Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds for 2012

Before I get into the list of the most popular dog breeds of 2012, I want to take a mention something I feel is very important. If you’re looking for a pet, choose a pet that has qualities that you think will work for you and your family. Don’t just go by popularity. Don’t just go by whatever breed happens to be trendy at the time. A dog is a friend and a companion, not a fashion statement. While the breeds on this list all have their benefits, they also all have their disadvantages. If you don’t have a lot of time and attention to spend with a dog, you’re not going to want to choose a breed that needs a lot of exercise or a lot of attention. You want something a little more relaxed and independent. If you’re an active person and you want a new friend you can take for a run or playtime in the park, you’re going to want a dog that has a lot of energy. If you’re looking for a friend that will also make a good guard dog, you’re going to want a breed that will actually be good as a guard dog. Above all else though, if you’re looking for a good pet, visit your local animal shelter first. The animals in your local shelter need a good homes. Going to breeders is fine, I suppose, but adopting a pet for a shelter should always be the first choice.

image source: wikipedia

10: The Dachshund

Also Know As: The Wiener Dog, The Weenie Dog
Coat: Wire haired, smooth coat, or long coat
Color: Varies; can be a solid color, dappled (single colored with spots), piebald etc
Average Height: varies depending on a variety of factors but always much longer than they are tall
Average Weight: 16-32 lbs (standard), less than 12 lbs (minature)
Average Lifespan: 12.7 years
Average Litter Size: 4-8 puppies
Country of Origin: Germany
Notable Traits: Active, playful, average intelligence, occasionally stubborn, easily stressed out, require lots of attention

image source: wikipedia

09: The Rottweiler

Also Know As: Rottie, Rott
Coat: Double coated with short, thick hair
Color: Black and tan or black and mahogany
Average Height (inches): 24-27(male), 22-25 (female)
Average Weight (pounds): 110-130 (male). 77-110 (female)
Average Lifespan: 9-10 years
Average Litter Size: 8-12 puppies
Country of Origin: Germany
Notable Traits: obedient, even tempered, hard working, loyal, territorial, aggressive

image source: wikipedia

08: The Poodle

Country of Origin: Germany
Notable Traits: Observant, keen instincts, excellent hunters, highly energetic, easily bored

You’ll notice a lot of information is missing from this section but there’s a reason that. “Poodle” is actually sort of a loose term and no matter how hard I looked, I could not find which specific type of poodle was supposed to be on this list. There are several different classifications, each with their own physical traits and characteristics. Most of them, though, do share the notable traits I mentioned above, making them a popular pet among people who want a high energy companion.

image source: wikipedia

07: The Boxer

Also Know As: German Boxer
Coat: Short, smooth, shiny
Color: fawn or brindle, black mask, sometimes features white markings
Average Height (inches): 23-25 (male), 21.5-23.5 (female)
Average Weight (pounds): 66-70 (male). 55-60 (female)
Average Lifespan: 9-10 years
Average Litter Size: 6-8 puppies
Country of Origin: Germany
Notable Traits: intellegent, energetic, playful, strong, easily bored, great with children, stubborn, patient, non-aggressive

image source: wikipedia

06: The Yorkshire Terrier

Also Know As: Yorkie
Coat: long, glossy, straight, silky
Color: grey, black and tan
Average Weight (pounds): 7
Average Lifespan: 13-16 years
Country of Origin: England
Notable Traits: loyal, overprotective, easy to train, independent, active

image source: wikipedia

05: The English Bulldog

Also Know As: Bulldog
Coat: short, flat, sleek
Color: red, fawn, white, brindle, piebald
Average Weight (pounds): 45-55 (male), 45 (female)
Average Lifespan: 8-12years
Country of Origin: England
Notable Traits: docile, intelligent, obedient, patient, do not require a lot of exercise

image source: wikipedia

04: The Beagle

Coat: medium length, hard
Color: tricolor (white, red and lemon or orange, brown and black)
Average Height (inches): 13-16
Average Weight (pounds): 22-25 (male). 20-23 (female)
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Litter Size: 2-14 puppies
Country of Origin: Great Britain
Notable Traits: even tempered, gentle, intelligent, non-aggressive, friendly, obedient, determined but difficult to train, great with chidren but not as great with other dogs

image source: wikipedia

03: The Golden Retriever

Coat: long, straight or wavy
Color: gold or cream
Average Height (inches): 23-24 (male), 21.5-22.5 (female)
Average Weight (pounds): 65-75 (male). 60-70 (female)
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Country of Origin: Scotland
Notable Traits: high energy, agile, require lots of exercise, loyal, friendly, very intelligent, good with other children and other dogs, poor guard dogs, excellent family dogs

*Some variations in color and average height and weight depending on geographical location types.

image source: wikipedia

02: The German Shepherd

Coat: double coat; close, dense undercoat with outer coat that is shed all year round, medium or long
Color: tan with black saddle, red with black saddle, black masks
Average Height (inches): 24-26 (male), 22-24 (female)
Average Weight (pounds): 77-95 (male). 55-73 (female)
Average Lifespan: 9-13 years
Average Litter Size: 5-10 puppies
Country of Origin: Germany
Notable Traits: highly intelligent, easily trained, active, willing and eager to learn, sometimes overprotective, obedient

image source: wikipedia

01: The Labrador Retriever

Also Know As: The Lab, Yellow Lab, Black Lab, Chocolate Lab
Coat: smooth, short, dense, straight
Color: black, chocolate, yellow, pale cream
Average Height (inches): 22-25 (male), 21-24 (female)
Average Weight (pounds): 60-88 (male). 60-77 (female)
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Litter Size: 5-10 puppies
Country of Origin: Canada
Notable Traits: athletic, playful, loyal, intelligent, well behaved, even tempered, easily trained, great for families, great for use as guide dogs

Most Popular Dog Names: 2012

I thought it would be fun to conclude this article with two more lists – a list of the most popular names for male dogs and a list of the most popular names for female dogs. I always find what people name their pets so interesting, perhaps because I always choose very unusual names for my furry friends. If you’re interested in popular dog names, the two lists below should offer what you’re looking for!

10 Most Popular Names for Male Dogs

10: Toby
09: Jack
08: Duke
07: Bentley
06: Bear
05: Cooper
04: Rocky
03: Charlie
02: Buddy
01: Max

10 Most Popular Names for Female Dogs

10: Maggie
09: Coco
08: Chloe
07: Sadie
06: Sophie
05: Lola
04: Molly
03: Lucy
02: Daisy
01: Bella