There's no single "most likable" dog, as it depends on preference, but breeds consistently topping popularity lists for being friendly, loyal, and good with families include the Cavoodle, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and French Bulldog, known for their gentle, intelligent, and adaptable traits, making them great companions.
The Labrador Retriever held the title from 1991 until 2023. Since then, the French Bulldog has been the most popular dog breed in America.
Australia's most popular dog breed is consistently the Cavoodle (a Poodle-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross), often followed by the beloved Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, though French Bulldogs are also extremely popular, with "oodle" (Poodle-mix) breeds dominating recent lists alongside traditional family favorites.
Every year the American Kennel Club releases our ranking of the most popular dog breeds based on AKC registration statistics for the previous year. The French Bulldog continues to top the rankings at the No. 1 spot for the third year in a row.
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.
1. Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds around, and part of the reason for this is the affectionate personality common to the breed. They're known for being loving and loyal, but they're also very smart dogs, making them quite easy to train.
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The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller, easygoing companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and English Bulldog, all known for their relaxed, affectionate, and laid-back temperaments, though individual dogs vary. Sighthounds like the Greyhound are also surprisingly calm indoors, needing short bursts of energy but otherwise content to lounge.
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.
The "heartbreak breed" typically refers to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their loving nature combined with a significantly shorter lifespan (around 7-10 years) and predisposition to serious heart issues like Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Other breeds, like the Bernese Mountain Dog, are also called "heartbreak" dogs because of high cancer risks, while some owners find giant breeds or those with specific conditions, like Cavaliers and Pugs (heart issues), or Irish Wolfhounds (DCM), heartbreaking due to their health and mortality, despite their sweet disposition.
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A new survey found that Aussies find the kelpie the most beautiful dog. The Project they are amongst many beautiful dogs. They are smart and crazy, devoted to stubborn, loyal to driving you nuts… that's a kelpie! My girl is absolutely the most beautiful kelpie on the planet.
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1 – Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are friendly fur babies that are great with children and are happy to say hello to anyone they meet.
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For example, Afghan Hounds have the lowest adaptive intelligence, which makes them the least intelligent dog.
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Golden retrievers are the ultimate people lovers. They are always looking for a playmate or their next adventure. They are loving and gentle, but also know how to have fun when it's time. Golden Retrievers are great comfort dogs and are always looking to please their owners.
There's no single "number 1" laziest dog, but the English Bulldog is consistently ranked at or near the top for its low energy, love of naps, and tendency to be a couch potato, followed closely by breeds like the Basset Hound, Great Dane, and Shih Tzu, all known for being relaxed companions. These breeds prefer lounging and short strolls over strenuous activity, making them ideal for laid-back owners.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
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