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In response to the American Kennel Club's recent announcement of the
Top 10 Most Popular Dogs of 2009 (based on registration statistics), we decided to unleash our own list (based on pure, unadulterated puppy love). And since we go nuts for just about every type of pooch at Paw Nation, it wasn't easy to narrow it down to ten. But thanks to your comments and our
Facebook fans' input, we've come up with ten dogs who didn't make it on to AKC's list but are nonetheless tops with pet lovers across the country.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
With its bat ears and stub tail, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands out from the crowd. More sociable than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (which we also love!), the Pembroke is a fantastic family dog that thrives when playing and training. They're highly intelligent, steadfastly loyal, and brave to boot.
Border Collie
Brains
and beauty? Border Collies have it all! These intelligent pooches are highly energetic and love to herd objects -- and people! -- thanks to their history working alongside shepherds. Sandy, a Paw Nation reader and owner of three Collies, says her dogs are "protective and downright beautiful."
Pugs
Who could resist that cute little face? We love pugs for their playfulness and ability to adapt to any situation. Our Facebook fan Teresa shares our love for pugs. "Pugs are perfect! The best breed of dog that I have had... they have the sweetest disposition!"
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Paw Nation's Top 10 Dogs
1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
With its bat ears and stub tail, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands out from the crowd. More sociable than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (which we also love!), the Pembroke is a fantastic family dog that thrives when playing and training. They're highly intelligent, steadfastly loyal, and brave to boot.
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Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
With its bat ears and stub tail, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands out from the crowd. More sociable than the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (which we also love!), the Pembroke is a fantastic family dog that thrives when playing and training. They're highly intelligent, steadfastly loyal, and brave to boot.
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
2. Border Collie
Brains and beauty? Border Collies have it all! These intelligent pooches are highly energetic and love to herd objects -- and people! -- thanks to their history working alongside shepherds. Sandy, a Paw Nation reader and owner of three Collies, says her dogs are "protective and downright beautiful."
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
3. Pugs
Who could resist that cute little face? We love pugs for their playfulness and ability to adapt to any situation. Our Facebook fan Teresa shares our love for pugs. "Pugs are perfect! The best breed of dog that I have had... they have the sweetest disposition!"
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
4. West Highland White Terrier
The adorable Westie is a spunky, self-assured dog, and we love that they look like delicious furry marshmallows. Paw Nation reader Lorna, who owns three Westies says, "Westies are the bestie! I wouldn't be without a Westie at any time."
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Like an oversized Beanie Baby, the Cavalier is a friendly toy breed that can adapt to both city and country environments. Paw Nation reader Lana said her Cavalier Nellie, "is the sweetest, most loving dog imaginable... everyone else I have spoken to who has one says the same thing about their Cavalier. Their happy-go-lucky disposition rubs off on all who meets them!"
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
6. Great Dane
The Great Dane may be large and muscular, but it's also a gentle and elegant breed. This family favorite is a trustworthy and spirited pooch. Paw Nation reader polovette96 said "We have our first large dog, a Great Dane. What a wonderful dog, loving and just wants to please!"
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Sure, they've been used to hunt lions, but the Rhodesian Ridgeback is also an amazing family dog. They're large and very athletic, which make them ideal for active families. Ridgebacks also like to snuggle and tend to be wonderful with children despite their intimidating size. One look at their sweet faces tells you everything you need to know!
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
8. Shetland Sheepdog
One of the most successful obedience breeds, the Sheltie is one loyal pooch. Paw Nation reader Helena adores her intelligent Sheltie: "We have had a lot of dogs in our life but this is the smartest, most loving dog we have ever had. Sometimes I think he really understands what we are saying,"
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
9. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a true renaissance pooch -- both a great companion and a wonderful show dog. The compact pup is energetic and outgoing. Our Facebook fan Janet says Pomeranians are the "cutest ankle biters ever." Feel free to bite us anytime, Poms!
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
10. Puli
Don't let its adorable appearance fool you! The Puli is both an intelligent and alert breed. With its curly, naturally clumped coat, these pooches can withstand the worst weather.
Paw Nations Top 10 Dogs
West Highland White Terrier
The adorable Westie is a spunky, self-assured dog, and we love that they look like delicious furry marshmallows. Paw Nation reader Lorna, who owns three Westies says, "Westies are the bestie! I wouldn't be without a Westie at any time."
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Like an oversized Beanie Baby, the Cavalier is a friendly toy breed that can adapt to both city and country environments. Paw Nation reader Lana said her Cavalier Nellie, "is the sweetest, most loving dog imaginable... everyone else I have spoken to who has one says the same thing about their Cavalier. Their happy-go-lucky disposition rubs off on all who meets them!"
Great Dane
The Great Dane may be large and muscular, but it's also a gentle and elegant breed. This family favorite is a trustworthy and spirited pooch. Paw Nation reader polovette96 said "We have our first large dog, a Great Dane. What a wonderful dog, loving and just wants to please!"
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Sure, they've been used to hunt lions, but the Rhodesian Ridgeback is also an amazing family dog. They're large and very athletic, which make them ideal for active families. Ridgebacks also like to snuggle and tend to be wonderful with children despite their intimidating size. One look at their sweet faces tells you everything you need to know!
Shetland Sheepdog
One of the most successful obedience breeds, the Sheltie is one loyal pooch. Paw Nation reader Helena adores her intelligent Sheltie: "We have had a lot of dogs in our life but this is the smartest, most loving dog we have ever had. Sometimes I think he really understands what we are saying."
