What Are the Top Ten Dog Breeds in United States?

Labrador Retriever

• Labs reign supreme as the most popular popular dog breed. Labs have held the top spot since 1990 through 2010, the last year for which rankings were available as publication. These dogs originated from Newfoundland, Canada, where they were used to help fishermen. Today, they often work alongside hunters as retrieving dogs, as guide dogs for the visually impaired or as search and rescue dogs.

German Shepherd

• German shepherds, which held the No. 2 spot on the AKC's 2010 list, originate from Germany and were used as herding and farm dogs. Today, the dogs are often used as police dogs and search and rescue assistants. Many people turn to shepherds as a guard dog in addition to keeping them as a beloved family pet. Shepherds grow to around 80 lbs.

Yorkshire Terrier

• The popularity of Yorkshire Terriers, known as Yorkies, among the Hollywood A-list helped the breed place third on AKC's 2010 ranking. Yorkies hail from England, where they were originally used as rat-catching dogs because of their small size before becoming a status symbol for the elite. This toy dog reaches between 4 and 7 lbs. at maturity.

Beagle

• Beagles are an old breed, dating back to the 1500s in England. They are also consistently among the most popular dogs, placing fourth on the the 2010 AKC list. Hunters use beagles to chase after game like rabbits. They have keen noses and long ears to help them follow scents. Beagles generally have cheerful personalities and can be something of a handful to deal with. They weigh between 20 and 25 lbs. when fully mature.

Golden Retriever

• Coming in as fifth most popular breed, golden retrievers hail from Scotland originally. The dogs are known for their intelligence and obedience. Golden retrievers, like labs and shepherds, often work as law enforcement dogs, guide dogs or hunting companions. They range in size from about 55 pounds to 75 lbs.

Bulldog

• Bulldogs, the sixth most popular breed in 2010, are thought to originate from the British Isles. These short, compact dogs may have a history in bull baiting. When dogfighting was outlawed, breeders bred out most of the more wild characteristics of the dog. As a result, the modern bulldog displays little aggression. They tend to be lapdogs or couch potatoes and may overheat due to their short noses. Bulldogs weigh between 40 and 50 lbs. upon maturity.

Boxer

• Another German-originating dog holds down the seventh spot on the AKC list. Boxers were originally used to catch large game or fight other dogs. Boxers display intelligence and strength, making them popular as guard dogs. Families with children also turn to boxers because the breed exhibits lots of patience with children and can protect them. Boxers weigh between 55 and 70 lbs. upon maturity.

Dachshund

• Originating in 17th-century Germany, dachshund means "badger dog" in German. Their name refers to their use as badger hunters because of their small size. They were the eight-most-popular dog in 2010. They have lots of energy and, like the beagle, floppy ears to help trap scents. Standard dachshunds weigh between 16 and 32 lbs., while miniature dachshunds weigh 11 lbs. or less.

Poodle

• Poodles, ninth on the 2010 AKC list, were originally bred in Germany to act as water retrievers for hunters. These dogs are highly intelligent and obedient. They come in either standard, miniature or toy size. Standard poodles stand at 15 inches or taller, measuring from the shoulder. Miniature poodles stand between 10 and 15 inches tall, and toy poodles are under 10 inches tall.

Shih Tzu

• Rounding out the top 10, the shih tzu dates back to ancient China, having been a part of Chinese royal life for more than a thousand years. The dogs have a feisty personality and don't need much exercise, but regular grooming for their long coats is necessary. They weigh between 9 and 16 lbs.