The 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds in 2022

Types of Setter Dogs
WiP-Studio/Shutterstock.com

Written by Kyle Glatz

Published: January 13, 2022

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Getting a pet dog is a big decision that requires a fair amount of thought. The last thing you want to do is end up with a breed that is not compatible with you. Fortunately, we’re going to help you cut down on the stress of choosing a dog by showing you the 20 most popular dog breeds in 2022.

Using data gathered from kennel clubs around the world and recent trends, we can estimate which breeds are going to be the most popular. Learn which dogs made the cut for this year!

Pit Bull Puppy

You have to think about how the dog will fit into your life, literally in some cases.

Choosing the right dog for you is a big step, but you have to consider the dog’s size, activity level, and lifespan. We’re going to explore each of those facets for the 20 popular dog breeds that we’re listing here. That way, you can figure out which of these breeds is one you should adopt and welcome into your family as a pet.

Golden Retriever puppy chewing on a toy

Golden Retrievers are consistently popular dog breeds.

These are the most popular dog breeds around the world according to registrations in over 25 countries! Take a look at these gorgeous animals and see which one is the perfect pet for you and your family.

1. Labrador Retriever

Cute Labrador Retriever dogs on green grass in summer park

Labrador Retrievers are loving, sometimes goofy dogs.

Height20-24 inches
Weight55- 80 pounds
LifespanUp to 15 years
Perfect Dog Breed forActive families, especially with other dogs

Labrador Retrievers are very popular animals because they tend to be large and loving. They make good protectors and companions, and they are intelligent enough to be effectively trained in many ways. They need a fair amount of space and lots of exercise.

2. German Shepherd

German shepherds playing tug

German Shepherds are commonly used as police and military dogs.

Height20-26 inches
Weight80-95 pounds
Lifespan10-13 years
Perfect Dog Breed forExercises lovers, people who are home a lot. Also good for homes that need a guard dog.

German Shepherds are amazing guard dogs but also very energetic and loving dogs. They are rather large animals that need lots of time to play, and they can become territorial. These animals need good training and attentive owners to be successful. Once they’re trained, German Shepherds are some of the best animals you could ever own.

3. French Bulldog

French Bulldog dog on a beach

French Bulldogs are small creatures with a lot of love to give!

Height10-12 inches
Weight16-28 pounds
Lifespan10-14 years
Perfect Dog Breed forAffectionate people with moderate space and exercises abilities

The French Bulldog is a small, lovable dog that loves to communicate with its owner. They are affectionate and loving dogs, but they can be quite needy. These dogs love to bond with people and they’re generally quieter and less excitable than others.  

4. Golden Retriever

Types of Hunting Dogs

Golden Retrievers are great family dogs that are amazingly photogenic.

Height21-24 inches
Weight60-75 pounds
Lifespan10-12 years
Perfect Dog Breed forHomes with other dogs, sporting families

Golden Retrievers are iconic pets that need good training. Although they can be good with other dogs and children, they have some bad habits they need to be trained out of, like food aggression. Otherwise, they’re loving, loyal, playful dogs that are often dopey.

5. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are very expressive!

Height8 inches
Weight1-6 pounds
Lifespan10-18 years
Perfect Dog Breed forLow exercise homes, people with smaller homes, individuals that are home often.

Chihuahuas are yappy and can be aggressive even though they are not likely to hurt people. They do like to play, but they don’t need a ton of exercise or space. They do well with other dogs of their breed and they are naturally curious!

6. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Despite being dainty, Yorkshire terriers are known for being feisty and bold.

Height8-9 inches
Weight3-7 pounds
Lifespan13-16 years
Perfect Dog Breed forPeople seeking loyal, loving dogs that do not mind training them

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are great dogs that don’t need a lot of exercise and are easily socialized to be around other dogs. The fact that these dogs don’t shed much makes them a boon to people who want a pet but also have allergies. You do need to spend some time training them, though.

7. Dachshund

Dachshund puppy in a field of flowers

Dachshunds were originally hunting dogs!

Height8-9 inches
Weight20-32 pounds
Lifespan10-15 years
Perfect Dog Breed forModerate exercise homes, people seeking lapdogs

Dachshunds were originally hunting dogs, and they’re known for their unique shape. Lovingly called “hot dog” dogs, these pets are perfect for apartment dwellers that don’t have a lot of space but have love to give. These dogs are very kid-friendly, but they do need some play time and exercise! Just remember that they can be a challenging breed to train.

