Three Irish Setters sitting in the grass

Dog breeds with the most timeless popularity

June 17, 2022
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Dog breeds with the most timeless popularity

Which do you like better, cats or dogs? If you chose dogs, you're in the majority: , while only 41% of adults said the same about cats, according to a poll conducted by the Associated Press. That's not to suggest dogs are inherently better than their feline friends. , cats have actually been more successful, with superior hunting skills enabling survival even when food is scarce. On the other hand, science suggests because their cerebral cortexes contain twice as many neurons.

There may never be a clear answer, but for the majority who prefer man's best friend, 麻豆原创 has compiled a list of the top 35 dog breeds with the most timeless popularity. Using data from the , we averaged each breed's level of popularity in 1940 with its popularity in 2021. This analysis excluded any new breed introduced since 1940 and is based on data released on March 15, 2022, the most recent data available. Any ties were decided by the breed that ranked highest in 2021.

Different breeds have grown famous for various reasons, such as Welsh corgis, the Queen's favorite dog breed, or Dalmatians, whose popularity skyrocketed when the 1996 film "101 Dalmatians" hit theaters.

Click through to find out if your favorite dog was just as beloved 80 years ago.

A Chow Chow that is wet after playing in water
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#35. Chow chows

- Average rank over time: 46.5
- 1940 rank: 13
- 2021 rank: 80

Originating in northern China, chow chows have . Martha Stewart is particularly fond of this breed and .

A Brittany running towards the camera with its tongue out
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#34. Brittanys

- Average rank: 45.5
- 1940 rank: 64
- 2021 rank: 27

Due to its fondness for humans and family-friendly disposition, Brittanys have become . Brittanys were originally bred as , when the word 鈥渟paniel鈥 was dropped.

A Newfoundland in the snow
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#33. Newfoundlands

- Average rank: 44.5
- 1940 rank: 44
- 2021 rank: 45

Newfoundlands are , which is enhanced by their heavy double-coat. They are also characterized by their sweet and gentle personality. While they may seem like the perfect pet, one of the Newfoundlands鈥 less desirable traits is .

A West Higland White Terrier puppy standing in grass
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#32. West Highland White Terriers

- Average rank: 44.5
- 1940 rank: 43
- 2021 rank: 46

Called Westie for short, the West Highland White Terrier descends from a group of terriers . As a result, they may share ancestors with cairn terriers and Scottish terriers. Though they look like soft stuffed animals, their outer coat is actually .

Two pugs looking up at the camera
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#31. Pugs

- Average rank: 44.5
- 1940 rank: 56
- 2021 rank: 33

and were once a prized possession of the Chinese royal family. Their popularity grew over the years, eventually reaching Europe and, after the Civil War, the United States. but don't expect them to hunt, defend, or retrieve anything.

A Siberian Husky mid-leap in the snow
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#30. Siberian Huskies

- Average rank: 43
- 1940 rank: 67
- 2021 rank: 19

As their name hints, . They were bred to have serious endurance and a thick coat to withstand severe winters. These wolf-like dogs have won the hearts of many pet owners with their high energy and extra friendly personality.

Three Irish Setters sitting in the grass
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#29. Irish setters

- Average rank: 42.5
- 1940 rank: 14
- 2021 rank: 71

Characterized by their silky chestnut coats, Irish setters were originally bred to hunt birds. Although they love humans, their hunting instincts can make them a threat to smaller animals. They are , so potential owners should be prepared to take them on lots of long walks or runs.

An Airedale Terrier at the beach
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#28. Airedale terriers

- Average rank: 41
- 1940 rank: 20
- 2021 rank: 62

, Airedales typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. President Warren Harding鈥檚 terrier, Laddie Boy, was the .

A Chesapeake Bay Retriever running through the grass
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#27. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

- Average rank: 41
- 1940 rank: 34
- 2021 rank: 48

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever gets its name from the shallow estuary that鈥檚 surrounded by Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. In the 19th century,  since their coat helps them repel water and stay warm.

