Are you looking for a furry companion to add to your family? Dogs come in many breeds and you may be wondering which ones are the top ranked. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the top five ranked dog breeds are Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Bulldog, and Beagle.
Each breed has their own unique characteristics, benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of these top five breeds so you can decide which one is right for you.
What is the American Kennel Club?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the biggest organization of dog enthusiasts in the US and the world. It is responsible for registering purebred dogs and keeping track of their performances in shows and competitions. AKC also sets the standards for the different breeds that are registered and provides educational material about responsible dog ownership.
They have also created the AKC Canine Health Foundation which funds research into canine health and welfare.
The AKC has a list of the top-ranked dog breeds based on their performance in shows and competitions. These rankings are updated regularly, so it’s always important to check the latest list when deciding which breed to get.
It’s worth noting that the rankings are based on the opinion of the judges, so although the breeds on the list are considered to be the best in terms of show performance, their suitability as a pet may depend on other factors. When looking for a new pup, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each breed carefully. Even though a breed may rank highly in shows, it may not be the best match for your lifestyle and family. Researching the breeds on the list and talking to experienced breeders and owners can help you make an informed decision on which dog to choose.
Who Ranks Dog Breeds?
When it comes to ranking dog breeds, the American Kennel Club is the go-to authority. Established in 1884, the AKC is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the promotion of purebred dogs, encouraging responsible pet ownership and advocating for the health, welfare and rights of all dogs.
The AKC uses their expertise in the field to rank the most popular breeds based on factors such as popularity and general public appeal. The most highly ranked dog breeds according to the AKC include the Labrador Retriever, the German Shepherd, the Golden Retriever, the Bulldog, and the Beagle. Each of these breeds has its own unique qualities and advantages that make them attractive to potential owners.
Labrador Retrievers are renowned for their eagerness to please and are a great choice for families due to their loyal and friendly nature. German Shepherds are a great option for dog owners who are looking for a highly intelligent, protective breed.
Golden Retrievers are known for their loving, gentle, and playful nature and make great family pets.
Bulldogs are known for their friendly and laid-back temperament and make fantastic companions. Beagles are a great choice for those looking for a small, active dog that loves to explore. When it comes to choosing a dog, it is important to consider the individual characteristics of each breed and make an informed decision based on your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. It is also important to remember that while the AKC ranks these breeds as the highest, they are not the only breeds available and there are many other purebreds that could be a great fit for you and your family.
The Top Five Ranked Dog Breeds
If you are considering getting a dog, look no further than the top five ranked breeds according to the American Kennel Club. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs and Beagles are all highly respected and popular breeds. From loyal and smart Labradors to the ever-lovable Beagle, each of these breeds has something unique to offer.
Labradors are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them the perfect family pet. German Shepherds are hardworking and alert, making them ideal as working dogs.
Golden Retrievers are good-natured and gentle, making them ideal for households with children.
Bulldogs are strong, courageous and gentle, making them great guard dogs. Beagles are friendly and playful, making them the perfect companions for an active lifestyle.
When choosing a dog, it’s important to consider which breed is the best fit for you and your family. Each of the above breeds has its own strengths and weaknesses and should be taken into account when making a decision. A family with young children may want to choose a Golden Retriever.
And if you want an active outdoor companion, a Beagle may be your best bet. Whatever breed you choose, make sure to do your research and select the breed that fits your lifestyle best.
#1 Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is an ideal pet for families looking for an active, friendly, and intelligent companion. This breed is incredibly loyal and loves to play. Not only are they great with children, but they are also incredibly easy to train.
They are also very sociable and will quickly fit into any home. Labradors are also known for their great sense of smell, making them an excellent choice for search and rescue operations.
While Labradors can be high-energy, their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners make them easy to train. With patience and consistency, you can easily teach your Labrador anything, from basic commands to more advanced tricks.
#2 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a renowned working and service dog. With strength, intelligence, and loyalty, this breed is popular for its protective nature and great family pet qualities. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dog with a great temperament and can be trained for a plethora of tasks.
