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Most Popular Dog Breeds
Dogs and people have shared their lives for thousands of years. People have guided the development of dogs to suit their needs. As humans developed into a more cultured species, dogs followed along. Dogs became more domestic and turned into a staple in people's lives. Today, many canine companions are considered family members.
One of the best things about having a dog is choosing a breed that fits your personality and lifestyle. But because there are so many options, it can be tough to make a decision.
French Bulldog. Quiet, stout, and affectionate, Frenchies are now ranked by the American Kennel Club as the No. 1 most popular dog in the U.S. Frenchies love their people and make enjoyable companions. Their coats come in a wide variety of colors and markings. They were bred from bulldogs and miniaturized somewhere between England and France. Frenchies were intended to be companion dogs instead of working dogs, but they love to play.
Frenchies are excellent urban and city dogs because they don't require a lot of activity. They have relatively low levels of energy and prefer to be on a couch somewhere near their human.
Their short noses can make it tough for them to breathe at times, and they shouldn't be out in the hot weather because they overheat easily.
Labrador Retriever. Labradors are known for their kind nature and great behavior with kids and families. They generally have high intelligence, which makes them easy to train. Initially bred for sporting, they have an athletic nature and are always ready to play or work.
Labs have a high level of energy. For this reason, they need a lot of exercise or they can become bored and get into trouble. Owners should brush their Lab weekly, but during shedding time, they might need a brush daily.
Labrador retrievers should eat a diet designed for their age and activity levels. Labradors are at risk of developing hip or elbow dysplasia, bloat, and some heart and eye conditions. If you choose a Lab, make sure you regularly take them to your veterinarian for checkups.
Golden Retriever. Named for its coat color, the Golden Retriever is a highly intelligent dog capable of performing many tasks. As a family dog, the breed is known for its gentle and playful nature. Bred for hunting and field work, Goldens also live to please their people.
Goldens have a high energy level that comes with a need for lots of activity. Walks, swimming, playtime, and lounging time with their humans keep Golden Retrievers in good shape and entertained. Like with other dogs, Goldens just need a diet that's appropriate for their age and activity level to stay healthy and active.
Owners should make sure they regularly take their dog to the veterinarian for checkups to identify any health problems, as dysplasia can be a problem.
German Shepherd. Another well-loved breed, German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) are popular for many reasons. They're easy to train. These dogs are quick to learn commands and are gentle around their friends and loved ones. They do best when they are trained and can get rewarded for assignments.
GSDs don't require frequent bathing but should be brushed once a week — more if it is shedding time. Shepherds need a good amount of exercise because they are athletic dogs. They have a moderately high level of energy and excel at mental and physical tasks. Like most dogs, they can gain too much weight if they eat more than they should.
Poodles. One of the most intelligent dogs around, Poodles have been stereotyped as dogs with an ear towards doggy stardom. Poodles began as working dogs, retrieving game from the cold waters in Germany.
Poodles have moderately high levels of energy and require exercise for good health. Like most medium-sized and larger dogs, the poodle can develop hip dysplasia. Smaller variants can develop some joint problems in their legs. Overall, the Poodle has had many health problems bred out. Poodles make excellent companions and are easy to train.
Bulldog. A list of favorite dogs isn't complete without the Bulldog. Easily recognizable, the Bulldog was bred down from dogs used for bull-baiting (killing bulls for sport) after the activity became illegal. Bulldogs are now gentle and lovable family pets for many households.
Bulldogs have a moderately high level of energy and should be walked for exercise. They are not very good swimmers, so wading in shallow water is all they should be allowed to do in the water on their own.
Like the Frenchy, Bulldogs can gain weight very quickly, so they need to be kept on a diet that's appropriate for their activity level and age. Hot and humid weather is also not good for the Bulldog because their short snouts make it hard to breathe in the heat.
Potential Health Issues. When you're choosing a breed, it's important to take into consideration the health problems they are prone to. Large and medium-sized dogs can develop hip dysplasia and bloat among other conditions. Smaller dogs can have breathing problems or problems with their knees and heart.
Living Space. Think about the environment you're in when choosing your dog breed. Small apartment complexes may not be the best for large or loud dogs. They need more room to move around. Small dogs might be more vocal and irritate close neighbors. If you're not home often, you'll have to have someone to care for your dog.
Time and Attention. Consider the amount of attention you plan on giving to your pooch. If you need a dog that likes to cuddle on your lap, large dogs might not be a good choice. Above all, commit to your pooches health and establish a relationship with a veterinarian you trust. Purchasing pet insurance can help you cover unexpected health problems.
Most And Least Expensive Dog Breeds
The larger the dog, the higher its monthly expenses will be. Most giant breeds live only eight to 10 years, so the overall ownership cost is lower than large breeds that live longer. Taking life expectancy into account, here are the five dog breeds with the highest total ownership costs*.
