!

Balto, one of the most famous sled dogs in history, came from this breed. Do you know what it is?

In 12th position is a dog who holds a permanent place in sled dog history. Two Siberian Huskies, Balto and Togo, are remembered for their stamina and bravery helping to carry much-needed serum across Alaska to Nome. The dogs are honored by a statue of Balto in Central Park (New York City).

It is often called a "wiener dog" or sausage dog" but do you know the correct name of this low-slung breed in 13th place?

The word "Dachshund" is German for "badger dog" and refers to the breed's history of being used in badger hunting. President Grover Cleveland, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso have at least one thing in common - they had Dachshunds as pets!

Can you identify this breed of very large dog which has the distinction of being the state dog of Pennsylvania?

"Friendly, patient and dependable" are the words used to describe this large breed of powerfully muscular dogs. Although named for Denmark, the Great Dane is actually of German origin. Two of the most famous fictional dogs are Great Danes - Scooby-Doo and Marmaduke!

Queen Elizabeth II of England is perhaps the most famous owner of which breed of dog shown here?

In 2013, the AKC ranked the Pembroke Welsh Corgi as the 24th most popular breed in the US. The breed has since moved up to occupy 15th place! The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II who has owned more than 30 of them, beginning with Dookie in 1933.

"Muscular, fast and powerful" is how the AKC describes this breed which stands in 16th place. Can you name it?

The Doberman Pinscher has a reputation of being an alert and protective dog. Doberman Pinschers are medium-sized, company, energetic and fiercely loyal! Development of the Doberman Pinscher began in Germany around 1890 and by 1900 it was officially accepted as a breed.

which highly trainable and energetic breed takes 17th place among the top 40 most popular breeds?

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was not developed in Australia! Its roots instead lie in the borderlands connecting France and Spain. They are noted as being eager-to-please with a strong instinct for herding.

Can you name this breed whose small size and big personality have kept it in the top twenty for several years now?

The 18th position is occupied by the smallest of the Schnauzers - the Miniature Schnauzer. While the Standard Schnauzer weighs up to 50 pounds and the Giant gets up to 85 pounds, the Miniature Schnauzer packs all of its energy into just 20 pounds!

The Number 19 position on the list is held by this lovable member of the Toy group. Do you know the breed's name?

Fully grown Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are roughly 13 inches tall and weigh around 18 pounds. The AKC points out that although small. the Cavalier is quite active, gentle and friendly, making it a good choice as a pet for a family with small children.

Do you recognize this breed which originally comes from China and whose name means "Lion Dog"?

The history of the Shih Tzu can be traced back to almost 1,000 BCE and cross-breeding among dogs of Chinese and Tibetan origin. Since its origin, the Shih Tzu breed has been associated with Chinese royalty and is currently ranked at 20th among the most popular breeds in America.

The friendly and intelligent breed in 21st place is quite fittingly the state dog of Massachusetts. Can you name it?

According to the American Kennel Club, all true Boston Terriers can trace their lineage back to one dog known as Hooper's Judge who lived in Boston sometime around the 1860s. Both the coloring and disposition of this breed have led to it often being referred to as "The American Gentleman."

Can you identify this spirited little dog which takes position Number 22 on the list?

The Pomeranian, or Pom, is the smallest breed among the Spitz Group of dogs and sometimes goes by the German name Zwergspitz, meaning Dwarf Spitz. This Toy dog may not look it, but the breed is actually descended from Iceland sled dogs!

This dog breed is named for a famous Caribbean city. Can you figure out what it is?

This is Cuba's only native dog breed! They are increasingly popular in the US, moving up to 23rd place from 25th in 2013. As you might be able to guess from its name, The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba.

Can you identify this herder breed which is named for its Scottish ancestors?

Fondly known as the Sheltie, the Shetland Sheepdog occupies the 34th spot on the AKC's list. The breed is often described as a small version of the Collie. Shelties were originally developed on the Shetland Islands in Scotland just like the similarly small Shetland Pony and Shetland Sheep.

This big breed's name hints at its origins in the Swiss Alps. Can you identify it?

This large, hardy worker has a plush, relatively long double coat. That distinctive black, white and rust color coat along with the breed's characteristic facial markings add to the dogs' appeal. They help to explain why the Bernese Mountain Dog gets ranked 25th out of nearly 200 breeds!

Which medium-sized gundog, described as "stylish, energetic and agile," makes it to Number 26 on the list?

According to the American Kennel Club, the Brittany loves being outdoors and makes a good "all-purpose hunting partner." The Brittany is named for the region in France where it was developed for bird hunting. The breed has since come to be recognized as one of the best bird dogs!

"Beauty and utility" come together perfectly in this hunting breed which ranks 27th. Do you recognize it?

The English Springer Spaniel was developed as a hunting dog to assist with flushing out and retrieving game, Its hunting and detection skills have, in recent times, helped the breed become more popular with police and military K-9 units as sniffer dogs.

Do you recognize this breed of large working dogs which weighs in at Number 28?