German Shepherds are relatively healthy, but do require a lot of exercise and can become destructive if they are bored or not given enough stimulation. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, so early screening is recommended to ensure a healthy, long life. All in all, the German Shepherd is an excellent choice for a family pet, provided they get the needed attention and exercise.
#3 Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the perfect furry companion! They are loyal, devoted, and always eager to please. They love to play and are perfect for families with kids.
Golden Retrievers are also quite intelligent, so they are easy to train.
Their coat is also quite low maintenance and easy to groom, which makes them great for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time and money on grooming supplies. Golden Retrievers are also a fairly large breed, so they require plenty of exercise and will do best in larger homes with yards where they can run and play. With their friendly and outgoing personalities, Golden Retrievers make for the perfect family pet!
#4 Bulldog
Bulldogs are the fourth most popular dog breed in the U.S. and are known for their excellent family companionship. They are an affectionate and loyal breed, often described by their owners as “couch potatoes”. Bulldogs have a reputation for being low-maintenance and easy-going, but they do require some exercise to stay in shape.
Bulldogs are not the most agile of breeds, but they are very good-natured and they make great buddies. They are also known to be good with children and other pets, making them a great addition to any family.
If you’re looking for a loving, devoted, and low-key companion, a bulldog might just be the perfect fit.
Bulldogs are strong-willed, so they require consistent training and socialization, but with patience and dedication, they can learn a variety of commands. They do best in a structured home environment, but they can be just as content with a leisurely walk or a nice game of fetch. Bulldogs are also known to be quite vocal, so if you’re looking for a quiet breed, these aren’t the best option.
Bulldogs make great family pets and are ideal for those who are looking for a laid-back canine companion. They are highly adaptable and have an easy-going temperament, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners. With their seemingly endless love and devotion, you won’t regret adding a bulldog to your family.
#5 Beagle
Beagles are a great breed for the family, as they are energetic and friendly, and are pretty easy to train. They are small in size, but don’t let that fool you—Beagles have a huge amount of energy!
They are playful and love to go for long walks and hikes. Beagles are also quite intelligent, so you can expect them to pick up new tricks quickly as long as you’re consistent in your training.
The downside of Beagles is that they can be quite vocal, so they might not be a great fit for an apartment. They also have a tendency to wander if they’re not kept on a leash, so you’ll need to be vigilant in making sure they don’t stray too far. Beagles need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy, so if you’re looking for a pup to keep you active and on your toes, a Beagle might be the perfect choice for you.
Pro’s and Con’s of the Top Five Ranked Dog Breeds
Before you decide on getting a dog, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of the top five most popular dog breeds. Labrador Retrievers are loyal, friendly and energetic, but they need lots of exercise and stimulation. German Shepherds are intelligent and protective, but they require a lot of obedience training.
Golden Retrievers are gentle and affectionate, but they suffer from separation anxiety. Bulldogs are easy-going, but they tend to be stubborn.
Beagles are lovable and outgoing, but they need lots of activity. Each breed has its own unique characteristics, so it’s important to research each one before making a decision.
No matter what breed you choose, make sure you’re prepared to provide the care and attention your pup needs. Be sure to establish a daily routine, and provide a safe, secure home.
Get involved in activities, classes and socialization so your pup can grow up to become a happy, well-adjusted dog. With the right amount of love and attention, any breed of dog can make a great pet.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever is an ideal breed of dog for those looking for a loyal, friendly, and hard-working pet. Not only are they easy to train and great with children, but they also love being active and going on outdoor adventures. With their thick, water-resistant coat, they’re a great choice for anyone who wants to take their pup camping, swimming, or running.
They’re very affectionate and make great family dogs. The Labrador retriever is also known for being quite gentle and patient.
They’re smart, obedient, and willing to learn new tricks, so they can often be trained quickly and easily. They have very strong instincts to protect their owners and make them feel safe. As long as they have plenty of exercise and playtime, Labrador retrievers are sure to make a great addition to any home.