8. Beagle

Beagle adult standing in a park

Beagles need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy!

Height12-15 inches
Weight20-26 pounds
Lifespan12-15 years
Perfect Dog Breed forPeople with active lifestyles and multiple dogs. Great dogs for workers

Beagles are incredibly popular dogs because they are very friendly and persistent. They can be a little mischievous, but they are also highly adaptable to various living situations. You’ll love that this dog is so easy to groom and how well they get along with kids and other dogs. You need to keep them trained to prevent damage to your home, but they’re great once they get the hang of how you need them to behave.

9. Boxer

boxer laying on a table outside

Boxers are great protectors for their families!

Height21-25 inches
Weight50-80 pounds
Lifespan10-12 years
Perfect Dog Breed forHomes with one dog, plenty of space, and a desire to feel safe.

Boxers are large, loveable, and somewhat dopey dogs for their owners. However, they can be a little overprotective of their homes. These dogs are highly energetic and need exercise and a lot of space to contain their bulkiness. These dogs are very easy to groom and very smart. Don’t let them fool you with their goofy looks; they’re smart enough to be trained but also stubborn! They’re certainly one of the most unique popular dog breeds.

10. Miniature Schnauzer

Three Giant Schnauzer puppies sitting on the lawn

Miniature Schnauzers are very friendly towards other dogs!

Height12-14 inches
Weight10-20 pounds
Lifespan12-15 years
Perfect Dog Breed forHomes with multiple dogs and children. They are easy to train.

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog that somewhat resembles a Jack Russel Terrier with its facial features, but they’re unique dogs. They’re perfect for homes that have multiple dogs and kids. They’re not particularly aggressive animals, but they’re also not afraid to bark at people that they do not trust. However, it’s not hard to win over these dogs with love and affection.

11. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu (Canis familiaris) - portrait

The Shih Tzu is a breed that originates from Tibet.

Height8-10 inches
Weight11-17.5 pounds
Lifespan12-15 years
Perfect Dog Breed forSmall homes, even those with other dogs. Very loyal and hardy.

The Shih Tzu dog has an odd name, but it’s an interesting dog. They are small animals that are perfect in homes that don’t have a lot of space, and they tend to get attached to a single person even in large families. They do get separation anxiety and they do not like changes in their routine. Also, they need frequent grooming, too. While needy, they are a loyal, fun dog breed.  

12. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Fiercely loyal, the Australian Shepherd develops a strong bond with its owner.

Height18-23 inches
Weight40-65 pounds
Lifespan10-15 years
Perfect Dog Breed forPeople that exercise a lot and want a loyal companion with them.

The Australian Shepherd is a beautiful, medium-sized dog that loves to go on adventures with its owners. These animals need a lot of exercise, and they can chew up your home if they are left to their own devices without training. You have to train these dogs young or you could end up needing to crate your dog while you’re at work!

13. Poodle

smartest dog breeds - Poodle

Poodles are one of the smartest breeds.

Height15-22 pounds
Weight45-70 pounds
Lifespan12-16 years
Perfect Dog Breed forPeople seeking attractive, non-shedding, intelligent, stylish, and active dogs.

Poodles are fancy, interesting, and intelligent animals. A lot of people that want a dog have to hold off because of allergies, but these dogs are hypoallergenic and barely shed, if at all. These dogs thrive with good training, but they need to be trained young. They do have a predilection towards health problems, and they need frequent grooming. However, these are great animals.

14. German Spitz

German Spitz playing in a field.

German Spitz dogs are great for people looking for a small companion!

Height18-22 inches
Weight20-25 pounds
Lifespan13-15 years
Perfect Dog Breed forPeople with limited home space wanting a loyal companion.

The German Spitz is a popular breed for a lot of reasons. They’re very loyal and loving dogs that care deeply about their owners. That makes them great watchdogs since they’re not afraid to bark at people that get too close to their homes. These dogs are also highly valued for their soft fur that makes them a pleasure to cuddle with, so it’s no wonder they’re among the most popular dog breeds.