A St. Bernard at a lake
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#26. Saint Bernards

- Average rank: 39.5
- 1940 rank: 26
- 2021 rank: 53

Saint Bernards are extremely large dogs, typically . One Saint Bernard named Benedictine was said to have . Though their size may be intimidating, Saint Bernards are a gentle, loving breed.

A dalmatian running through an obstacle course
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#25. Dalmatians

- Average rank: 36.5
- 1940 rank: 24
- 2021 rank: 49

Dalmations have roots tracing back to Croatia and are . Their original job was to , including , which is why they鈥檙e associated with firefighters to this day.

A Yorkshire Terrier in a colorful patterned sweater
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#24. Yorkshire terriers

- Average rank: 36.5
- 1940 rank: 60
- 2021 rank: 13

The Yorkshire terrier is a fiery yet affectionate companion despite its small size. The 鈥淵orkie,鈥 one of the , has gained many lovers thanks to their .

A Basset Hound puppy lying on a couch
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#23. Basset hounds

- Average rank: 35.5
- 1940 rank: 37
- 2021 rank: 34

Bred for hunting rabbits, the basset hound鈥檚 , bested only by the bloodhound. Basset hounds are . Their name is derived from the French word 鈥渂as,鈥 which means low鈥攁 reference to their short stature.

A Scottish Terrier in a vest nestled amongst purple flowers
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#22. Scottish terriers

- Average rank: 31
- 1940 rank: 4
- 2021 rank: 58

This breed was developed in the Scottish Highlands and . Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt owned a Scottish terrier named Fala. She , and now has her own statue next to Roosevelt鈥檚 memorial in Washington D.C.

Two Pembroke Welsh Corgis running through the grass
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#21. Pembroke Welsh corgis

- Average rank: 31
- 1940 rank: 51
- 2021 rank: 11

which means "dwarf dog," a feature evident in their short legs and long body. A large part of their popularity came from the fact that .

A Shetland Sheepdog in the woods
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#20. Shetland sheepdogs

- Average rank: 30.5
- 1940 rank: 33
- 2021 rank: 28

Also known as Shelties, Shetland sheepdogs were as herding dogs. These long-coated pups look similar to their collie relatives but are much smaller, weighing only about 20 pounds.

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#19. Chihuahuas

- Average rank: 29.5
- 1940 rank: 22
- 2021 rank: 37

One of the smallest dog breeds, Chihuahuas typically . This breed has earned itself a lot of screen time, with roles in 鈥淟egally Blonde,鈥 鈥淢eet the Fockers,鈥 鈥淏everly Hills Chihuahua,鈥 and as Taco Bell鈥檚 former mascot, Gidget.

A Miniature Schnauzer in a red vest
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#18. Miniature schnauzers

- Average rank: 27
- 1940 rank: 36
- 2021 rank: 18

, the miniature schnauzer was developed as a farm dog that could track down and kill vermin. The traditional appearance of these schnauzers includes 鈥渃ropped鈥 ears. This type of surgery is now illegal in some countries, and a few .

A French Bulldog playing with a flip-flop
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#17. French bulldogs

- Average rank: 27
- 1940 rank: 52
- 2021 rank: 2

French bulldogs resemble little bulldogs with bat ears. Interestingly, before becoming famous in France. Although 鈥淔renchies鈥 are not service dogs, a .

A German Shorthaired Pointer tilting its head at the camera
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#16. German shorthaired pointers

- Average rank: 25
- 1940 rank: 41
- 2021 rank: 9

German shorthaired pointers were bred to be hunters and are still . Pointers often have a distinct speckled coat in white, black, or liver (a unique shade of brown).

A Golden Retriever with a stick in its mouth in front of the ocean
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#15. Golden retrievers

- Average rank: 24.5
- 1940 rank: 46
- 2021 rank: 3

Golden retrievers were , lords of the Scottish Highlands, to help them hunt geese. Their beautiful stature and coat, calm temperament, and friendly nature .

