Man’s best friend is a faithful, loyal companion offering fluffy, and sometimes slobbery, love. However, some dogs hold particularly special places in the hearts of Americans. PetBreeds, a search engine dedicated to pets of all sorts, conducted an analysis to determine the most beloved and popular dogs in the U.S. We calculated the average user rating, ranging from one to five, and the total number of reviews for each dog breed on our site, filtering out those with fewer than 40 reviews. With those two data points, we determined an overall score out of 100 for each breed. Finally, we ranked them from lowest to highest scores. While golden retrievers and pugs are certain to make an appearance, can you guess which breed tops the charts?
Note: There were no ties, and scores were rounded to the nearest tenth.
#50. French Bulldog
Average User Rating: 4.27 Total Number of Reviews: 71 Overall Score: 73.7 Low-maintenance and great watchdogs, French bulldogs don’t require much exercise and are well-suited for apartment living. These dogs have a maximum life expectancy of 11 years and typically weigh between 22 and 28 pounds.
#49. Newfoundland
Average User Rating: 4.4
Total Number of Reviews: 47
Overall Score: 74.1
Affectionately referred to as a Newfie, this large breed is great with kids and moderately easy to train. Typically cheerful, gentle and loyal, the Newfoundland is the second most expensive breed in medical costs due to major health concerns like canine hip dysplasia and gastric torsion.
#48. Cane Corso
Average User Rating: 4.38 Total Number of Reviews: 53 Overall Score:74.1 A giant purebred known for being cheerful, courageous and intelligent, the Cane Corso is a great watchdog poorly suited for kids. Also known as an Italian mastiff, these dogs typically weigh between 88 and 110 pounds and have an average life expectancy of 10 to 11 years.
#47. Bulldog
Average User Rating: 4.41
Total Number of Reviews: 46
Overall Score: 74.1
Stocky and muscular with an adorably wrinkled face, the bulldog is a low-maintenance breed great for families. They have a life expectancy of eight to 10 years, and owners with pet insurance claimed an average of $1,017 per year in medical costs from 2011 to 2013.
#46. Goldendoodle
Average User Rating: 4.33 Total Number of Reviews: 63 Overall Score: 74.2 Affectionate, intelligent and social, the goldendoodle is easy to train and good with kids. With a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, this medium-sized crossbreed costs approximately $906 when purchased from a breeder or roughly $175 to adopt.
#45. West Highland White Terrier
Average User Rating: 4.35
Total Number of Reviews: 60
Overall Score: 74.2
Small purebred dogs described as cheerful, courageous and independent, West Highland white terriers require some maintenance, but make great watchdogs and are good with kids. Westies typically weigh between 15 and 21 pounds, and their premium brand dry kibble costs approximately $55 per year.
#44. Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin)
Average User Rating: 4.37 Total Number of Reviews: 57 Overall Score: 74.3 The miniature pinscher is a small purebred characterized by its alert, playful and friendly demeanor. These tiny dogs weigh 8 to 10 pounds and have no major health concerns, with annual recurring medical expenses totaling approximately $210.
#43. Dalmatian
Average User Rating: 4.47
Total Number of Reviews: 43
Overall Score: 74.7
Known to be energetic, cheerful and loyal, the dalmatian is a low-maintenance breed well-suited for kids. Often referred to as the ‘firehouse dog,’ this breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years and costs about $700 to buy from a breeder or $175 to adopt.
#42. Cockapoo
Average User Rating: 4.34 Total Number of Reviews: 71 Overall Score: 74.8 A cross between an American or English cocker spaniel and a poodle, the cockapoo has a loving, outgoing personality, learns quickly and sheds minimally. Its 14- to 18-year life expectancy is above-average for a medium breed, and annual recurring medical expenses total approximately $235.
#41. Samoyed
Average User Rating: 4.48
Total Number of Reviews: 44
Overall Score: 75
The Samoyed, a large purebred described as cheerful, intelligent and social, is a great watchdog that’s good with kids. Its 10- to 12-year life expectancy is somewhat shorter than average for dogs of its size, and owners can expect to pay $1,150 to purchase the dog from a breeder or $175 in adoption fees.
#40. American Staffordshire Terrier
Average User Rating: 4.45 Total Number of Reviews: 51 Overall Score: 75.1 Beloved by owners for its loyal, protective nature, the American Staffordshire terrier is a low-maintenance breed that sheds minimally and is good with kids. Its only major health concern is canine hip dysplasia, with annual recurring medical costs averaging $260.
