Top Three Dog Breeds - Large and Small

If you happen to be in the market for a purebred dog, there are over one hundred varieties to choose from. They each have their own traits and temperaments. They also come in large and small sizes.

You may be wondering what the most popular dogs in the United States are. According to the American Kennel Club's registration figures for 2006, the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd lead the large dog breed category and the Yorkshire Terrier, Daschund and Poodle lead the small dog breed category.

The Labrador Retriever has held the number one spot in popularity since 1991. And if you were familiar with this breed you wouldn't question why. The Lab is a friendly, kind, intelligent, loving, loyal and eager to please pet who loves to play. They belong to the sporting dog group and are considered to be the original water dog, since they have a short double water resistant coat and an otter tail. Their strong legs allow for swimming and running. The Lab is easily trained and has a reliable temperament, making them an excellent choice for children. They are non-aggressive towards humans and other animals. They are also energetic and need a lot of exercise. Exercise will keep them happy and out of trouble.

If you want a people lover pet, then look no further than the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, heavily muscled, trustworthy and highly trainable breed. They have a golden colored medium length coat, feathered tail, a broad head, and powerful muzzle. They are gentle with children and need to be around people to be happy. This trait makes them excellent family dogs. They excel at obedience training and love to please their owners. They are highly energetic and need plenty of exercise otherwise they can become destructive. Because they love people so much, they don't make the best guard dogs.

The German Shepherd is also a well muscled animal that will reach up to 80 pounds when mature. They have a double, medium length coat, dark eyes and a long strong muzzle. Their smoothly curved body is longer than it is tall. They are confident, direct, fearless and willing to serve as a companion, a watchdog, herding dog, or guide dog for the blind. They are loyal and courageous and full of life. They are also outgoing and friendly but are suspicious of strangers.

If you're in the market for a feisty little animal the Yorkie is one to fit the bill. The Yorkshire Terrier has a long silky blue and tan coat, parted from the face down the spine. They belong to the toy terrier group, and although small in size, they believe themselves to be much bigger. This spunky terrier thrives on adventure and trouble. They are energetic, loyal, clever and brave. They have a great affection to their owners and, as equally, a great suspicion of others. This, along with their keen sense of hearing, makes them a great watchdog. They make better pets for older children and don't require a great deal of exercise, making them a good pet for apartments or small houses. They are very difficult to housebreak and are quite noisy.

The Daschund is also known as the wiener dog because of its long body. They have crooked legs, loose skin and a barrel shaped body. They make great pets, since they are fun, playful and loyal. They are also courageous, strong willed, clever and smart, but it can be challenging to train them. Although stubborn, the Daschund makes a great watchdog, alerting its owner of intruders by barking.

The Poodle is a good-natured dog that seems to possess almost human like qualities. They trot with their heads held high with a certain air of dignity about them. They are proud, intelligent and active animals. They make great companions, good family dogs and watchdogs. They are affectionate and devoted, if treated well, and can get along with other animals. They are also easy to train. They require human companionship and frequent grooming, making them one of the most expensive breeds to maintain.

The top three dogs in both the large and small dog categories have some wonderful qualities to establish them as good additions to any family. Yet each is distinctive in its own right. It is no wonder they are among the most frequently chosen pets.