Top 10 Dog Breeds

"This list only includes the top ten dog breeds as
recognized by the AKC. There are many more to choose from."

Following is our List of the top 10 dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) 2010 ranking. Includes dog breed pictures as well as detailed information on size, color, temperament, health, training and more.

If you need help choosing the right dog to fit your lifestyle, visit our dog breeds page where you will find a list of questions to help with your decision.

Remember, this list only includes the top 10 dog breeds as recognized by the AKC in 2010. While the top 10 breeds remained the same in 2010 (none were displaced from the list), the Beagle moved up one place to 4th pushing the Golden Retriever to 5th, and Bulldogs and Boxers changed places.

There are many more to choose from, including the complete list of 167 AKC dog breeds.

If you already know what you want or need, take a look at information here to learn more. Finding the right dog for your needs can be an exciting adventure. Get started today!

NOTE: For more information on any of these top 10 dog breeds, click the photo or the breed name.

	Labrador Retriever	AKC Popularity:  1 AKC Breed Group:  Sporting Size of Male:  65-80 lbs., 22.5-24.5 in. Size of Female:  55-70 lbs., 21.5-23.5 in. Color:  Black, Chocolate, Yellow Average Lifespan:  10-12 years Breed Origin:  Canada/England Purpose:  Retriever, Service Dog, Pet
	German Shepherd	AKC Popularity: 2 AKC Breed Group:  Herding Size of Male:  24-26 in., 70-100 lbs Size of Female:  22-24 in., 60-80 lbs Color:  Black and Tan, Black and Cream, Solid Black, and Black and Silver Average Lifespan:  12 years Breed Origin:  Germany Purpose:  Guard Dog, Herding, Police Dog, Search Dog, Contraband Detection
	Yorkshire Terrier	AKC Popularity:  3 AKC Breed Group:  Toy Size of Male:  5-7lbs., 8-9 in. Size of Female:  5-7lbs., 8-9 in. Color:  Blue and Tan Average Lifespan:  12-15 years Breed Origin:  Great Britain Purpose:  Companion
	Beagle	AKC Popularity: 4 AKC Breed Group: Hound Size of Male: 18-30 lbs., 13-15 in. Size of Female: 18-30 lbs., 13-15 in. Color: Black, Tan & White, Lemon & White, Blue Shading, Red & White Average Lifespan: 12-15 years Breed Origin: England Purpose: Field Trials, Trailing Rabbits, Pet
	Golden Retriever	AKC Popularity:  5 AKC Breed Group:  Sporting Size of Male:  23-24 in., 65-75 lbs Size of Female:  21-23 in., 55-65 lbs Color: Different Shades of Gold or Cream Average Lifespan:  10-14 years Breed Origin:  England Purpose:  Assistance, Retrieving, Pet
	Bulldog (English)	AKC Popularity:  6 AKC Breed Group:  Non-Sporting Size of Male:  12-15 in., 45-50 lbs Size of Female:  12-15 in., 35-40 lbs Color:  Solid White, Fawn or Red, Brindle, or any of these colors on White Average Lifespan:  8-10 years Breed Origin:  England Purpose:  Companion NOTE: The Bulldog made the top 10 dog breeds list in 2007, going from 23rd in 1998 to 10th in 2007 and from 7th to 6th in 2010..
	Boxer	AKC Popularity:  7 AKC Breed Group:  Working Size of Male:  65-80 lbs., 22.5-25 in. Size of Female:  50-65 lbs., 21-23.5 in. Color:  Fawn or brindle with white markings Average Lifespan:  8-12 years Breed Origin:  Germany Purpose:  Guardian, Hunter of Large Game, Companion Pet NOTE: The Boxer dog moved up to the top 10 dog breeds list in 2003, going from 12th to 7th in 2008, 6th in 2009 and back to 7th in 2010.
	Dachshund	AKC Popularity:  8 AKC Breed Group:  Hound Size of Male:  8-9 in., 11-32 lbs Size of Female:  8-9 in., 11-32 lbs Color:  Chocolate and Tan, Black and Tan, Solid Red, Fawn and Tan, Sable Average Lifespan:  12-15 years Breed Origin:  Germany Purpose:  Earth Dog Trials, Field Trials and Family Pet
	Poodle	AKC Popularity:  9 AKC Breed Group:  Non-Sporting Size of Male:  15-21 in., 45-65 lbs Size of Female:  15-21 in., 45-65 lbs Color:  Solid Black, White, Brown, Blue, Grey or Apricot Average Lifespan:  10-13 years Breed Origin:  Germany and Central Europe Purpose:  Companion
	Shih Tzu	AKC Popularity:  10 AKC Breed Group:  Toy Size of Male:  8-11 in., 9-16 lbs Size of Female:  8-11 in., 9-16 lbs Color:  Any and All Average Lifespan:  11-14 years Breed Origin:  China Purpose:  Companion NOTE: The Shih Tzu made the top 10 dog breeds list in 2003, going from 11th in 1998 to 9th in 2003 and remaining at 10th for 2009 and 2010.

If you are looking for hypoallergenic dogs (like a Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier) or other specialty breeds, visit our information pages dedicated exclusively to those breeds.

You can also choose from designer dog breeds like the Labradoodle, Goldendoodle or Yorkipoo, other popular mixed breeds or breeds listed through the AKC's Foundation Stock Service®, i.e., purebred breeds not currently registrable with the American Kennel Club.

Go to list of 167 AKC Dog Breeds ranked by Popularity

Go to Alphabetical List of Dog Breeds - 167 AKC Purebred Dogs

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