#39. Boston Terrier
Average User Rating: 4.3
Total Number of Reviews: 84
Overall Score: 75.2
Known for its friendly and playful nature, the Boston terrier is a great watchdog that doesn’t require much exercise to stay in shape. Owners spend approximately $120 per year on food and $235 in recurring medical costs for this medium-sized breed.
#38. Jack Russell Terrier
Average User Rating: 4.29 Total Number of Reviews: 90 Overall Score: 75.5 Intelligent and athletic with a large personality, the Jack Russell terrier is a low-maintenance breed that sheds constantly and can be challenging to train. Their 13- to 16-year life expectancy is above-average for small breeds, and owners spend approximately $210 annually on recurring medical expenses.
#37. Australian Cattle Dog
Average User Rating: 4.38
Total Number of Reviews: 77
Overall Score: 75.9
Good with kids and easy to train, the Australian cattle dog is a medium-sized breed characterized by its energy, loyalty and alertness. With a lifespan of 13 years or more, these dogs need 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry dog food daily, which costs an average of $120 annually.
#36. Saint Bernard
Average User Rating: 4.51 Total Number of Reviews: 51 Overall Score: 76.1 Famously independent and intelligent, the Saint Bernard might not be the best choice for families with kids or those living in tropical climates, but it thrives in cold weather. This giant breed has a below-average life expectancy of eight to 10 years, and costs approximately $1,500 to buy from a breeder or $175 to adopt.
#35. Shiba Inu
Average User Rating: 4.52
Total Number of Reviews: 56
Overall Score: 76.6
Affectionate, alert and independent, the shiba inu sheds constantly, but is good with kids and serves as a great watchdog. This medium breed has an average weight of 23 pounds, no major health concerns and costs about $225 per year in recurring medical expenses.
#34. Bichon Frise
Average User Rating: 4.48 Total Number of Reviews: 65 Overall Score: 76.6 A small, affectionate and cheerful purebred, the bichon frise is great watchdog that sheds minimally. They have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and puppies cost approximately $525 from breeders or $175 to adopt.
#33. German Shorthaired Pointer
Average User Rating: 4.57
Total Number of Reviews: 53
Overall Score: 77.1
The German shorthaired pointer is very low maintenance, easy to train and great with kids, though it is not the best choice for apartment living. Food for this large breed costs roughly $235 per year, and it has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
#32. Chihuahua
Average User Rating: 4.27 Total Number of Reviews: 115 Overall Score: 77.1 Despite their average weight of just 4 to 6 pounds, Chihuahuas are alert, courageous and protective watchdogs. Best suited for life in warmer climates, this toy breed has an above-average life expectancy of 14 to 18 years, and those of the longhaired variety cost around $264 per year in grooming expenses.
#31. Papillon
Average User Rating: 4.55
Total Number of Reviews: 56
Overall Score: 77.1
Sometimes referred to as the ‘butterfly dog’ or the ‘continental toy spaniel,’ the papillon is a cheerful, gentle intelligent dog that’s good with kids and easy to train. Papillon puppies cost approximately $400 from a breeder or $175 to adopt, and owners spend around $210 per year on medical expenses.
#30. Havanese
Average User Rating: 4.33 Total Number of Reviews: 108 Overall Score: 77.6 The Havanese, a dog known to be notoriously affectionate, intelligent and gentle, is a great choice for families with kids and fares well in an apartment setting. Weighing between 7 and 13 pounds, food for these small dogs costs approximately $55 annually, and their average life expectancy falls between 12 and 14 years.
#29. Lhasa Apso
Average User Rating: 4.61
Total Number of Reviews: 51
Overall Score: 77.6
Hailing from China, Lhasa apsos are an independent and playful small breed that prefers a cold climate and is good with kids. Owners pay approximately $225 in health insurance and $210 in recurring medical expenses for these 13- to 15-pound dogs on an annual basis.
#28. Collie
Average User Rating: 4.62 Total Number of Reviews: 53 Overall Score: 78 Best known as the “Lassie dog,” collies are intelligent, loyal purebreds that are easy to train, but shed frequently. This large breed weighs between 60 and 75 pounds, and its average life expectancy falls just below average, at eight to 12 years.
#27. Border Collie
Average User Rating: 4.41
Total Number of Reviews: 97
Overall Score: 78
Characterized by its intelligence, energy and loyalty, the border collie is a medium purebred that’s easy to train and great for families with kids. These dogs have a 10- to 14-year life expectancy, and owners pay approximately $525 for a puppy from a breeder or $175 to adopt.
#26. Yorkshire Terrier
Average User Rating: 4.42 Total Number of Reviews: 97 Overall Score: 78.2 Often referred to as the “Yorkie,” the Yorkshire terrier is a high-maintenance, affectionate, tiny dog with a big personality. Puppies cost roughly $600 to purchase or $175 to adopt, and owners spend an average of $110 on training classes.
