Choosing a dog breed can be challenging with the amount of cute and cuddly breeds to choose from. The best way to find the right dog to compliment your lifestyle is to do research about different breeds and what they require. Read on to find out more about five of the most popular dog breeds in America.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a loveable and smart dog breed. They are a type of sporting dog that looks to please their owner. The breed is known for being muscular and athletic if exercised regularly. They are very loyal and make great family pets.
Color: Black, yellow or chocolate
Weight: Male: 29 to 36 kg, Female: 25 to 32 kg
Height: Male: 57 to 62 cm, Female: 55 to 60 cm
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
Ability to Train: Easy
Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, epilepsy and more
Exercise Requirements: Very active, daily walks/runs, mental and physical activities
Golden Retriever
The goofy grin of a Golden Retriever is a telltale sign that they are one of the friendliest of all dog breeds. Their playful and gentle nature has made them a beloved family pet across the nation. Golden retrievers love to swim, play and stay close to their human family.
Color: Gold, cream
Weight: Male: 30 to 34 kg, Female: 25 to 32 kg
Height: Male: 56 to 61 cm, Female: 51 to 56 cm
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
Ability to Train: Very easy
Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and more
Exercise Requirements: High energy, requiring daily walks/runs and play time
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a devoted and intelligent dog, recognized as a very capable working dog. German shepherds have been trained to work jobs in the military, policing field, medical service field, drug detection unit, search and rescue unit and more. They are also loved as family pets and are well-known for their loyalty and protective nature.
Color: Black and tan, black, white, red and more
Weight: Male: 30 to 40 kg, Female: 22 to 32 kg
Height: Male: 60 to 65 cm, Female: 55 to 60 cm
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Dog Breed Group: Herding dogs
Ability to Train: Very easy
Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, allergies, gastric dilatation-volvulus and more
Exercise Requirements: Very active, daily walks, runs, training and agility classes to avoid boredom
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is a small dog that is big in personality. This petite pooch is confident and always up for adventure. Although tiny, these little dogs are on the lookout for squirrels, rabbits and other dogs, no matter what their size.
Color: Tan, blue-grey, black, gold and more
Weight: 2 to 3.2 kg
Height: 15 to 17 cm
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Dog Breed Group: Companion dogs
Ability to Train: Not easy
Health Concerns: Patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, hypoglycemia, reverse sneezing and more
Exercise Requirements: Medium energy, short daily walk
Beagle
With their soulful eyes it’s hard not to fall in love with a beagle. Beagles are scent hounds, meaning that their nose is always at work. Beagles are gentle, funny and mischievous. They are best trained early to make well-behaved members of the family. Since beagles will follow certain scents they should be microchipped and in a secure area if outdoors.
Color: White, black and tan
Weight: Male: 10 to 11 kg, Female: 9 to 10 kg
Height: Male: 36 to 41 cm, Female: 33 to 38 cm
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
Dog Breed Group: Hound dogs
Ability to Train: Difficult
Health Concerns: Intervertebral disk disease, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy and more.
Exercise Requirements: Medium energy, daily walks or runs
There are many other popular dog breeds including poodles, bulldogs, boxers, shih tzus, huskies and more. If you are interested in getting a dog it is very important to research the breed that you are planning to get so that you can have an idea of how to prepare, train and accommodate your dog.
