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German shepherds are known for their confident, intelligent, and courageous nature. These large dogs can weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. As the AKC writes, they have the ability to learn orders for many tasks and the willingness to risk their lives in defense of their loved ones. French bulldogs are adaptable, playful and intelligent.
This breed is known for its big bat ears and is a smaller version of the Bulldog. Bulldogs are friendly, courageous and calm. As the AKC writes, the Bulldog is a bully with a thick, short and muscular body, whose “sour” face is the universal symbol of courage and tenacity. Beagles are friendly, curious and cheerful.
They have big brown or hazel eyes and were formerly bred to hunt in packs. Rottweilers are loyal, affectionate, and are confident guardians of themselves. These dogs can weigh between 80 and 135 pounds and are very strong. They are characterized by a short black coat with intelligent rust marks and are born with a territorial instinct.
You might remember the Beagle breed from the movie Shiloh, or you might recognize the most famous Beagle in history, Snoopy, the dog from the Peanuts comic strip. If you take a look at a Beagle, it's easy to see its appeal. The poodle held the title of the most popular breed in the United States for nearly 20 years. While they may seem prim and suitable for those who have only seen puppies with elegant hairstyles from dog shows, those familiar with poodles know how friendly and loyal they can be.
And that sleek hairstyle may be on display today, but it once served an important purpose. Poodles were originally bred to be waterfowl hunters. Their fur was shortened in some places to avoid being trapped by underwater debris, but they left it long around the joints and organs to protect the dog from cold water. Today, poodles continue to dazzle the public with their feats of obedience and agility, which earned them high honors at many dog shows.
German shepherd dogs owe their popularity, at least in part, to the dog that saved Hollywood, Rin Tin Tin. However, GSDs maintained their status as one of the ten most popular breeds in the United States, with their ability to be trained to do just about anything. The Bulldog may have one of the most unique looks in the dog world. Perhaps it is its easily recognizable appearance that gives it such popularity.
Or maybe it's their friendly, albeit lazy, attitude. The Bulldog was bred in England from mastiff dogs for the purpose of feeding bulls, which was a bloody and cruel sport in which dogs bit the nose of a bull and shook it. Eventually, the sport was banned and the Bulldog lost its purpose as a working dog. Rather than letting the Bulldog fall by the wayside, patient breeders selected only the kindest and most pleasant-tempered members of the breed to breed.
So the Bulldogs we have today don't have any of the vicious tendencies of their ancestors. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the United States, and if you've ever met a Labrador Retriever, it's easy to understand why. They are incredibly friendly and loyal, ideal for families and perfect companion dogs. In fact, they have become famous thanks to art, books and movies, such as Old Yeller and Marley & Me.
But a good-natured personality isn't the Labrador Retriever's only strength. They were bred to be working dogs. It won't take long for you to realize that Labrador Retrievers love the water. This is because they originated in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, where they accompanied fishermen and helped work on boats.
The loyal farmer dragged nets, looked for ropes and caught fish that let go of the hook. Labradors may not be helping fishermen as much today, but that doesn't mean they aren't still working dogs. Labrador retrievers are used as assistance dogs for the disabled, therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs and hunting companion dogs. The March 15 announcement included ratings for 197 dog breeds based on more than 800,000 puppies and purebred dogs.
The qualities that make Labs great family dogs and hunting companions also help them excel as working dogs, he said. For example, laboratories work as bomb and fire detection dogs; alert dogs for epilepsy and diabetes; search and rescue dogs; conservation detection dogs; service dogs for people with mobility problems, post-traumatic stress disorder and autism; assistance dogs for people with hearing loss; and guide dogs. But he's not at all surprised that Labs has been the best in the United States for more than three decades. He knows how much work goes into tedious preparation and he doesn't want to underestimate those efforts.
Even so, poodles were bred to be retrieving water dogs and their full coat protected their internal organs from the cold, he said. For starters, the classic “Peanuts” character, Snoopy, is a beagle. How can the United States not love this breed? Beagles love people, but they are also independent, since they follow their powerful noses everywhere, one of the reasons they are good at sniffing contraband at customs checkpoints or bed bugs in hotels. Frei likes to call rottweilers “the central linebacker for dogs” and said he loves the breed.
But, as with any dog, it's important to know what their temperament is and what their training needs are before welcoming them into a home, she said. Rottweilers originally worked as shepherd dogs that brought livestock to market. That required athleticism and endurance: “You have to get a hoof in your chest from time to time, as he pointed out. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are good enough to be a queen, literally.
Queen Elizabeth II surrounded herself with sturdy little dogs. The Internet also loves them, including their “butts with their tails cut off”, which you'll find printed on t-shirts, hats and even sticking out of the inside of coffee cups. The Yorkshire terrier, recognizable by its long, luxurious coat, usually weighs just 7 pounds. But the Yorkie's tiny size does not indicate a small personality.
In fact, the AKC breed standard includes: “The dog's high head, bearing and confident attitude should give an appearance of vigour and self-importance. Boxers have a face that tends to make us smile. In addition, they are playful, intelligent and affectionate; as the American Boxer Club points out, “The boxer's most notable characteristic is his desire for human affection. People love Cavalier King Charles spaniels not only because of their sweet “lap-loving” personality, but also because they're multipurpose dogs, according to Kim Campbell Thornton, dog writer and editor and Cavalier enthusiast.
The Doberman pinscher can have a fearsome reputation. But the dog “from yesterday's horror movies” is still protective, but is now also an athletic, fun-loving dog and a “demanding companion,” according to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America. There's no doubt that Siberian Huskies attract attention, but they're more than just a pretty face. Colorado-based freelance writer and family travel expert Heather Mundt said she and her husband had their first husky in 1997 and fell in love with the breed's love for exercise.
He was quick to mention that this affinity can turn them into “monsters” without enough (and that they get bored easily). When driving through Switzerland and in the city of Bern, you'll see images of the Bernese mountain dog on postcards and souvenirs. It's natural for Swiss people to be proud of gentle giants known for being affectionate, rugged, strong, intelligent, equanimous and eager to please. So choose that member of the family carefully and keep in mind that the most popular dogs may not be the right pets for everyone.
These notoriously friendly dogs are the definition of man's best friend. Originally bred to recover ducks, the sports breed is known for its infinite affection and general enthusiasm for life. Especially if it's a search game. At home, the breed is a friendly guardian.
With a wrinkled face, big bat ears and irresistible puppy eyes, it's easy to understand why this photogenic breed is such a popular choice. Small in size and relatively quiet, they are a natural choice for city dwellers. With a variety of sizes and colors, there is a poodle for all tastes. Poodles have a reputation for being daring and demanding, but in reality they are skilled athletes and intelligent creatures who are loving and easy to train family companions.
This popular breed has a permanent puppy-like appearance, which, together with its curious nature and playful personality, makes it a natural winner when it comes to popularity. Properly trained rotten dogs are cool, calm and serene. This may make them seem distant to outsiders, but family members know how cuddly this breed can be. According to the AKC, it is not uncommon to hear the words noble and aristocratic when talking about this popular breed, known for its elegant and spotted appearance.
The dachshund's distinctive appearance has earned him a large number of fans, but his wonderful personality should not be overlooked either. Bold, sometimes stubborn and always enthusiastic, this popular breed is infinitely endearing. Don't be fooled by the glamorous coat of these little beauty queens. The Yorkie was originally raised as a hard-working thief and still has many of those tenacious terrier qualities today.
Not to be confused with Alaskan malamutes (or wolves), these hardworking dogs were created to run long distances and in cold and hostile climates. Perhaps their most striking feature, you might recognize them by their striking blue eyes. . .