#25. Great Pyrenees
Average User Rating: 4.62
Total Number of Reviews: 58
Overall Score: 78.4
A giant purebred described as affectionate and independent, the Great Pyrenees is an active, family-friendly dog that can be challenging to train. Its average life expectancy falls between 10 and 12 years, and grooming is typically the greatest expense owners face, averaging $408 annually.
#24. Pomeranian
Average User Rating: 4.5 Total Number of Reviews: 86 Overall Score: 78.6 Affectionately deemed “the Pom” and “Pom Pom,” the Pomeranian is an intelligent, loyal, charismatic toy breed that responds well to training. Its life expectancy falls between 12 and 16 years, and owners can expect to spend around $264 per year on grooming expenses for these longhaired dogs.
#23. Beagle
Average User Rating: 4.44
Total Number of Reviews: 107
Overall Score: 79.2
A medium purebred with English roots, the beagle is a gentle and loving dog that’s great for families. Most weigh between 18 and 30 pounds, and cost approximately $650 for a puppy or $175 to adopt.
#22. Akita
Average User Rating: 4.59 Total Number of Reviews: 76 Overall Score: 79.3 Nicknamed the “great Japanese dog,” the Akita is a giant purebred with a protective, courageous and aggressive demeanor. Excellent watchdogs, the breed’s 10- to 12-year life expectancy is slightly below average, and owners spend approximately $235 annually on food for this 65- to 130-pound dog.
#21. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Average User Rating: 4.62
Total Number of Reviews: 71
Overall Score: 79.4
Originally from Zimbabwe, the Rhodesian ridgeback is a fierce hunter and a skilled watchdog with a mild temperament. Puppies cost an average of $1,050 from a breeder or $175 to adopt, and owners spend roughly $260 annually on medical expenses for this fairly active dog.
#20. Basset Hound
Average User Rating: 4.79 Total Number of Reviews: 43 Overall Score: 79.9 Gentle, friendly and sweet, the basset hound is a large purebred well-suited for kids, but sheds regularly. Its life expectancy is slightly below average at just eight to 12 years, and owners paying approximately $260 in recurring medical bills and $235 on food annually.
#19. Mastiff
Average User Rating: 4.74
Total Number of Reviews: 54
Overall Score: 80
The mastiff, a giant purebred with English origins, is known to be affectionate, intelligent and loyal. Low-maintenance watchdogs, this breed weighs between 175 and 190 pounds, and owners spend roughly $235 on food and $75 on toys and treats annually.
#18. Great Dane
Average User Rating: 4.74 Total Number of Reviews: 54 Overall Score: 80 Dubbed the “gentle giant,” the Great Dane is a giant purebred known for its intelligence and quiet demeanor. This loyal, family-friendly breed has a below-average life expectancy of six to eight years, with puppies costing approximately $1,100 from a breeder or $175 to adopt.
#17. Shetland Sheepdog
Average User Rating: 4.75
Total Number of Reviews: 55
Overall Score: 80.1
The Shetland sheepdog, also known as a miniature collie or a sheltie, is known to be affectionate, friendly and intelligent. For this medium purebred typically weighing 11 to 24 pounds, owners spend approximately $120 annually on premium brand dry kibble and $320 on grooming expenses.
#16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Average User Rating: 4.65 Total Number of Reviews: 75 Overall Score: 80.2 A small dog of English origin, the cavalier has a cheerful, affectionate and social demeanor, and prefers cold climates to warmer areas. Owners spend approximately $225 on health insurance and $210 on medical expenses for this 13- to 18-pound breed annually.
#15. Siberian Husky
Average User Rating: 4.49
Total Number of Reviews: 111
Overall Score: 80.3
Historically used as sled dogs, the Siberian husky is intelligent, hardy and energetic, making them good watchdogs, but not so great with kids. This active breed thrives in cooler temperatures, has a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years, and typically weighs between 35 and 60 pounds.
#14. Poodle
Average User Rating: 4.74 Total Number of Reviews: 58 Overall Score: 80.3 The poodle’s affectionate and intelligent nature makes it easy to train and an ideal choice for families with kids. Poodle puppies average $1,250 from a breeder or roughly $175 to adopt, and this large purebred racks up approximately $260 per year in recurring medical expenses.
#13. Australian Shepherd
Average User Rating: 4.64
Total Number of Reviews: 80
Overall Score: 80.3
Otherwise known as the “little blue dog,” the Australian shepherd is a large purebred deemed affectionate, loyal and protective. Not the best choice for apartment living, this breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and owners spend roughly $260 annually on medical bills, with health insurance averaging $225 per year.
