Introduction
The most popular breeds of domestic dog vary greatly from country to country. Here, we will focus on the top dog breeds in some of the world’s most populous nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, India, Japan, Brazil, and Russia. These countries were selected due to their large populations as well as their cultural and geographical diversity. Understanding the differences in favored breeds can provide insights into each country’s culture, climate, history and more. By examining the popular dog breeds in key nations around the globe, we can gain a better sense of how preferences vary based on region, lifestyle, values and other factors.
United States
The most popular dog breeds in the United States according to the American Kennel Club for 2022 are the Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Poodle (AKC, 2022). The Labrador Retriever has been the number one most popular breed for over 30 years. It has a friendly, outgoing, and gentle temperament that makes it an excellent family dog. Labs are energetic and love to play but are also highly trainable. The French Bulldog has surged in popularity in recent years. Its small size, playful nature, and low exercise needs make it popular for city living. Golden Retrievers are also known for being family-friendly, intelligent, and eager to please. German Shepherds are strong, smart working dogs that excel at tasks like herding, police work and search and rescue. Poodles come in three sizes but all are highly intelligent and energetic.
United Kingdom
According to various sources like Tug-e-Nuff and Statista, some of the most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom include:
Labrador Retriever – Originating in Canada, the Labrador Retriever has been the most registered dog breed in the UK for over 25 years. Their friendly, gentle temperament and intelligence make them excellent family pets and service dogs.
English Cocker Spaniel – Bred as gun dogs, the even-tempered and active English Cocker Spaniel is the second most popular breed. Their sweet nature and gorgeous coat endear them to many UK families.
English Springer Spaniel – Another hunting breed favored for its cheerful and affectionate personality. They require plenty of exercise but make devoted companions.
German Shepherd – Originally from Germany, German Shepherds are intelligent, eager to please, and make excellent working and protection dogs. Their popularity endures in the UK.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier – Affectionately called “Staffies,” this UK breed is known for being lively, tenacious, and great with families. Their unfortunate reputation belies a friendly companion.
Australia
Some of the top dog breeds in Australia include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in Australia for over a decade based on AKC registration numbers. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and make great family dogs that adapt well to the Australian climate and outdoor lifestyle. Golden Retrievers are another extremely popular breed in Australia, ranking in the top 3 breeds registered. Known for their friendly temperament and high intelligence, Golden Retrievers also work well as service and therapy dogs in Australia. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks as one of the smallest breeds in the top 10, but is beloved for its affectionate nature and adaptability. Its moderate exercise needs make it suited to apartment living in cities like Sydney and Melbourne [1].
Other top breeds like the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie are uniquely suited to an active, outdoor lifestyle with space to run and herd. These intelligent breeds require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The Australian climate provides the perfect opportunity for Aussies and Border Collies to thrive. Meanwhile, the temperament and trainability of breeds like the German Shepherd and Rottweiler make them well-suited to police and protection work in the country. Across Australia’s diverse regions and environments, these popular breeds have proven their versatility and adaptability over time.
China
In China, the most popular dog breeds tend to be smaller, lap-friendly dogs. According to a 2021 survey, the top dog breeds among Chinese pet owners are Siberian Husky, Chinese Field Dog, Toy Poodle, Corgi, and Shiba Inu (Statista). The preference for small dog breeds is likely due to the fact that many Chinese live in apartments with limited space. Additionally, smaller dogs are seen as better suited for city living.
Some historically popular Chinese dog breeds like the Chow Chow and Shar Pei have become less common in recent years as foreign breeds gain popularity. The Siberian Husky’s rise to the top of popularity charts shows the influence of foreign culture, as Huskies are strongly associated with snow sports that are still relatively new in China. Over time, exposure to foreign media and increased demand for dogs as pets rather than workers has diversified the mix of preferred Chinese breeds.
