2013 Most Popular Dog Breeds: Choose the Right Pup for You!

Rocco does what Havanese do best…. zoooom!

The AKC today revealed its most recent most popular dog breed list (based on registrations). And while I eagerly searched for my breed -- the Havanese -- I also hoped the breed hadn't risen too high on the list.

Why is that?

Because much as we love being popular,  that also can sometimes lead to irresponsibility… among both dog breeders and dog owners.



I love the Havanese breed and want to see it continue to be bred for good health and temperament. Responsible breeders go to great lengths to help ensure their pups have the best chance for a long and healthy life. And, they breed for nice temperament as well as gorgeous, healthy pups.

Responsible dog owners will do their research to help them choose the right puppy for them. For example, while Havanese are adorable and fluffy, they are NOT couch potatoes! I have to keep Rocco busy or he'll make up his own games to play.

So before you decide on a breed or any dog, here's some helpful info from the AKC to help you find the right breeder and dog for you. You can also ask trusted folks you know who are very active in the breed, attend a dog show or contact the local or national breed club.

So without further ado, here are the top breeds of 2013:

1. Labrador Retrievers
2. German Shepherd Dogs
3. Golden Retrievers
4. Beagles
5. Bulldogs
6. Yorkshire Terriers
7. Boxers
8. Poodles
9. Rottweilers
10. Dachshunds
11. French Bulldogs

Among the fastest growing in popularity are French Bulldogs, which have risen from 54th to 11th, and Havanese, which have risen from 55th to 25th, during the last 10 years.

Rocco plays in his puppy home! FitPaws Paw
Pods provided stimulation to help pups feel
comfortable with motion and surface variety.

You can also check out the top breeds in major cities here.

We love looking at this breed list each year, but most important is to choose the best pup for you and your lifestyle. And, if you're looking for a purebred dog, do your research to find a responsible breeder.

I've been a member of our local Havanese breed club for about 10 years, and I've known Rocco's breeder for about as long! By the time he came to live with me at about 10 weeks, he already had a good idea of what potty training was all about and was well socialized in his puppy home. His parents also had all their health testing done, and Rocco had been BAER tested for hearing.

As a result, Rocco is a healthy, active, well-adjusted dog -- exactly what I expected!

We'd love to hear how you chose your pup. Just leave us a note in the comments below!