What dog breeds are the most popular?

According to the AKC , the most popular dog breeds in the United States are the French bulldogs, Labrador retrievers. golden retrievers, German shepherds, and poodles.

Which is the friendliest dog breed?

All dog breeds can be friendly, but some of the friendliest dog breeds include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and beagles.

Which is the smartest dog breed?

Again, all dogs can be incredibly intelligent, but the smartest dog breeds include poodles, border collies, and Australian shepherds. Just remember: Smart dogs can get in trouble if they're untrained and get bored.

Dogs Dog Breeds

200+ Dog Breeds Feature All Types of Dogs

There's a dog for everyone; let's help you find the right one.

By

Jennifer Lesser

Updated on 10/13/23

Reviewed by Nancy Turner

Fact checked by

Emily Estep

types of dog breeds — Compassionate Eye Foundation / David Leahy Getty Images

In This Article

Sporting Group
Hound Group
Toy Group
Non-Sporting Group
Working Group
Herding Group
Terrier Group
Mixed-Breed and Hybrid Dogs
FAQ

Dog breeds each differ in ancestry, appearance, size, purpose, and temperament. Some are bred exclusively for companionship while others are developed to hunt, herd, or compete.

In all, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 200 purebred dogs while dozens of rare and mixed-breed canines also fill our lives with joy. The AKC's purebred dogs are separated into seven groups based on their original purpose: herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy, and working.

While your dog is of course an individual, you can get a feel for their personality and appearance by learning about their specific breed. So read on to learn more about these 200-plus dog breeds:

Sporting Group

sporting dog group-retriever — John McKeen / Getty Images

Dogs in the Sporting Group were bred to be a hunter’s best sidekick; their purpose is to assist with finding, flushing, catching, or retrieving feathered game such as pheasants or ducks. Human hunters rely on these canines' help with retrieving upland game birds or waterfowl.

There are four basic types of sporting dogs: spaniels, pointers, retrievers, and setters. Some of the breeds in this group, such as retrievers, are especially adept at swimming and specialize in waterfowl like ducks, while setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds are known experts in hunting quail, pheasant, and other game birds in the grasslands.

All the Sporting Group dogs are naturally active and alert with stable temperaments. They also make lovable, well-rounded pets, and are the perfect addition to active families because they require plenty of exercise and time spent outdoors.

Hound Group

In 1930, the AKC introduced the Hound Group to include dogs that were specifically bred to pursue warm-blooded quarry, such as rabbits, raccoons, or even antelope, in contrast to the sporting breeds, which generally hunt birds.

Though hounds all share their astute hunting skills, this group encompasses a diverse array of breeds, some of which rely more heavily on scent to track game and some of which rely more on vision and speed. At home, they're generally charming, affectionate dogs who make loyal companions who are occasionally prone to a stubborn streak).

Toy Group

While they might resemble adorable toys, the dogs in the Toy Group are just as much canine as their larger cousins in the other breed groups. In existence for centuries, the toy breeds were bred for the purpose of serving as companions for their families.

These small, easily portable dogs can be most often found sitting in the lap of their humans—or being carried around in arms, purses, or bags. Ideal for apartment living or anyone with limited space, these dogs still have big personalities. They are intelligent, sociable, and full of energy.

Non-Sporting Group

A group for dogs that don’t quite fit anywhere else, the Non-Sporting Group encompasses a variety of breeds. These pups run the gamut in size, function, and history. Most of these dogs make generally good house dogs and watchdogs, but with breeds ranging from the French bulldog to the poodle, their differences are so vast that it makes it difficult to generalize their individual traits.

Working Group

working dog breed group - great dane — Capuski / Getty Images

Working Group dogs were bred to perform specific jobs related to guarding property, rescues, and drafting. Arguably the hardiest breeds in the canine community, they make dependable, loyal pets with incredible intelligence and energy. However, because of to their large sizes, powerful bodies, and protective personalities, it is very important to properly socialize and train dogs in these breeds.

While the appearances and jobs of the dogs in this group vary, most are powerful and intelligent, and can be relied on to perform rescues and any other tasks to protect their families.

Herding Group

herding dog breed group - german shepherd — Nick Ridley / Getty Images

The Herding Group includes the breeds with possibly the most straightforward task: they herd, gather, and protect livestock. These four-footed shepherds work closely with their humans, often relying on hand signals along with spoken commands to perform their duties. Today, many herding breeds are also used as service dogs, police dogs, or in the military.

The intelligence and natural responsiveness of these dogs makes them highly trainable. Additionally, they tend to be affectionate and loyal companions. Most of these breeds are happiest in homes that can provide lots of exercise, structure, and clear instruction about expected behavior.

Terrier Group

terrier breed group - dog in clovers — Jelena Matvejeva / EyeEm / Getty Images

The vast majority of the dogs in the Terrier Group originated in the British Isles and evolved with particular duties based upon the geography of their specific area, including killing vermin, guarding their family’s home or barn, or hunting small animals (rats, otters, and badgers).

All these dogs share self-confidence and courage, as they are determined to do what it takes to locate their quarry, no matter the terrain. Dogs in the Terrier Group tend to be energetic and feisty. While they do make lovable pets, they tend to have strong personalities and some breeds may require special grooming.

Mixed-Breed and Hybrid Dogs

Not all kinds of dogs will receive AKC recognition because the registry doesn't consider mutts, hybrid dogs, and ultra-rare dogs in the United States. That leaves out doodle-type breeds and other mixed-breed pups you can find at the shelter.

FAQ

What dog breeds are the most popular?

According to the AKC, the most popular dog breeds in the United States are the French bulldogs, Labrador retrievers. golden retrievers, German shepherds, and poodles.
Which is the friendliest dog breed?

All dog breeds can be friendly, but some of the friendliest dog breeds include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and beagles.
Which is the smartest dog breed?

Again, all dogs can be incredibly intelligent, but the smartest dog breeds include poodles, border collies, and Australian shepherds. Just remember: Smart dogs can get in trouble if they're untrained and get bored.