Male Mastiffs can weigh up to 230 pounds! The AKC lists this breed as "courageous, dignified and good-natured." In relation to their owners, Mastiffs are both loyal and protective, making them ideal companions for anyone willing to take on a pet of that size!

Although in position Number 29 now, this breed was once consistently topping the charts! Do you recognize it?

The American Cocker Spaniel is simply referred to as the Cocker Spaniel by the AKC. The popularity of the breed in years gone may be associated with the hugely popular 1955 Walt Disney animated movie "Lady and The Tramp" in which the beautiful Lady is an American Cocker Spaniel.

Do you recognize this breed which is ranked 30th and is also known as the Hungarian Pointer?

Its smooth and shiny golden-rust coat is the most distinguishing physical feature of this breed. The Vizsla is an energetic and affectionate gundog who forms a very strong bond with its owner, making it a very good choice of pet. Be warned - this lovable dog does not like being left alone!

This Toy breed was favored by Chinese royalty and has a face almost anyone can identify! Can you?

The Pug currently ranks at Number 31 on the AKC's popularity chart. Described as "charming, mischievous and loving," this small dog is fittingly summed up by the AKC with the Latin phrase "multum in parvo" which means "a lot in a little"!

This Toy dog originated in Mexico and is named after a Mexican state. Can you identify it?

The small and sassy Chihuahua is ranked at Number 32. An adult Chihuahua weighs no more than 6 pounds, making it the smallest breed recognized by the American Kennel Club! Chihuahuas are regularly featured in films, such as "Beverly Hill Chihuahuas" (2008) and "Legally Blonde" (2001)

Do you recognize this all-white Toy breed which has settled nicely into the Number 33 spot?

Known as "the ancient dog of Malta," the Maltese is believed to have been developed in that Mediterranean island-country from before 500 BCE. Maltese are playful companions who weigh less than 7 pounds when fully grown and measure between 7 and 9 inches in height.

What is the name of the large sporting breed of dog shown in this photo?

Out of over 200 breeds listed by the American Kennel Club, the Weimaraner ranks at Number 34 in terms of popularity. One lover of the breed was US President Dwight D. Eisenhower who had a pet Weimaraner named Heidi. She lived with the President and his family in the White House.

This little herder makes it into the top 40 in 35th place. Do you know the name of this highly trainable breed?

The Miniature American Shepherd was developed in the US in the 1960s. It was intended to be a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd while retaining the amazing herding abilities of that breed. In fact, the breed was originally known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd!

In 36th place is this large working dog which was owned by 2 US presidents. Can you name it?

The Newfoundland breed is described by the AKC as "sweet, patient and devoted." Both Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and James Buchanan has Newfoundlands as pets while they lived in the White House. Buchanan's dog was named Lara while Grant's dog was named Faithful.

Which breed of dog shown here is considered by many to be the ultimate "bodyguard dog"?

The Cane Corso's popularity has been growing in leaps and bounds! The breed, also known as the Italian Mastiff, was ranked 60th in 2012 but has jumped all the way up to 37th, currently. The fiercely loyal Cane Corso's name translates to "guardian dog" or "protector dog."

Do you recognize this breed of sheepdog who has relatives known as "Scotch," "Rough" and "Smooth"?

In 38th place is the Border Collie - a breed which the AKC describes as "a remarkably bright workaholic." This muscular medium-sized dog is strong, agile and always alert, making it one of the most respected sheepdogs anywhere in the world!

Ranked at Number 39, is the breed whose name comes from the French word for "dwarf." Can you say what it is?

The AKC describes Basset Hounds as "low-slung and low-key." This very keen scent hound has an independent nature and is not easily trained but can be a very friendly and loyal companion. Many persons perhaps recognize the Basset Hound breed as the mascot for Hush Puppies shoes!

This breed which rounds out the top 40 comes in both "Rough" and "Smooth" varieties. Can you name it from the picture?

Lassie - one of the most famous fictional dogs is actually a Rough Collie! She appears in the 1940 novel "Lassie Come-Home" which, 3 years later, was turned into an enduring classic film starring Pal (a male Rough Collie) as Lassie.

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Image: Compassionate Eye Foundation/David Leahy / DigitalVision / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Hot diggity dog! You are in for a happy, tail-wagging experience with this dog breed identification quiz!

Out of all the domesticated animals in the world, dogs were the very first! They have been evolving with humans for almost 15,000 years and our history is intricately intertwined with theirs. The domestication of the ancient wolf and the emergence of the dog as a protector, worker and companion occurred independently in several regions. The isolation of some dog populations, along with selective breeding by dog owners, has given rise to the wonderfully diverse dog breeds present today. With so many dog breeds in existence, it's no surprise that some enjoy more popularity than others.

The breeds are often classified and named according to factors such as location, ancestry, size and purpose. So, while it may be easy to distinguish between toy and giant breeds, it may take more in-depth canine knowledge to differentiate between English, American and Australian breeds, for example! Do you know enough about the different dog breeds to ace this quiz or will you be barking up the wrong tree? Let's find out!

If you are an expert in all things dog-related or just an avid dog lover, then this is no time to roll over and play dead - take the quiz!

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