30 Most Popular Dog Breeds That Get Adopted
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Are you interested in dog adoption? Where it's Adopt a Shelter Dog Month — yes, that's a thing — or you're simply looking to expand your family, bringing home a rescue dog is one of the best things in the world. They give us love and company, and we give them a soft place to land and a new lease on life.
And you certainly have choices. With sites like Petfinder, you can search for the dog of your dreams in the comfort of your home. If you’re unsure which dog breed is the best fit, here are the top 30 dog breeds (and mixes) that get adopted, from the more than 27 million annual searches on Petfinder.
29. Affenpinscher (Tie)
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 403,000
The quirky Affenpinscher starts our list off, which is actually unusual because they are a rarer dog breed that is more difficult to find.
However, with just over 400,000 searches for Affenpinschers and Affenpinscher mixes for adoption, it’s clear more people would like to own this loyal and amusing dog.
29. Rottweiler (Tie)
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 403,000
Tied with the Affenpinscher in the 29th spot, the Rottweiler is a popular dog breed for people looking for protection as well as a companion.
It’s important to note that they do especially well in homes with some land, as they need a good amount of exercise.
28. Great Dane
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 407,000
One of the largest dog breeds you can adopt, the regal Great Dane turns heads wherever it goes.
While, yes, this breed is quite tall, Great Danes are actually fairly low energy and affectionate, making them a perfect addition to any household.
27. Cocker Spaniel
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 415,000
If you grew up watching “The Lady & The Tramp,” you probably have a soft spot for Cocker Spaniels.
This energetic dog is loved by Fanciers for their sweet expression, affectionate nature and beautiful, soft coat.
26. American Bulldog
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 419,000
Often confused with other bully breeds, including the Pit Bull, American Bulldogs are actually their own breed.
They’re considered by many to be tough, but they’re actually very loyal and eager to please.
25. Bichon Frise
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 460,000
The Bichon Frise is a popular small dog due to its affectionate nature.
Often mixed with Poodle, people searched almost half a million times on Petfinder.com to adopt a Bichon Frise. They have a medium-high energy level and get along with everyone.
24. Boston Terrier
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 465,000
Boston Terriers and Boston Terrier mixes are popular among those looking to adopt due to their fun personality, low energy requirements and adaptability.
They are especially affectionate with their family.
23. Pomeranian
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 500,000
The teddy bears of dog breeds, the Pomeranian is adored for their cute looks and happy temperament.
With just over half a million Pomeranian searches, it’s obvious that many are looking for a Pomeranian or Pomeranian mix, like the popular Pomchi, to bring home.
22. English Bulldog
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 510,000
One of the most recognized dog breeds, the English Bulldog is adored for their quirky personality, low energy and trademark look.
Those looking to adopt can expect a purebred, as you don’t see mixes of this breed very often.
20. Boxer (Tie)
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 515,000
Fanciers of the Boxer love their outgoing personality and easy-to-care-for coat.
They are high energy and definitely do best with a yard, but give them some exercise and they make a great family dog. Boxers and Boxer mixes were searched for just over 515,000 times.
20. Labradoodle (Tie)
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 515,000
Tied in the 20th spot, the Labradoodle is no doubt a popular dog breed for adoption due to the possibility of a hypoallergenic coat as well as their sweet nature and love for kids.
This mix does have energy to burn, but a brisk walk twice a day or a game of fetch will have them relaxing on the couch for the rest of the day.
19. Pug
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 540,000
The clown-like personality of the Pug makes it a must-own for many people. In fact, it’s maybe surprising they are not higher on this list!
With just under 540,000 searches, people love Pugs and Pugs mixes for their outgoing temperament and low-medium energy level.
18. Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 580,000
If you are looking for a partner that will play with you during the day and snuggle at night, you can look into adopting the Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler or a Heeler mix.
This breed is loved for their easy-to-care-for coat, trainability and adaptability to new environments — a win-win for both dog and adopter.
17. Pit Bull Terrier
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: About 600,000
Some may be surprised that the Pit Bull Terrier, and their mixes, are not higher on this list. Others may be surprised they are on the list at all.
This breed has a lot of controversy surrounding it, but one thing is for sure, fanciers love them! With a lab-like personality, the Pit Bull Terrier is wanted for its friendly attitude, loyalty and “look.”