German Shepherd
If you’re looking for an intelligent, loyal, and courageous guard dog, a German Shepherd is an excellent choice. German Shepherds are highly trainable, making them an ideal choice for police and military work, as well as a great pet for any family. They are also very active and require plenty of exercise and stimulation, making them a great companion for outdoor activities.
When it comes to training, German Shepherds are known for their quick learning and obedience. With patience and consistency, a German Shepherd can be taught to do almost anything.
They can be strong-willed and require firm, consistent discipline. German Shepherds also need to be socialized early on, as they can be naturally suspicious of strangers.
Despite their large size, German Shepherds are surprisingly gentle and loving with family members. They love to be around their owners and are loyal and protective. If you’re looking for an intelligent, loyal, and courageous guard dog, a German Shepherd is sure to be an excellent choice.
Golden Retriever
For those looking for a loyal and loving companion and family pet, the Golden Retriever is a great option. This breed is known for its intelligence, outgoing, and playful nature, making them a great fit for any home. They are also very easy to train and can be great with children.
Golden Retrievers are also quite active, so if you are looking for a pup that is always up for a walk or game of fetch, then this breed is the perfect choice. One of the biggest advantages of owning a Golden Retriever is that they have a long lifespan.
On average, a Golden Retriever can live up to 10-12 years, creating a lifetime bond between you and your pup.
These dogs also require minimal grooming and are relatively low maintenance compared to other breeds. The Golden Retriever is an excellent dog breed for all types of owners. Whether you are looking for a loyal companion or an active playmate, this breed is sure to provide plenty of love and companionship for many years to come.
Bulldogs are a popular small-to-medium sized breed known for their endearing wrinkles and friendly demeanor. Despite their tough-guy looks, these dogs make excellent family pets, as they are loyal, courageous, and affectionate.
While these dogs can be quite energetic, they require relatively little exercise compared to other breeds due to their short legs. They also tend to bark less than other breeds, making them great for those living in apartments or other small living quarters. With proper training and socialization, Bulldogs can make a great addition to any home.
Despite their popularity, Bulldogs are not without their challenges.
They require daily cleaning of their wrinkles to prevent infection and they have a tendency to overeat. This can lead to serious health problems such as weight gain and joint issues.
Bulldogs are also more prone to certain medical conditions such as breathing problems, skin allergies and eye problems. These dogs need a lot of socialization to prevent aggressive behavior.
Bulldogs can make an excellent family pet, provided they are given the proper care, training and socialization. They are loyal, loving, and great with children. But keep in mind that they can require extra medical care and attention, so be sure to do your research and consult a vet before taking home a Bulldog.
Beagle
If you’re looking for a fun-loving, loyal, and energetic pup, then a Beagle might be for you! This breed is a popular choice for families and can often be seen happily following their owners around.
Beagles are known for their friendly dispositions and intelligence and are often easy to train. They are also known for their excellent sense of smell and can make great hunting or tracking dogs. Just be warned that they can have a bit of a tendency to bark and howl and are very devoted to their owners!
Beagles may be a great choice for many people, but there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.
They can be prone to separation anxiety and can be destructive when bored. Beagles can also be quite stubborn and difficult to train, so it’s important to be consistent in your discipline and positive reinforcement. Beagles are prone to some health issues, such as obesity and hip dysplasia, so it’s important to make sure you’re providing your pup with plenty of exercise and a healthy diet.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a loyal companion and a beloved family member, the top five ranked dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club are a great place to start. Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, and Beagles all come with unique personalities, health benefits, and activity levels. It’s important to research all the pros and cons of each breed before making a decision.
Labradors are known for being friendly and outgoing, while German Shepherds can be protective and territorial.
Golden Retrievers offer a happy-go-lucky attitude, while Bulldogs are surprisingly agile given their stocky stature. Beagles often require extra attention and patience due to their independent nature. All of these breeds make wonderful family pets if you understand their needs and provide them with the appropriate attention, love, and care.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