This breed is only "giant" in comparison to other schnauzers. Adults typically weigh 55 to 80 pounds but are highly active and may need up to 4 cups of food per day. You can expect to spend $290 per year on food and $345 on treats. Giant schnauzers are very intelligent but strong-willed and may become destructive when bored. Thus, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. You'll need to spend on toys and training to help with this.
Giant schnauzer puppies are hard to find and cost an average of $2,500. First-year costs for this breed, including supplies, training and vet visits, are about $5,940. Grooming is another substantial cost: A giant schnauzer has a double coat that must be hand-stripped every four to six months. Expect to pay about $650 per year for grooming.
Giant schnauzers are usually relatively healthy, though hip and joint problems, thyroiditis, and squamous cell carcinoma are possible. Vet visits will cost an average of $675 per year, plus any emergencies.
Giant schnauzers cost an average of $2,190 per year of adult life. Considering first-year costs and a lifespan of 14 years, that's about $34,410, making the giant schnauzer the most expensive breed on our list.
GoldendoodleIt may surprise you to see this mixed breed on our list, but since the goldendoodle is a designer breed combining a golden retriever with a standard poodle, it's fairly expensive. Puppies are easy to find, but a responsible breeder who knows how to pair dogs to lower the likelihood of hereditary illness will charge about $2,000 for a goldendoodle.
Food costs about as much as it would for a giant schnauzer, about $290 per year, as both breeds are similar in size and energy levels.
Goldendoodles don't shed much, but they'll need regular haircuts totaling about $710 annually. They are reasonably healthy, but like many large breeds, they're prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. These genetic conditions can cause arthritis, joint pain and even paralysis. So expect to spend about $675 per year on vet bills.
First-year expenses for a goldendoodle puppy average about $5,675, and you can expect to pay roughly $2,250 annually after that. Over an average life expectancy of 13 years, this comes to about $32,675.
Tibetan MastiffThe first truly giant breed on our list, Tibetan mastiffs are huge, hard-working guard dogs that can weigh up to 160 pounds. They eat 4 to 6 cups of food per day, or about 430 pounds per year, totaling $390 annually plus another $345 for treats.
Another considerable regular expense is professional grooming at about $900 per year. Mastiffs' thick double coats form a lion-like mane around their neck and shoulders, which creates a striking appearance but requires frequent grooming to remain mat- and tangle-free.
Tibetan mastiffs are a somewhat rare breed. A puppy can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $4,500, though the average is $2,500. In 2011, a Tibetan mastiff named Big Splash sold for $1.5 million — at the time, the most expensive dog ever sold.
Even if you opt for a rescue dog with $500 in adoption fees, you'll still need to pay yearly medical expenses of about $750. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other orthopedic conditions are concerns, as are hypothyroidism and canine inherited demyelinating neuropathy.
Total first-year costs for a Tibetan mastiff puppy add up to $6,235 since they cost so much to purchase and grow so quickly. These dogs also have the highest average yearly adult costs at about $2,625. However, since they live only about 11 years, their overall cost is $32,485, slightly lower than the goldendoodle.
Black Russian TerrierThe black Russian terrier is similar to the Tibetan mastiff in that it's a giant breed with a high annual cost and a short life span. It's also rare, with puppies costing around $2,000. You can expect to pay about $5,750 in the first year of ownership between food, training, medical bills and extra-large supplies.
Adult black Russian terriers can weigh up to 140 pounds and eat about $380 worth of food annually. Grooming their long double coats isn't quite as hard as a Tibetan mastiff, but you'll still pay about $730 per year for professional grooming. Black Russian terriers are fairly healthy, but there's still the potential for elbow and hip dysplasia and an eye disease called progressive retinal apathy. Expect to pay about $750 per year in medical expenses.
Overall, an adult black Russian terrier costs about $2,445 per year, totaling $30,200 over an 11-year life span.
LabradoodleAnother hybrid breed rounds out our top five, thanks to the relatively high price of puppies (about $1,550) and longer life span. Because this mix of labrador retriever and standard poodle is a designer breed, there aren't many in shelters. You'll likely need to find a breeder and possibly join a waiting list. Expect to pay about $225 for the first year of food and $255 per year for food after that.
Labradors come in various coat textures and lengths, so grooming requirements depend on the individual labradoodle's parentage but average about $650 per year. Most labradoodles grow to about 50 to 65 pounds, though some are bred smaller. Hip and elbow dysplasia are potential health concerns, as are epilepsy, diabetes and progressive retinal apathy. That said, labradoodles tend to gain some health benefits from their hybrid genetics, so medical costs will be about $625 per year.
A labradoodle puppy costs about $4,695 in the first year of ownership and $2,065 for each subsequent year. Assuming a lifespan of 13 years, this breed has a total ownership cost of about $29,475.
