In America, we often pride ourselves on going against the grain. We think of ourselves as being spontaneous, creative, and individualistic, but when it comes to choosing a dog breed we mostly tend to follow the crowd! Even though there are 150 breeds recognized by the American kennel club, the top 20 dog breeds make up about 75% of all the dogs registered.
As a matter of fact, 20% of the dogs registered by the American kennel club are either a golden retriever or Labrador. How’s that for going against the grain! As it turns out, the three most popular breeds in the US are the Labrador retriever, Golden retriever, and the German shepherd.
The Labrador retriever is the most popular breed in America, and it is easy to see why with its good nature, willingness to be trained, and its fondness for children. These dogs tend to require lots of exercise, so keep this in mind when considering what kind of dog to choose. Your dog may be very unhappy and even unhealthy without a significant amount of exercise.
The Golden retriever looks arguably like a more elegant version of the Labrador because of its long and beautiful hair that can range from light blonde to reddish brown. It also is excellent with children and has a very loving nature, so don’t expect it to be a very good guard dog at all! Its size is similar to the Labrador retriever and ranges from 60 to 90 pounds, with males typically being about 10 or 15 pounds heavier than females.
The third most popular dog in the U.S. is the German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd is more willing and more able to act as a guard dog and tends to be intelligent. Be especially careful to choose a reputable breeder, however. You may get stuck with a sick or aggressive German Shepherd because the breed has been losing some of its quality due to its popularity.
Always remember to think carefully before you purchase a dog. Don’t give into the initial feeling when you see a cute puppy, because this thought may not end up fitting very well in your family.
Learn as much as you can about the breeds and particular dog you’re considering, and keep in mind the various characteristics including aggression, ease of training, life expectancy, exercise requirements, and shedding.
Also make sure to choose a reputable breeder in order to decrease the likelihood of health problems or other issues. Keep in mind that individual dogs may have needs and characteristics that deviate from the breed in general.
