By Fernando Villarreal
If you’re looking for a cute new four-legged best friend, we have the top five best-selling puppy breeds in the US. These awesome family dog breeds are easy to train and require moderate exercise. They are also affectionate and loyal.
Knowing the most popular breeds can be incredibly helpful if you are considering bringing a new puppy into your home or starting a puppy-selling business. Here are the top 5 best-selling puppies in the USA for 2024, based on their popularity and demand.
For those of you who are diehards and only want a purebred puppy, here are today’s best-selling puppy breeds in the US. But first, here is a little note about purebred puppies.
Purebred Dog Breeds
All dogs exhibit various qualities, but specific characteristics from your dog’s breed ancestry will always come into play. Before choosing a breed, it’s best to look at breed descriptions and watch videos about your favorite dog breeds so that you can learn as much as possible about them. Here’s what you should do before going out and getting a new puppy:
- Work with pet counselors to understand what breeds work best for your lifestyle.
- Determine exercise needs and kid appropriateness
- Never base your choice on breed looks alone
- Consider Doodle mixes as a family companion
- Study AKC and UKC breed descriptions, which will tell you a great deal about each breed
- Understand the group /registry your dog belongs to and what the breed was initially bred for.
- Note the energy level of your favorite breeds and look at your lifestyle.
Companion Dogs
Companion dogs are precisely that, and they were bred to keep people company. All dog breeds were bred for a job, and companion dogs are just that.
Unlike working dogs, which are bred for specific tasks such as herding or hunting, companion dogs are primarily meant to provide emotional support and companionship to their owners. Some companion dog breeds include the following:
- Shih Tzu
- Papillon
- French Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
- Dalmation
- Labrador
- Golden Retriever
- Pug
- Bichon Frise
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Guardian Dogs
These are sometimes known as working dogs and were bred to guard homes, people, and farms. They are usually reserved in nature yet gentle with family and friends.
Guardian dogs are courageous and strong, often with an intimidating presence that deters intruders. Despite their protective instincts, they can be loyal and loving companions when raised in a family environment. Some guard dog breeds include the following:
- German Shepherd
- Rottweiler
- Bullmastiff
- Doberman Pinscher
- Akita
- Belgian Malinois
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Komondor
- Cane Corso
Gun Dogs
Gun dogs, also known as bird dogs, love the outdoors and are a category of dogs specifically bred to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game, particularly birds.
Gun dogs are valued for their versatility, intelligence, and strong work ethic. They are also known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great family pets and hunting companions. Gun dogs are best for families that enjoy hiking, boating, and physical activity.
These dogs are known for their excellent sense of smell, trainability, and stamina. They are typically divided into three main types:
- Retrievers: Trained to retrieve the game without damaging it.
- Spaniels: Used to flush game out of the dense brush.
- Pointers and Setters: Trained to find and point at the game, indicating its location to the hunter. Some Gun Dog breeds include:
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- English Springer Spaniel
- Cocker Spaniel
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- English Setter
- Irish Setter
- Brittany Spaniel
- Weimaraner
- Vizsla
- Herding Dogs
Hound Dogs
Hound dog breeds are a favorite and include scenthounds and sighthounds. The takeaway is that the scenthound is intense and fearless, and nothing makes them happier than sniffing out a scent and tracking.
Scenthounds include coonhounds, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Foxhounds, and Bloodhounds. Sighthounds are single-minded, and combined with their speed, they can spell danger. Sighthounds make good companion dogs and can easily switch between relaxation and work mode. Here are some sighthounds breeds:
- Afghan Hound
- Azawakh
- Basenji
- Borzoi
- Greyhound
- Ibizan Hound
- Irish Wolfhound
- Italian Greyhound
- Saluki
- Whippet
Northern Dogs
Another favorite is the spitz, which is defined by its geographical background. Northern dogs are multipurpose dog breeds usually bred as hunters, herders, sled dogs, and companions.
Northern breeds are bred for cold, harsh weather conditions and have thick, durable coats. Some of these breeds are aloof with people and usually form a solid one-person relationship. Here are some Northern breeds:
- Alaskan Malamute
- Siberian Husky
- Samoyed
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Finnish Spitz
- Greenland Dog
- Icelandic Sheepdog
- Keeshond
- Chinook
- Canadian Eskimo Dog
Terriers
Terriers are earth dogs, and there are two types: traditional terriers and the bull and terrier types called bully breeds. Depending on their use, terriers either had short legs and were small or large and long-legged.
Most terriers love digging and are bold and lively. They make good companion dogs for active families but need plenty of mental stimulation to avoid being snappy and reactive. Some terrier types include the following:
- Airedale Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Bedlington Terrier
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs continue to be America’s favorite breed. Known for their small size, affectionate nature, and minimal exercise needs, they are perfect for urban living.