#12. Dachshund
Average User Rating: 4.64 Total Number of Reviews: 83 Overall Score: 80.6 Better known as the “weenie dog” or the “sausage dog,” the dachshund has an aggressive, energetic and loyal temperament, making it a great watchdog. Weighing between 11 and 32 pounds, grooming these medium purebreds is typically the greatest expense owners face, averaging a total of $320 annually.
#11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Average User Rating: 4.76
Total Number of Reviews: 62
Overall Score: 80.9
Cheerful, intelligent and loving, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is great with kids but sheds a lot. A medium purebred with an 11- to 13-year life expectancy, a corgi puppy costs an average of $550 from a breeder or $175 to adopt, and recurring medical expenses total approximately $235 per year.
#10. Shih Tzu
Average User Rating: 4.44 Total Number of Reviews: 132 Overall Score: 81.1 Friendly, fearless and confident, Shih Tzu means “lion dog” and this small-but-mighty breed lives up to its name. Puppies average $925 from a breeder or $175 to adopt, and owners typically spend around $264 per year on grooming expenses for this high-maintenance breed.
#9. Miniature Schnauzer
Average User Rating: 4.64
Total Number of Reviews: 90
Overall Score: 81.2
A small purebred with an alert and friendly temperament, the miniature schnauzer is easy to train and sheds infrequently. The breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and health insurance is typically the highest recurring cost faced by owners, totaling $225 annually.
#8. Boxer
Average User Rating: 4.48 Total Number of Reviews: 127 Overall Score: 81.4 Also known as a German boxer or a Deutscher boxer, the boxer breed is famously friendly and intelligent. Good with kids, they typically weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and have a shorter lifespan than average for large dogs, normally living for 10 to 12 years.
#7. Pug
Average User Rating: 4.63
Total Number of Reviews: 128
Overall Score: 83.8
Low-maintenance and good with kids, the pug is an affectionate and gentle breed that sheds constantly. Typically weighing 14 to 18 pounds, these dogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and puppies cost an average of $350 from a breeder or $175 to adopt.
#6. Doberman Pinscher
Average User Rating: 4.64 Total Number of Reviews: 140 Overall Score: 85 Hailing from Germany, the Doberman pinscher is an elegant, proud and athletic breed that’s adaptable to nearly any living environment, though it typically doesn’t get along with children. Its 10- to 12-year life expectancy is somewhat below average for large dogs, and standard medical costs are approximately $260 annually.
#5. American Pit Bull Terrier
Average User Rating: 4.59
Total Number of Reviews: 166
Overall Score: 86.2
This large purebred has an affectionate and alert personality, but the American pit bull terrier sheds frequently. They weigh an average of 30 to 65 pounds, and owners spend approximately $260 in medical care and $235 on food each year.
#4. Golden Retriever
Average User Rating: 4.74 Total Number of Reviews: 144 Overall Score: 86.9 Popular with families, the golden retriever is a highly intelligent, affectionate companion that’s easy to train and requires regular exercise to stay fit. Best for owners with a lot of land, puppies cost an average of $1,500 from a breeder or $175 to adopt, and they have a life expectancy of up to 13 years.
#3. Labrador Retriever
Average User Rating: 4.6
Total Number of Reviews: 212
Overall Score: 89.9
Initially bred to retrieve small downed waterfowl, the family-friendly Labrador retriever has a kind, obedient nature, but sheds regularly. Puppies cost an average of $750 from a breeder or $175 to adopt, and most weigh an average of 55 to 80 pounds.
#2. Rottweiler
Average User Rating: 4.7 Total Number of Reviews: 193 Overall Score: 90.1 Lovingly deemed “Rottie” or “Rott,” the Rottweiler is a strong and stocky dog known for its good nature, intelligence and fearlessness. Excellent watchdogs, they are the the third-most expensive breed in medical costs — owners with pet insurance claimed $1,186 per year from 2011 to 2013 due to a host of pre-existing conditions.
#1. German Shepherd
Average User Rating: 4.59
Total Number of Reviews: 261
Overall Score: 93.4
Commonly viewed as the top police and military breed, the German shepherd is a loyal, athletic and intelligent breed that’s good with kids, but sheds frequently. Puppies cost an average of $1,150 from a breeder or $175 to adopt, and its 10- to 12-year life expectancy is slightly below average for large dogs.
Originally posted on March 30, 2016 by Laura Woods via Graphiq Newsdesk. Compare More Dog Breeds on PetBreeds