5 Dog Breeds That Have Changed Over The Past 100 Years
Tens of thousands of years ago in prehistoric Eurasia, some daredevil made friends with a gray wolf. The millions of domesticated dogs we see today are all likely its descendants, and their enormous diversity masks a remarkable fact: Even after millennia of selective breeding, all of them, from the Chihuahua to the St. Bernard, remain members of the same species.
Canis familiaris displays by far the most variation of any mammal, and it's still evolving at a steady clip. The mutation rate is so fast because breeders deliberately pair dogs with desirable traits or cross-breed distinct lineages to create novel "designer dogs." In so doing, they speed up the leisurely process of natural selection, which is indifferent to human notions of canine perfection.
Today, our beloved pets come in 200 breeds (according to the American Kennel Club; the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, or World Canine Organization, uses vastly different standards and recognizes more than twice that number). In just the past century, many of them have undergone major transformations.
Entertaining as it is to compare our favorite dogs to their ancestors, their pedigrees often come with a cost. Because many breeds descend from just a few individuals, they lack genetic diversity, which predisposes them to a host of diseases that mixed breeds escape. In some cases, those diseases directly result from the anatomy dog fanciers have sculpted in their pursuit of each breed's ideal (or "standard," in kennel club lingo).
How Dog Breeds Have Changed Over TimeHere are a few breeds that have changed since the advent of photography and their common health complications.
1. Bull Terrier(Credit: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Bull Terrier Circa 1915
As its name suggests, this breed was originally a mix between bulldogs and terriers. Just like them (and basically all other dogs) the bull terrier once had a clear break between snout and forehead.
Around the turn of the 20th century, however, breeders began to mold its profile into a smooth arc from nose to skull, almost like the slope of a shark's head. This, its most distinctive feature, is sometimes referred to as an "egg-head," full and without hollows or indentations. Another key trait is the deep-set, triangular eyes, designed to create what today's standard calls a "piercing glint."
Besides their looks, the bull terrier was also bred to mellow out the aggression of its bulldog forebears (themselves bred for bull-baiting until it became illegal in 1835) while still retaining their courage. Common health problems include skin allergies and deafness, which affect nearly 20 percent of white bull terriers.
(Credit:Alexandra Morrison Photo/Shutterstock)
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2. English Bulldog(Credit:Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Bulldog from 1915
The exact breed that gave the bull terrier half its name no longer exists, its descendants having grown into something new: The dense, heavily jowled watchdogs of the 21st century. Though always a squat creature, today's English bulldogs are even more thick-set, with more prominent cheek folds that hang well below a massive jaw. They've lost much of the agility that earlier bulldogs needed for blood sport.
Australian veterinarian Mark Tenenbaum, founder of The Vet Society, has written that the English bulldog has "almost acquired all possible deleterious breed predispositions over the past century" — everything from difficulty breathing to skin and eye diseases. A 2004 survey by the Kennel Club, the U.K.'s largest dog organization, found that their average lifespan is just over six years, significantly shorter than most breeds.
(Credit:WilleeCole Photography/Shutterstock)
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3. PugPortrait of Pug of the Vom Rath Family, by Conradijn Cunaeus, c. 1850-80, Dutch watercolor painting (Credit:Everett Collection/Shutterstock)
Pugs are among the few breeds with an established claim to antiquity. Historians generally agree they originated in the first millennium B.C. in China, bred as companion animals. These days, they're known and loved for their adorably smushed faces, but that supposedly desirable trait is actually the main cause of their health issues.
Just a century or two ago, their snouts were considerably longer and healthier. Now pugs, like other "brachycephalic" breeds with ludicrously short noses (including bulldogs), typically struggle with breathing due to their deformed respiratory tracts. The condition is so severe and prevalent that researchers from the Royal Veterinary College argue the pug "can no longer be considered as a typical dog."
(Credit:Studio number 94/Shutterstock)
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4. German Shepherds(Credit:Heinrich Sperling, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Once a lean dog of merely 50 pounds, the German shepherd is now a lumbering, barrel-chested creature that reaches nearly twice that weight. That shift occurred as breeders adapted them for use in guarding and police work, as well as herding. But in addition to altering their appearance and abilities, the dramatic change in proportions has led to musculoskeletal problems.
Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, painful genetic diseases in which the ball-and-socket joints fit together poorly. That condition, as well as loss of muscle control in the hindlegs that renders them unable to stand, has lowered the breed's lifespan to an average of 10 years.
(Credit:Rade Kovac/Shutterstock)
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5. Neapolitan Mastiff(Credit:IlSistemone, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
"The essence of the Neapolitan," the American Kennel Club states, "is his bestial appearance, astounding head and imposing size and attitude." Surely, "astounding" is the only way to describe the mountain of excess skin that enfolds this breed's gigantic face.
Weighing in at anywhere from 100-200 pounds, the Neo, like the German Shepherd and many other large dogs, suffers from several size-related problems. Besides hip dysplasia, they're susceptible to bloat, which happens when the stomach fills with gas and twists, causing abdominal pain.
(Credit:Michael J Magee/Shutterstock)
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