Thinking of getting a dog? Want to know your Cockapoo from your Cocker Spaniel? Discover the breeds trending with dog owners this year.
It goes without saying that we love ALL dog breeds here at Protect My pet, but there are some that seem to get a bigger share of the limelight. Below, you’ll find a list of eleven breeds trending with dog owners this year. Just like us, they’ve all got their unique personalities and needs. And if you’re thinking of getting a dog, it’s important to choose a breed that will fit into your family, home and lifestyle. That means understanding their size when they’re fully grown, typical temperament and other defining characteristics. Here’s some research to get you started.
1. Cockapoo
Size: Small to medium, Cockapoos typically stand 25-38 cm at shoulder-height and weigh from 5 kg to 12 kg.
Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, and affectionate. They are known for being great family pets and therapy dogs.
Typical Features: They have wavy or curly coats that can be various colours and a compact build.
Popular with: Families who want a playful and affectionate dog. Cockapoos also make great therapy dogs when matched with the right owner. They can be a good choice for allergy-sufferers too, as they’re hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coat.
2. Golden Retriever
Size: Golden Retrievers are a large breed, typically 56-61 cm at shoulder-height and weighing 25-34 kg.
Temperament: Friendly, loyal, and obedient. They are known for being great family pets and service dogs.
Typical Features: They have a thick, golden-coloured coat, with a sturdy and athletic build.
Popular with: Families and people who need a service dog. Golden Retrievers are friendly, obedient and great with children. They’re eager to please and enjoy learning so they’re often trained to assist disabled people, or detect drugs and explosives as working dogs, for example.
3. Cocker Spaniel
Size: Small to medium in size. Cocker Spaniels are typically 36-41 cm at shoulder-height and between 6 kg and 14 kg.
Temperament: Happy, friendly, and energetic. They are known for being great family pets and hunting dogs.
Typical Features: They have a silky, wavy coat that can be various colours, with a compact and athletic build.
Popular with: Families and hunters. Cocker Spaniels are energetic, friendly dogs and great around children. They’re also popular with hunters because they can effectively flush out game and retrieve fallen birds.
4. Rottweiler
Size: Large, typically 61-69 cm at shoulder-height and between 35 kg and 60 kg.
Temperament: Loyal, protective, and confident. They are known for being great guard dogs and family pets.
Typical Features: They have a short, thick coat that can be black with tan markings, and a muscular and powerful build.
Popular with: Families and those looking for a good security dog. Rottweilers can fit into family life easily and are effective guard dogs due to their powerful build and protective nature.
5. Dobermann
Size: Dobermans are a medium to large breed, typically 66-72 cm high and between 30 kg and 45 kg.
Temperament: Energetic, loyal, and protective. They are known for being great guard dogs and family pets.
Typical Features: They have an athletic build and a short, sleek coat that is most commonly black and tan, but can also be red, blue, or fawn.
Popular with: Families and people who want an impressive-looking dog. Dobermanns have a rather grand appearance that gets heads turning. Dobermanns have ears that naturally fold, though unfortunately many dogs of this breed have been illegally mutilated to ‘crop’ their ears for cosmetic purposes.
6. Pomeranian
Size: Small and typically 18-30 cm high and 1.5-3 kg in weight.
Temperament: Lively, playful, and affectionate. They are known for being great companion dogs.
Typical Features: They have a thick, fluffy coat that can be various colours, with a small and compact build.
Popular with: Pomeranians are popular with people who want a small and cute-looking dog. Due to their small size they’re popular with apartment dwellers or those with more limited living space.
7. German Shepherd
Size: German Shepherds are a large breed, typically between 55 cm and 65 cm at shoulder-height and between 22 kg and 40 kg.
Temperament: Loyal, courageous, and intelligent. They are known for being great guard dogs and police dogs.
Typical Features: They have a thick, double coat that can be black and tan or sable, with a muscular and agile build.
Popular with: Families who want a loyal and protective dog that is also intelligent. They are often selected by law enforcement agencies due to their courage and ability to be trained for various police tasks.
8. French Bulldog
Size: Small and typically 28-33 cm high and between 8 kg and 14 kg.
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, and playful. They are known for being great companion dogs.
Typical Features: They have a short, smooth coat that can be various colours, with a small and sturdy build.
Popular with: People who want a small and affectionate dog that is also playful and cute. They are usually pretty relaxed and low maintenance, requiring little grooming and exercise.
9. Chow Chow
Size: Medium to large, Chow Chows typically stand 46-56 cm at shoulder-height and weigh 20-32 kg.
Temperament: Independent, dignified, and loyal. They are known for being great guard dogs and family pets.
Typical Features: They have a thick, fluffy coat that can be various colours, with a stocky and muscular build. A Chow Chow’s tongue is often blue or black due to the presence of pigmented cells.
Popular with: Older families and seasoned dog owners who want a dog with a unique and distinctive appearance. Chow chows are stocky and strong – physically and mentally. They make good family pets but can be rather stubborn and lack patience so not best suited to families with younger children.
10. Shih Tzu
Size: Shih Tzus are small at 20-28 cm high and between 4 kg and 7 kg.
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, and playful. They are known for being great companion dogs.
Typical Features: They have a long, silky coat that can be various colours, with a small and sturdy build.
Popular with: Those who want a small and affectionate dog that will follow them everywhere and always be willing for a cuddle. Shih Tzus are known for their unconditional love and will happily curl up on your lap for as long as you’re willing! Strangers shouldn’t be fooled by their cuteness though – they can be very wary and a little feisty when upset.