Dogs are man’s best friend, and the most popular dog breeds to adopt shed light on the breed preferences of many dog owners.
Some pet owners may be particular about what breed they bring home, while others are looking for a furry friend to love, regardless of breed. However, size and personal history matter, especially when it comes to the most popular dog breeds to adopt from the shelter. Adopted dogs should match the energy and needs of their potential family. A couple with young children looking for a pet may not want an energetic dog, while an older couple may be more interested in a smaller dog. Most potential dog owners just want a puppy to love. Among the most popular breeds that are adopted, you will find many regulars included in the List of AKC’s Most Popular Breedsas well as a few surprises.
10 most popular breeds to adopt
1. Golden retriever
Golden Retrievers have wonderful temperaments and goofy personalities, creating their well-known reputation as great family pets. These puppies provide a moderate level of energy and are easy to manage for most family members. Although they aren’t readily available at shelters, you don’t usually need to go through a breeder to get one. There are dog rescues dedicated to the breed, and you can search by breed and region on sites like animal finder to find available puppies in your area.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are often found in pet shelters. These loyal puppies have a high energy level and do well when trained for a specific job, which is why many grow big police dogs. If you’re looking for a new pet that’s content to just sit in the corner, a young German Shepherd puppy probably isn’t a good choice. However, some of these shelter dogs are older and a bit calmer, with many older German Shepherds looking for loving homes to spend their final two years.
3. American Staffordshire Terrier/Pitbull
Sometimes dog adoptions depend on availability. An easy dog to find at your local shelter is the American Staffordshire Terrier, or Pit Bull, as the breed is best known. Usually these puppies are plentiful and can be easily adopted into homes. Although this breed has a rough reputation, many Pit Bulls are also oversized companion dogs looking for a new friend to keep close at all times.
4. Poodle
Poodles are popular breeds due to their hypoallergenic fur. These puppies come in standard, miniature and toy sizes and have been commonly mixed with other family breeds over the years to create mixes like the Goldendoodle or Labradoodle.
5. Chihuahuas
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These little dogs make great pets and can be the perfect best friend for a dog owner who isn’t looking to manage a larger dog. Chihuahuas are also easy to find at local shelters. However, due to their small size and often very particular personality, they are not always suitable for young children. These little puppies prefer their personal space or stick closely to one person in the family.
6. Border Collies
Border Collies are working dogs by nature, so they need room to run and a job to do. Much like the Australian Cattle Dog, these sheepdogs have a lot of energy and need a lifestyle that allows them plenty of exercise. If you live in a city or urban area that lacks a ton of open space, it’s best to avoid Border Collies so they don’t become potentially destructive or difficult to care for.
7. Labrador retriever
When families are looking for a potential new dog, Labs are often the first breed that comes to mind. These puppies are the best dog companions. They get along well with children, other pets and can do well in multi-dog households. According to AKC, they are the most popular dog breed by record and make excellent service dogs. These easy-to-train, outgoing puppies are so adorable!
8. Great Dane
Don’t let their large size fool you: Great Danes are known as gentle giants for a reason. These large dogs consume quite little energy for their large size and are known to be relatively low maintenance. However, since they are a larger breed, they will have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs like a Maltese.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are incredibly popular little puppies and travel everywhere with their owners. They have big personalities and are the perfect size for an apartment, townhouse or condo. They weigh around seven pounds and typically live to be around 16 years old.
10. Pooches
Although purebred dogs are the preference of some people, you can find adorable mixed breed dogs readily available at almost any shelter in America. Pooches have big personalities, and sometimes you can get mixes of wild and wacky puppies that create a very beautiful breed. Although you may not know the exact genetic makeup of your pooch, they can still make great family dogs. Even better, you can get a home pet DNA test for an overview of your new dog’s family history.
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