Just like fashion, breeds of canine can go in and out of style. Each year, we get a list of the breeds that won the dog popularity contest, and for the year under review (2020), the results which are based on American Kennel Club (AKC’s) registration statistics were made public on the 16th of March 2021. According to this list of the most popular dog breeds of 2020, the Labrador Retriever breed which has topped the list for the past 30 years consecutively still emerged at the top of the ladder.
Meanwhile, a lot of changes occurred on the new list with fresh favorites knocking others off their former positions. For the first time, the Frenchie ranked above the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever to emerge in the second place. Even the Dachshund that was not formerly among the top ten knocked Pembroke Welsh Corgi to 11th place to take the 10th position.
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Labrador Retriever
As earlier mentioned, the amiable Labrador Retriever still holds pride of place among the top ten, sitting comfortably at the top of the ladder of the most popular dog breeds of 2020. The Lab has maintained this number one slot for 30 good years and looks like it is going to continue to retain it far into the future. The Lab is distinguished by its dense hard coat that can be realized in black, yellow, and chocolate colors. A set of glimmering kind eyes, a wide head, and its thick tapering “otter tail” are also part of the dog’s distinguishing features.
Weighing between 55 and 80 pounds and standing from 21.5 to 24.5 inches at shoulder level (depending on sex), the breed is famously friendly. A companionable housemate that loves to bond with every member of the family and can extend its hand of friendship to the neighbors, as well as their pets. The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy dog and an enthusiastic athlete that needs loads of physical exertion; it can excel in games like swimming, fetch, agility, and many more.
French Bulldog
Earning the second position on the most popular dog breeds of 2020 is the French Bulldog which is like a miniature version of the English Bulldog except for its large, erect “bat ears”; the ears are the trademark feature of the Frenchie. The pup’s features include a large square head, sporting huge wrinkles above an extremely short nose. The dog’s smooth and brilliant coat houses a muscular and compact body.
The Frenchie breed is affectionate, bright, and has severally been described as a charmer. The barking level is very low in the French Bulldog but that does not reduce its alertness one bit; it is no surprise that they make excellent watchdogs. Frenchies can do without too much exercise and can easily adapt to any type of life; they are excellent at family life and can thrive with couples and even singles. They can also thrive in a multi-pet household.
German Shepherd
After the Frenchies comes the German Shepherd at the number three slot. According to the records, the German Shepherds earn a place on the list of the most popular dog breeds of 2020 for several reasons. However, the most outstanding, according to experts is character; the pup which stands around 26 inches at shoulder level is said to be very loyal and exudes confidence, courage, as well as its unconditional love for family. The dog is forever willing to put its life on the line for family and loved ones.
The breed is steadfast as a guardian and gentle as a family pet, however, it harbors a certain detachment and doesn’t lend itself to instant and indiscriminate friendships. The German Shepherd has the innate ability to master command and excels at learning new tricks
Golden Retriever
The number four position on the list of the most popular dog breeds of 2020 is occupied by the Golden Retriever. This medium-sized pooch is known for its muscular and sturdy body and the thick lustrous golden coat that gave rise to the breed’s name. Goldens are set apart by physical attributes like intelligent and friendly eyes set in a broad head, straight muzzle, and short ears. The breed moves with a powerful smooth gait, carrying its feathery tail with what fanciers call “a merry action”.
Goldens are relatively easy-to-train family dogs known to be trustworthy, outgoing, and eager to please. The dog has this ever-present puppyish behavior that it carries into adulthood. This powerful, energetic, and gundog takes a playful and joyous approach to life and never misses a chance to enjoy some playtime outdoors. Originally bred for the purpose of retrieving waterfowl, Goldens take swimming and fetching as their natural pastimes.
The Bulldog (English Bulldog)
The Bulldog is one canine that can never be mistaken for any other breed as it has a plethora of distinguishing features – loose skin around the head, small ears, furrowed brows, pushed-in nose, a distinctive rolling gait, and undershot jaw, sporting hanging chops on both sides. All these features practically shout “I’m a Bulldog!” The short, glossy, and smooth coat of the breed can occur in a plethora of colors.
The pup is more of a couch potato, weighing as much as 50 pounds. The exercise needs of the dog should be moderate, comprising of a brisk walk and perhaps a game. Pet parents need to guard against overweight with the Bulldog as the breed is prone to obesity.
Poodle (Standard)
There are three varieties of the Poodle breed; Toy Poodle, standing at about 10 inches at the shoulder, Miniature Poodle – from 15 inches and below, and Standard Poodle – from 15 inches and above. All three varieties come in the same proportion and build. As opposed to the old stereotype of the Poodle as a “sissy Dog” the breed is actually athletic, eager, smart, and versatile. The dog is one of the best family pets you can think of and it is no surprise that they appear on the list of the most popular dog breeds of 2020.
The Beagle
The Beagle canine breed is another hound that comes in varieties; in this case, we have two types, those between 13 and 15 inches and those below 13 inches high. The two varieties are very powerful and solid, coming in a plethora of colors such as lemon, white, red, and tricolor. The Beagle has been described as a “merry dog” thanks to its lovable, companionable, and happy disposition, all of which make it an exceptional family pet.
Their physical attributes include an adorable face, hazel or brown eyes, long houndy ears, and a broad chest. The breed is clever, curious, and energetic; it loves to spend quality time playing.
The Rottweiler
We cannot conclude the talk on the most popular dog breeds of 2020 without mentioning the Rottweiler which stands from 24 to 27 inches tall at shoulder level (the females come way shorter and lighter). The muscular dog’s smart rust markings on a glistening, short black coat compliment its picture of imposing strength. Its hindquarters are thickly muscled, powering the breed’s effortless trotting gait.
When well-trained, Rotties can be confident, calm, and courageous but will never show undue aggression. They may appear aloof to outsiders, but within the family circle, the breed is downright silly and playful.
Read Also: Labrador Retriever Dog Breed: Information and Personality Traits
The German Shorthaired Pointer
The average weight of the male German Shorthaired Pointer falls from 55 to 70 pounds and 23 to 25 inches in height (the females come shorter and lighter). Coat colors of the breed can be realized as solid liver (reddish-brown), white in distinctive patterns, or liver. The dog is characterized by dark eyes shining with friendliness and enthusiasm. The GSP is a working dog naturally endowed with speed, power, endurance, and agility.
Their overall looks have often been described with two words, aristocratic and noble. The GPS is a trainable and happy pet that loves family life and loves to engage in vigorous activities like swimming, running, and organized dog sports
The Dachshund
The 10th position on the list of the most popular dog breeds of 2020 was claimed by the Dachshund. The dog is characterized by a long-backed body, little limbs, and a big personality. The breed comes in both miniature size (11 pounds or under) and standard (from 16 to 32 pounds) with any one of the three coat types, longhaired, wirehaired, and smooth.
Dachshund is a tireless hound that is game for about anything, though they are not built for strenuous swimming, distance running, or leaping. They are known to be vigilant, smart, and come with a big-dog bark which makes them fine watchdogs. Bred for hunting dangerous prey independently, Dachshunds are quite stubborn and can display bravery to the point of rashness. However, the hound’s unique features and endearing nature has won the hearts of millions.
Recap of the Most Popular Dog Breeds
- Labrador Retriever
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- The Bulldog (English Bulldog)
- Poodle (Standard)
- The Beagle
- The Rottweiler
- The German Shorthaired Pointer
- The Dachshund