Popular Dog Breeds and Their Famous Celebrity Owners

What are the most popular dog breeds? Americans love dogs, according to statistics from The Humane Society of the United States. Approximately 51 million Americans own at least one dog, an average of 18 million Americans own two dogs, and seven million people own three or more dogs.

What is the most popular dog breed for these dog owners? Let's take a look at some popular breeds and see why they are so appealing. Just for fun, we 'll also discuss some celebrity dog owners and talk about what breed of dogs they prefer.

Do you prefer Labrador Retrievers? Well, you are in good company because so does most of America.

For almost 20 years, the Labrador has topped the list of the most popular American dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club.

Why do we love these good-natured dogs so much? In addition to their mild temperaments, they are easy to train, great hunting dogs, and excellent dog agility competitors.

The roots of the Labrador Retriever trace back to 1878 in Newfoundland, where they were used to catch fish, and they were introduced to the United States in 1917.

Full-grown dogs weigh between 55 to 80 pounds, stand about 23 inches high, and belong to the sporting group. Coat colors are chocolate, black, or yellow.

Did you know that these celebs own (or have owned) Labrador retrievers?

• Drew Barrymore – Flossie (Yellow Labrador/Chow mix)
• Dick Cheney – Jackson (Yellow Labrador) and Dave (Black Labrador)
• Bill Clinton – Buddy (Chocolate Labrador)
• Minnie Driver – Bubba (Black Labrador)
• Edie Falco – Marley (Labrador/Shepherd mix)
• Sarah McLachlan – Rex (Black Labrador)
• Mary Kate Olsen – Luca

Beagles rank number five on the list of the most popular dog breeds and are the first of the medium-sized dogs listed.

The world’s most famous beagle is Snoopy, the comic strip character created by the late Charles Schultz. Beagles date back to the fifteenth century and were used to hunt deer and rabbits.

Their popularity is due to their loving nature, appealing eyes, and long ears as well as their keen hunting ability.

They are stubborn dogs—but highly intelligent—and with loving care and consistent training, they make well-behaved companion dogs.

Beagles are average size dogs, which stand about 15 inches high, weigh about 25 pounds, and belong to Hounds' group. Their coats range in color from tri-colors, red, white or lemon.

Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, are number three on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds.

Anyone who has ever owned one of these adorable little dogs can attest to their loving nature, intelligence, and energetic personalities.

Their roots date back to nineteenth century Yorkshire, England where they proved to be exceptional ratters.

Yorkshire terriers stand about six inches tall, weigh about five pounds, and belong to the toy group. Coat colors are black, tan or blue.

Chihuahuas score a solid number 12 on the list of the most popular dogs.

The breed is known as the world’s smallest dog breed, and two Chihuahuas achieved fame by being included in the Guinness World records as the world’s tiniest dogs: Boo Boo, a teeny-tiny four inch dog, and Brandy, a two pound darling.

Chihuahuas are named for their Mexican state of origin and are popular because of their feisty personalities, diminutive sizes, and loving natures.

Typically, Chihuahuas are one-person dogs and fiercely loyal to their chosen human.

The breed weighs an average of five pounds, stands about six inches high, and belongs to the toy group.

Coat color varies greatly, but the most recognizable color is probably the fawn color of famous Chihuahuas like the Taco Bell Chihuahua or Chloe from Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

Chihuahuas may be smooth coated or long-haired.

Here are some fun facts about celebrity dogs who are members of some of the most popular dog breeds category.

• Madison, a female Labrador Retriever, is an animal actor who plays the part of Vincent on the television series Lost.
• Lucky and Flo are two hard working Labrador Retrievers who are trained to detect counterfeit DVDs.
• Marley is the yellow Labrador Retriever inspiration for the book Marley and Me.
• Some famous Chihuahuas animal actors are Gidget, who played the Taco Bell Chihuahua and Bruiser’s mom in Legally Blonde 2, and Moonie, who played the part of Bruiser in Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2.
• Willy is a real-life paraplegic Chihuahua, whose compelling story of overcoming handicaps is told in How Willy Got His Wheels and How Willy Got His Wings.

Now that you know more about some of America’s most popular dog breeds, why not visit your local animal shelter or rescue facility today and add a pet to your family? There may be some of these types of dogs waiting for adoption, or you might decide to choose a companion from another breed.

American Kennel Club, “AKC Announces Most Popular Dogs,” January, 2010, accessed 0/02/2010

American Kennel Club, “AKC Club 2009 – Dog Registration Statistics – Historical Comparisons,” accessed 07/02/2010

American Kennel Club, “Labrador Retriever History,” accessed 07/02/2010

ABC News, “Police Dogs Sniff for Pirated DVDs,” May, 2006, accessed 07/02/2010

How Willy Got His Wheels, Deborah Turner, Doral Publishing, (2009)

How Willy Got His Wings, Deborah Turner, Doral Publishing (2009)

Marley and Me, John Grogan, Hatchette Australia, (2000)

Celebrity Dog Watcher, accessed 07/02/2010

Life in the Fast Lane, “World’s Smallest Dog – Brandy,” 1/2008, accessed 07/02/2010

The Humane Society of the United States, “U.S. Pet Ownership,” 12/2009, accessed 07/02/2010