Most Popular Dog Breeds in America

The English cocker spaniel is a compact dog with a silk coat that comes in striking colors and patterns. It is famous for its mellow personality and its ability to flush out and retrieve gamebirds. The English cocker spaniel is larger than its cousin, the U.S. cocker spaniel.

Collies have tremendous herding abilities and protective instincts, as generations who have seen Lassie in films and on television know. They are strong, loyal, affectionate, and elegant dogs and respond well to training. Collies are a good fit for families with an active lifestyle, and they can thrive in the city as well as in the country.

The Maltese is an ancient breed – images of them can be found on Egyptian artifacts – and a classic lapdog. It’s small, like the island from which it got its name, and dainty and proud. It also has a fairly long life expectancy – up to 15 years – and a reputation for being affectionate and perky.

Mastiffs, which weigh up to 160 pounds, are a massive breed developed to guard livestock from predators such as wolves. There are also accounts of them being used for entertainment as fighting dogs in ancient Roman arenas, where they were pitted against lions and tigers. Despite their fierce history, mastiffs are good-natured dogs and surprisingly docile.

Originally bred in France, the basset hound is known for its droopy features, hunting ability, and keen sense of smell – second only to that of its cousin, the bloodhound. Bassets are great with kids and, despite their size, think of themselves as lap dogs.