16. Maltese
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 620,000
The Maltese is known for their beautiful white coat and spunky attitude. When it comes to rescuing a Maltese, many are looking for Maltipoos — a Maltese crossed with a Poodle — that gives them that same personality but with a curlier coat.
Just keep in mind that they’ll still require a significant amount of grooming.
15. French Bulldog
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 650,000
The French Bulldog is known for their clown-like personality that draws everyone to them.
Frenchies and Frenchie mixes are great pets for almost any type of home, as they adapt easily and love being around people.
14. Goldendoodle
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 670,000
Another mix to make it on this list is the Goldendoodle with just under 670,000 searches. People love the Goldendoodle because they get the best of two amazing dog breeds: the trainability and sweet temperament of the Golden with the hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle.
The resulting mix is a loving dog that needs to be groomed frequently.
13. Corgi
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 700,000
It’s easy to see why people love the Corgi, including the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Corgi. They are cute, cute, cute! And let’s not forget that waggle-butt!
Looks aside, the Corgi and Corgi mixes have just under 700,000 searches annually from people looking for an affectionate dog with a medium energy level.
12. Border Collie
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 730,000
The Border Collie is a breed that needs a job.
That means a Border Collie or Border Collie mix is especially great for people wanting a running buddy or to do a dog sport or two with.
11. Beagle
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 740,000
The Beagle is a great dog for a strong-willed owner that doesn’t mind a dog that’s going to follow their nose, no matter what.
With just over 740,000 searches, Beagles and Beagle mixes are popular with people who like a loyal companion that’s good with kids and other dogs.
10. Shih Tzu
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 780,000
The Shih Tzu is a cuddly breed known for being super affectionate with their owners and being good with kids.
With right around 780,000 searches for Shih Tzus and their mixes, the breed appears to be much more popular as a rescue, as they come in 20th place on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) overall list of popular breeds.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: More than 780,000
Yorkshire Terriers, often called Yorkies, are popular due to their small size and cute features.
Mixed with poodles, their hair becomes a bit more manageable but still requires regular grooming.
8. Chihuahua
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 963,868
Most shelters are packed with Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes, giving you your pick when it comes to age, gender and color.
They are especially popular due to their size because many people living in apartments or small houses find the Chihuahua fits perfectly. Just note they can be anti-social and are not always good with kids.
7. Dachshund
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: Just under 1 million
The tenacious Dachshund is No. 7 on the list, likely due to their small size and quirky personalities.
They can be tricky to potty train, but their antics make up for any training woes.
6. Siberian Husky
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 1 million
For many people, the striking looks of the Husky are what draws them to the breed, especially their blue eyes.
But they do require a lot of exercise and do best in a home with room to run.
5. Australian Shepherd
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: Just over 1 million
The lovable Australian Shepherd is still a favorite when it comes to adoptable dog breeds. The Aussie is a great size for suburban or urban leaving and is beautiful to look at.
Add in easy to train and good with kids, it’s no wonder many people want to add an Aussie to their family.
4. German Shepherd Dog
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 1.2 million
The German Shepherd has a strong fan base of people who are looking for a companion as well as a protection dog.
They do especially well on farms where they have room to roam. An intelligent breed, they are also easy to train.
3. Golden Retriever
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 1.5 million
The Golden Retriever is the third most-searched dog breed for adoption.
It’s no surprise, as the Golden Retriever is known for being a great companion and family dog, with a medium energy level and kind disposition.
2. Labrador Retriever
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 1.6 million
The Labrador Retriever, along with lab mixes, comes in second with over 1.6 million searches.
The Lab has been the most popular breed, based on AKC registration numbers, for 30 years running, so no surprise it’s at the top of adoption lists, too! People love Labs for their outgoing personality, trainability and medium energy level.
1. Poodle
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No. of annual Petfinder searches: 1.68 million
Poodles account for more than 1.68 million searches for adoptable dogs on Petfinder, putting them at the top of the list. This includes most sizes of poodles as well as most of their mixes.
Poodles have gained popularity over the years for their hypoallergenic coats that do not shed. Fanciers of the poodle also love their intelligence and goofy personalities.