Their unique bat ears and adorable faces make them a top choice for many dog lovers. French Bulldogs are also known for their adaptability, making them suitable for various living environments, whether you live in an apartment or a house. Their playful yet relaxed temperament makes them great companions for families and singles.
Despite their popularity, potential owners should be aware of some health issues that French Bulldogs can face, such as respiratory problems due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure.
Regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight can help mitigate some of these issues. Their grooming needs are minimal, but regular cleaning of their facial folds is necessary to prevent infections.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have been a favorite for decades due to their friendly and outgoing nature. They are excellent family pets and are highly versatile, often used in therapy, search and rescue, and as guide dogs.
Labs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please. They thrive in active households and love participating in various activities, from hiking to swimming. Labradors have a short, dense coat that sheds seasonally, so regular grooming is necessary to keep them healthy and manage shedding.
Their versatility extends beyond companionship; they are often trained for roles such as detection dogs in customs and excelling in obedience and agility competitions.
Potential owners should be prepared for their high energy levels and get enough exercise to prevent boredom-related behavioral issues.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are beloved for their gentle temperament and friendly demeanor. They are highly trainable and great with children, making them ideal family pets. Their loyalty and intelligence make them popular in service roles, including therapy and assistance work.
Golden Retrievers have a beautiful, dense coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to keep it looking its best. They are also known for their love of water and enjoy swimming whenever they can.
Golden Retrievers are prone to specific genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia and certain types of cancers. Responsible breeding practices and regular vet visits are crucial for maintaining their health. Their friendly and tolerant attitudes make them less suitable as guard dogs but excellent as companions in active families.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for their courage, loyalty, and protective nature. They excel in various roles, such as police, military, and search and rescue work. Their intelligence and versatility make them great family pets, especially for active households.
German Shepherds are highly trainable and thrive when given tasks or jobs. They require regular mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their double coat sheds year-round, with heavier shedding periods during seasonal changes, so regular grooming is essential.
German Shepherds are also known for their strong protective instincts, making them excellent guard dogs. However, they require proper socialization from a young age to ensure they are well-adjusted and can differentiate between friendly and threatening situations. Their intelligence and trainability make them suitable for various dog sports, including agility, obedience, and tracking.
Poodle
Poodles are highly intelligent and come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They are known for their hypoallergenic coats, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Poodles are also very versatile, excelling in dog sports and as therapy dogs.
Their elegant appearance and trainability add to their appeal. Poodles require regular grooming to maintain their curly coats and prevent matting. They are also known for their playful and energetic nature, which makes them great companions for active families.
Poodles are often seen in competitive dog sports such as agility and obedience, showcasing their intelligence and agility. Due to their gentle nature and high trainability are also used in various service and therapy roles.
Potential owners should be prepared for the grooming commitment of owning a Poodle, as their coats require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
Additional Considerations for Choosing a Puppy
When choosing a puppy, it’s essential to consider more than just the breed’s popularity. Here are some additional factors to think about:
Health and Genetics
Believe it or not, health and genetics are essential in choosing a new fur baby. Buying responsibly from reputable breeders and working with pet counselors will save you a lot of heartbreak and expenses in the future.
Researching the health and genetic issues common to the breed can prepare you for potential future challenges. Responsible breeders will provide health clearances for both the puppy’s parents.
Temperament and Activity Level
Matching the breed’s activity level and temperament with your lifestyle is crucial for an easy relationship. High-energy breeds require more exercise and mental stimulation. Think about what you and your family want and what you want in a dog’s personality and activity needs. Ask yourself if this is going to be a good match.
Grooming and Maintenance
Consider the grooming needs and maintenance of the breed. Some breeds require regular professional grooming, while others need minimal upkeep.
Lifespan and Aging
Understanding the breed’s average lifespan and common aging issues can help you prepare for the long-term commitment of pet ownership.
Final Thoughts
These top 5 breeds are popular not only for their unique characteristics and temperaments but also for their ability to adapt to various family and living situations.
Whether looking for a family pet or a four-legged best friend to go hiking with and enjoy dog sports, these breeds are a great choice. Each breed has their own needs and considerations, so choosing a pup that best fits your lifestyle and preferences is essential.
The last thing you want when choosing one of the best-selling breeds in the USA is that fulfilling your dog’s needs becomes a burden. The best pet parents will constantly adjust to their dog’s needs and provide positive training and socialization throughout puppyhood and their dog’s life.
Thinking about your dog’s activity needs and level is one of the most important things you can do when choosing a dog breed. Always consider working with a pet counselor to make the right choice for your family. Adding a new furry best friend is such a big decision to make that requires careful consideration and planning. It’s important to assess your lifestyle, budget, and the specific needs of the breed you are interested in before adding a best-selling puppy to your home!
Top Ten Friendly Dog Breeds
Video Credit: Animal Tube
