The most commonly stolen dog breeds often include popular, high-value breeds like the French Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Chihuahua, alongside loyal working dogs like the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever, with lists varying slightly by region (UK vs. US) and year, but generally featuring these breeds due to demand, resale value, and ease of theft. Other frequent targets are the Siberian Husky, Bulldog, Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Pit Bull.
The dog breed at highest risk of theft is French Bulldogs, with 51 taken last year — an increase of 38% on 2023. This is closely followed by English Bulldogs (37), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (31), and Chihuahuas (26).
The 14 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Dog Breeds Most Likely to Bite
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While there's no single "number one," the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever consistently rank as top friendly dogs due to their gentle, outgoing, and loyal temperaments, making them excellent family pets good with kids and other animals, though they need plenty of exercise. Other top contenders for friendliness include Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Pugs, known for their playful, affectionate, and people-loving natures.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
Pit bulls (346) and rottweilers (51) were involved in 76% (397) of total fatal dog bites. The other fatal dog attacks involved 35 different dog breeds. German shepherds (with 238 PSI bite force) were responsible for 4.2% (24) of the attacks.
French bulldog, bulldog or a pug
These are Simpson-Vernon's top pick for dogs he'd never own. “Basically any flat-faced dog,” says Ben the Vet. “Society has normalized the fact that these dogs snorting means that they can't breathe very well.”
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The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and Shih Tzu, all known for their laid-back, affectionate, and easygoing temperaments, thriving on companionship over high activity.
According to Svartberg's data (PDF), a pinscher, a Bernese mountain dog, or an English springer spaniel might be the most disloyal since each ranks very low on playfulness, with moderate sociability.
Lady Gaga's dog walker was attacked, and her French bulldogs were stolen. Ryan Fischer was walking Lady Gaga's three dogs — named Asia, Koji and Gustav — in Hollywood just off the famed Sunset Boulevard when he was shot once in the chest with a bullet from a . 40-caliber handgun.
German Shepherds
They are intelligent and affectionate around adults and children, alike, but will stand up to threats from strangers. German Shepherds are commonly used by the police force as executive protection dogs and perform tasks such as bomb and drug detection.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs most commonly refers to either potty training for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision, or a cycle of 10 min outside/10 min inside) or the 80/10/10 raw feeding diet (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organs) for a natural diet; it can also refer to a nutrition guideline where treats are 10% of calories, or a rest rule (10 mins rest per hour of play). The specific meaning depends on the context, but all promote consistency, balance, and understanding canine needs.
Ten Most Dangerous Dog Breeds
The only breed of dog mentioned by name in the Bible is the greyhound (Proverbs 30:29-31, King James Version): "There be three things which do well, yea, Which are comely in going; A lion, which is strongest among beasts and Turneth not away from any; A greyhound; A he-goat also."
The #1 smartest dog breed, consistently ranked by experts like Dr. Stanley Coren, is the Border Collie, known for its exceptional ability to learn commands quickly (sometimes in under five repetitions) and obey them consistently, excelling in problem-solving and demanding mental stimulation. Other top contenders for intelligence often include the Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Shetland Sheepdog, recognized for their trainability and eagerness to please.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters thrive on companionship rather than solitude. If you're looking for a safe and trainable breed for your active family, an Irish Setter is an excellent choice. It loves to exercise in the backyard, out on the trail or at the dog park.
Most loyal dog breeds are good family dogs, though some might be better suited for older children.
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Labrador retrievers and German shepherds remain among the most popular dog breeds year after year, but some underrated breeds like the Bedlington terrier and the Tibetian spaniel, despite lower ranks in popularity, have outstanding qualities making them the perfect Fido friends.