15. Pug

Oldest Dog: Snookie the Pug

Pugs are very amusing, sweet dogs!

Height10-13 inches
Weight12-18 pounds
Lifespan10-14 years
Perfect Dog Breed forLow-maintenance owners seeking child-friendly dogs

Pugs are charming little dogs that strike some people as cute and others as less so. If you’re in the former camp, then you’ll love these little critters. Pugs are rather self-sufficient and they can make friends with just about anyone or anything, including other dogs. They’re great for homes with kids or houses that lack a lot of space. They are prone to health problems, but they’re worth the effort!

16. Rottweiler

Rottweiler carrying big tree limb in mouth

Rottweilers have a fiercely protective nature.

Height23-25.5 inches
Weight95-130 pounds
Lifespan10-12 years
Perfect Dog Breed forPeople seeking guard dogs and loyal companions

Rottweilers can be two different kinds of dogs at the same time. They’re loyal, cuddly, and sweet dogs that are too big to be lap dogs but refuse to recognize that fact. Otherwise, they’re protective guard dogs that will alert you to any strangers in the vicinity and keep your home safe. These dogs do have the potential to get lazy if you let them, but they love exercise just as much as the most active people!

17. Siberian Husky

Siberian huskies sitting up in the snow

The Siberian Husky is the most well-known type of husky.

Height20-24 inches
Weight30-60 pounds
Lifespan12- 14 years
Perfect Dog Breed forHighly active owners that are frequently home or have dog-sitters

Siberian Huskies resemble their wolf ancestors, and that has drawn people to them. These are highly active dogs that need the company of humans to keep them in check. They also benefit from the presence of other dogs, too. Although they look fierce, Siberian Huskies make poor guard dogs because they love other people and the treats that they bring with them! They are stubborn dogs, and they have the habit of shedding a great deal, so be prepared to visit your groomer often!

18. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Leaping in the Field

Pembroke Welsh Corgis love to play outside.

Height10-12 inches
Weight22-30 inches
Lifespan10-14 years
Perfect Dog Breed forHigh-energy households with owners willing to train them

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is best described as a charming dog. They’re sweet and they know how to tug on their owners’ heartstrings. They are incredibly intelligent dogs that are capable of training and tricks alike, but that also means they can get into some trouble in your home. Corgis can be stubborn and they get bad separation anxiety, but they can be amazing pets.

19. English Cocker Spaniel

Types of Retriever Dogs

The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed with long ears and a happy disposition.

Height15-17 inches
Weight26-34 pounds
Lifespan12-14 years
Perfect Dog Breed forHomes with children and owners that like to play

The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that is very easy to train and constantly wants to get approval from its owners. They are renowned for being great with kids and other pets, and they’re very playful. They do need more grooming than average, and they can be a bit noisy, though.

20. Maltese

Prettiest / Cutest Dogs - Maltese puppy running on grass

Maltese are a toy dog breed. They are hypoallergenic dogs with white hair.

Height7-9 inches
Weight5-7 pounds
Lifespan14-17 years
Perfect Dog Breed forPeople with allergies seeking companions; those that don’t mind frequent grooming.

The Maltese are another hypoallergenic dog that does well in small houses. These are very small dogs that are beautiful and healthy. The only drawback to them is that they need a lot of grooming! With training, they can be loving companions, but they might not be great for kids. They’re very fragile animals, so they’re safer around older children and adults.

Scariest Dogs

Some dogs are considered too scary to be among the most popular breeds.

Our list of the most popular dog breeds for this year reflects very few changes over the previous years. Many of these dogs are mainstays because of how much they’re loved by people all over the world. Small, medium, or large, these dogs tend to exhibit the best elements of all animals: loyalty, companionship, and intelligence!

Now that you know which dogs are most popular and why, you can start picking out the pooch that would be best for you!

Ready to discover the top 10 cutest dog breeds in the entire world?

How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. And the best part? It's FREE. Join today by entering your email below.

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About the Author

Kyle Glatz is a writer at A-Z-Animals where his primary focus is on geography and mammals. Kyle has been writing for researching and writing about animals and numerous other topics for 10 years, and he holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and Education from Rowan University. A resident of New Jersey, Kyle enjoys reading, writing, and playing video games.

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