Two Collies sitting together outside
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#14. Collies

- Average rank: 24
- 1940 rank: 10
- 2021 rank: 38

Collies are an . One of the most famous dogs of all time, Lassie, is a collie. She was portrayed by a dog named Pal in seven feature films, and in .

A smiling Pomeranian puppy on a field
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#13. Pomeranians

- Average rank: 18
- 1940 rank: 12
- 2021 rank: 24

This breed combines a tiny figure with a big personality. Although they Pomeranians can be possessive and behave aggressively toward those who threaten their space. As a result, they may not be ideal for families with young children.

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#12. English Springer Spaniels

- Average rank: 17
- 1940 rank: 8
- 2021 rank: 26

English Springer Spaniels were  and are active, obedient pups. Springer spaniels have won six Best in Show awards at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, .

A Great Dane poking its head out a car window
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#11. Great Danes

- Average rank: 16.5
- 1940 rank: 16
- 2021 rank: 17

Despite what their name suggests, . This breed often holds the record for the tallest living dog. At 7 feet and 4 inches, a Great Dane named Zeus held this title .

Two Doberman Pinschers playing in the grass
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#10. Doberman pinschers

- Average rank: 15.5
- 1940 rank: 15
- 2021 rank: 16

This breed gets its name from . Dobermann bred a dog who could protect him while he worked as a tax collector. , Dobermans can be socialized to be loving, friendly dogs.

A Boxer smiling in the grass
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#9. Boxers

- Average rank: 15.5
- 1940 rank: 17
- 2021 rank: 14

The boxer鈥檚 ancestor is a German dog called the . Though they sprung from talented hunters, modern boxers make This breed has also been very successful at the Westminster Dog Show, winning Best in Show four times.

A Cocker spaniel licking its nose
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#8. Cocker spaniels

- Average rank: 15
- 1940 rank: 1
- 2021 rank: 29

Cocker spaniels are the smallest breed in the sporting group, . They were specifically the woodcock, which is where they get their name.

A Labrador Retriever holding a stick in its mouth
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#7. Labrador Retrievers

- Average rank: 15
- 1940 rank: 29
- 2021 rank: 1

Despite their name, Labrador retrievers , as opposed to Labrador, Canada. With coats generally in either yellow, chocolate, or black, Labs are an active breed that loves people and other animals.

A Poodle running on a bright green lawn
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#6. Poodles

- Average rank: 14
- 1940 rank: 23
- 2021 rank: 5

Poodles originated in Germany, . Their name comes from the German word "pudelin," which means "to splash in water." Many 1950s American celebrities owned poodles, including .

A Boston Terrier puppy in a dog bed
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#5. Boston terriers

- Average rank: 13
- 1940 rank: 3
- 2021 rank: 23

Even though terrier is in their name, Boston terriers . The other half of their name makes more sense: They were developed in Boston and became of Massachusetts in 1979.

A German Shepherd running in the ocean
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#4. German shepherds

- Average rank: 11
- 1940 rank: 18
- 2021 rank: 4

These large, muscular dogs are easily trained, making them . The German shepherd was affected by the anti-German sentiment that was aroused in the early 20th century. In Britain, German shepherds were .

A Bulldog smiling up at the camera
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#3. Bulldogs

- Average rank: 8.5
- 1940 rank: 11
- 2021 rank: 6

The bulldog鈥檚 name references its past, when . Considered a sport, bull-baiting involved . Due to their pups鈥 large heads, most bulldogs .

A Dachshund on top of a broken tree trunk
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#2. Dachshunds

- Average rank: 8
- 1940 rank: 6
- 2021 rank: 10

Known for having relatively short legs and a long body, the dachshund鈥檚 shape meant it could . The first time the Olympics had a mascot was during the summer games of 1972 in Munich; the mascot selected was .

Three young Beagles playing with each other
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#1. Beagles

- Average rank: 4.5
- 1940 rank: 2
- 2021 rank: 7

Beagles were first brought to the United States after the Civil War, . Their long ears aided them in picking up subtle sounds, and their white-tipped tails . Though he may not look like one, ".

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