top 5 types according to Forbes
1 French bulldogs
French bulldogs or Frenchies as they’re affectionately called, have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years, coming in at the top of the AKC’s most popular dog breeds list.
“[Frenchies] are good for family atmospheres. They’re loving, playful and make cute noises,” says Dr. Antonio DeMarco, D.V.M., chief medical and mentorship officer of GoodVets, a network of in-person nationwide animal hospitals.
Frenchies only need up to one hour of exercise per day, according to The Kennel Club. Since Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed, meaning their face is flat, they can easily have trouble breathing. You’ll have to pay special attention when exercising your Frenchie to ensure they’re not overheating during exercise, and avoid over-exerting them in hot or humid weather.
Frenchies shed moderately but are typically considered low-shedders. They also aren’t a very vocal breed and won’t bark much.
2 Labrador retriever
The Labrador retriever has long been synonymous with the perfect family dog. As playful, energetic and loyal dogs, they’re ideal for almost any living situation. They’re also easy to train since they’re eager to please their owners.
An intelligent dog with boundless energy, the Labrador retriever will need a good amount of space and time to exercise. More than two hours of exercise per day is recommended for this breed, according to The Kennel Club. They also need mental stimulation—think puzzle feeders or toys, training and sports.
Labs have a thick double coat so they are prone to shedding, but you can reduce this by brushing them at least once per week. During high-shedding seasons like spring and fall, you may need to brush them daily.
Labradors also have certain health issues to look out for. “Larger breed dogs are more prone to ACL tears…hip dysplasia and knee injuries,” says DeMarco.
3 Golden retriever
Golden retrievers, similar to their labrador counterparts, are also wonderful family companions. Gentle and friendly, these dogs are known for their affectionate and loving demeanor.
When it comes to exercise, goldens need more than two hours a day, per The Kennel Club. These smart and active dogs love playing fetch and swimming. They also require mental stimulation and do well with training.
Goldens have a longer and thicker coat than labradors, making them high shedders. It’s recommended to brush them daily or at least twice per week.
These canines have similar health concerns to labradors, as they’re also prone to hip dysplasia, ACL tears and joint issues. Research also suggests that goldens unfortunately have a higher risk of cancer than most dogs.
4 German shepherd
German shepherds don’t just make great police and search and rescue dogs—they also make for loving house pets. German shepherds are “high-energy and have more of a protective side,” according to DeMarco. He also adds that they’re highly intelligent and require lots of mental stimulation.
“With smart breed dogs, they tend to be more mischievous because they get bored easier,” DeMarco says. To prevent this, you can stimulate your dog through training, sports, chew toys or nose work games.
German shepherds also respond well to commands, and are keen on having various “jobs.” The American Kennel Club describes them as “dogkind’s finest all-purpose worker.”
Health issues for this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (a neurological disorder), Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and others.