India
India has a diverse mix of popular dog breeds, influenced in part by its large stray dog population. Some of the most popular breeds kept as pets include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Beagles, Pugs, and Golden Retrievers. These breeds are prized for their friendly temperaments, trainability, and suitability for family life [1]. However, India also has a large stray dog population estimated at over 30 million dogs. This means many Indians are accustomed to interacting with the native Indian pariah dog. Though not officially a breed, these hardy mixed breeds are well-adapted to the Indian climate and lifestyle. The preference for foreign breeds as pets reflects their perceived status, but the pariah dog remains ever-present on the streets.
Japan
In Japan, smaller dog breeds tend to be the most popular due to the limited space in apartments and homes. According to a 2023 survey by Rakuten Insight, the most popular dog breed in Japan is the Toy Poodle [1]. Their small size, hypoallergenic coats, and intelligence make them well-suited for city living. Other popular small breeds include Chihuahuas, Shiba Inus, Miniature Dachshunds, and Pomeranians [2]. These compact dogs adapt well to smaller living spaces.
Having pets in Japan can be challenging due to restrictions. Many apartments do not allow dogs, so pet owners must seek out pet-friendly rentals. There are also size limits, with many buildings prohibiting dogs over 10-15 lbs. Additionally, dogs must be registered and owners must follow leash laws and pick up after their pets. However, small dogs that do not bark excessively are often accepted.
Brazil
As a tropical country, Brazil’s popular dog breeds tend to be those that can tolerate and thrive in a hot, humid climate. According to Statista, the most popular dog breeds in Brazil as of 2017 were mixed breeds at 23.54%, Shih Tzu at 11.4%, and Yorkshire Terrier at 7.51%.
Some other popular Brazilian dog breeds include the Brazilian Mastiff, Brazilian Terrier, Brazilian Dogo, and Campeiro Bulldog. These are breeds that originated in Brazil and are well-adapted to the climate. The Brazilian Mastiff, in particular, has a short, easy to maintain coat that helps keep it cool in tropical temperatures according to iHeartBrazil.
There are also many street dogs of mixed heritage in Brazil called “vira-lata caramelo” or caramel stray dogs. These intelligent, adaptable mixed breeds are able to handle Brazil’s climate and make great pets. Their genetic diversity provides health benefits as well according to PraiseTheDogs.
Russia
As a country with a harsh climate, Russia’s most popular dog breeds tend to be hardy, able to withstand the cold. Many Russians also prefer breeds that can serve as security or hunting dogs given the expansive rural areas.
According to RBTH, the top 10 most popular dog breeds in Russia are:
- German Spitz
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Pomeranian
- Rottweiler
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The German Spitz, a breed that originated in Germany, is a small dog known for being alert, active, and loyal. Their thick coats make them well-suited for Russia’s cold climate.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, a large breed originally from the Caucasus region, is popular in Russia as a security and protection dog. They have very strong guarding instincts and thick fur coats adaptable to cold temperatures.
Hunting breeds like the Siberian Husky, Samoyed, and Laika are also quite popular. Overall, Russian preferences lean towards dogs that are hardy, protective, and can handle the weather extremes of the region.
Conclusion
In summary, we found some interesting trends when looking at the most popular dog breeds across different countries. In the United States and the United Kingdom, Retrievers and Spaniels were consistently popular. Australia favored Working Dogs like the Australian Cattle Dog. Asian countries like China, Japan and India preferred small companion dogs such as Pugs, Chihuahuas and Pomeranians. Latin American countries Brazil and Russia tended to prefer guard dogs and sled dogs like Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies.
What seems to drive dog breed preferences across countries are factors like climate, culture, lifestyle and even pop culture trends. The active outdoor lifestyle in Australia calls for energetic working dogs. Small apartment living in Asian cities leads to tiny companion breeds being popular. The need for guard dogs and sled dogs in Brazil and Russia also impacts preferences. As dogs continue to share our lives across the globe, human factors will likely continue to influence the popularity of certain breeds in different parts of the world.