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a true renaissance pooch -- both a great companion and a wonderful show dog. The compact pup is energetic and outgoing. Our Facebook fan Janet says Pomeranians are the "cutest ankle biters ever." Feel free to bite us anytime, Poms!
Puli
Don't let its adorable appearance fool you! The Puli is both an intelligent and alert breed. With its curly, naturally clumped coat, these pooches can withstand the worst weather.
AKC's Top 10 Dogs Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. (based on registration statistics)
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Bulldog
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu
Which list do you like the best?
Tags: border collie, BorderCollie, cavalier king charles spaniel, CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel, dogs, great dane, GreatDane, most popular dogs, MostPopularDogs, pembroke welsh corgi, PembrokeWelshCorgi, Pomeranian, pug, puli, rhodesian ridgeback, RhodesianRidgeback, shetland sheepdog, ShetlandSheepdog, top 10 dogs, Top10Dogs, west highland white terriers, WestHighlandWhiteTerriers
Time-Lapse Tortoise Noms Salad
They are all cute. My Mom owned a sheltie until the day she died and she never left her side. Mourned my Mom just as much as we did.
Where can I find the dog coats?
Yes all dogs are cute, but i would pick the pug over all. I have one and he is 2 years old and he is the geartest company. his name is Romeo and he goes every where with me. when i take him for a ride in my truck he gets up around the back of my neck and either falls asleep or just watch out the window.
where are the Jack Russell Terriers????
I have owned and been owned by several different dog breeds in my life and they have all been special and particularly loving because of the love and care they received. However, 4 years ago, I was in a shelter (just passing time) when I came across a female Doberman who was in serious need of care. I took her out of there right there and then. She was sicker even that I imagined, but great vets and lots of love restored her to good health. I named her Scarlett, for she reminded most of being a "misunderstood Southern belle." I was lucky to have had her with me for 3.5 years and she was always by my side. She was smart, silly, brave, loyal and lovable. She died at my feet, quite unexpectedly 3 months ago. That huge heart of hers just gave out. I mourn her today as much as I did the day it happened... so for me, it will always be a Doberman!
About time The Dobies are mentioned. So Sorry for your deep loss. They are in fact THE Best dogs,very misunderstood. Great family dogs and all around companions. They have their humans trained in no time at all!
Thank you Kate, for your words of sympathy. My girl was very special. In a way, I am happy that the doberman didn't make the list. Scarlett had been bred so many times before I rescued her, her nipples were over 3 inches long! No wonder she ran and hid every time she saw a male dobie! She was so sweet with everyone that she ever met. I know there's another dobie for me in my future, but no one could ever begin to replace that big, sweet smiling face. It was very gratifying to rescue her and restore her to good health, but because of all the time that was spent making her healthy, made the loss that much harder to face. She knew she was saved and every day she reminded me of just how grateful she was.
I'm glad you made this new list; I have 3 Corgis. Corgis have great personalities, love to run and play, and best of all, they just love to be with you!
They're smart animals, great with children and other animals. We always use the Lay's potato chip commercial: "you just can't have one!"
Your list is the best. I have a Westie and a Ridgeback. Both are wonderful. I love their intelligence, affectionate nature and my ridgeback is the best cuddling dog I have ever had. But my Westie rules the pack. My sister has a great corgi. Also a loyal pack member and very smart. She does a great job protecting us from squirrels in the back yard.
PLEASE!!! Before you buy a Boarder Collie...DO THE RESEARCH!!!!! They are not for everyone. Everything that you hear is true but you don't hear everything! Mine is four and we could not live life without him BUT I don't think we would replace him with another Boarder Collie. If you try and keep them inside they shed all year. You think your mother inlaw is obessive? Please read the forums. The BC shelters are full of wonderful dogs that are nothing more than 100 percent Boarder Collie. If you need or want an outside working dog you won't have a better friend. If you want someone to jog with....get a Lab
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I love my 4 year old rescue border collie who I have had since she was 1. She is extremely smart, very beautiful, and affectionate. It's like having a human in the house. She understands everything I say to her. She has a high energy level which keeps me walking at a fast pace for a 77 year old. People comment how beautiful she is on our daily walks. She is very gentle and sensitive. She loves and protects my minature poodle. She also was very loving and protective of my 17 year old cat(now deceased). She does shed a lot and loves to be outside. She's by far the most superior of dogs.
it's funny how everyone believes Labs are the "one size fits all" dog.
YEAH!!! Finally the Westie gets on a list....Love the new list. My Napoleon will be happy to hear it =0)Ten more beautiful dogs. They are all winners. DOGS RULE.....
Where the heck are Pugs popular? That's right in the city. Hey, city people there are still more than a few people living out in the country and the burbs and a lot of us think Pugs are ugly. This article must've been written by a city dweller, who only sees the dogs one can see on city streets, which, if true, is pretty sad. Shetland Sheep dogs are often seen on city streets along with Weimaraners and, of all things, Vizslas. None of those dogs belong in the city, EVER, you dolts. The Shetlies are herding dogs and need a HUGE amount of space and running to be truly glad and the Weimaraners and Vizslas are hunting breeds which also need space and room to roam. When they're cooped up in city apartments it's a crying shame and, no matter how well they're treated or loved, they're not as happy as they could be. Get apartment appropriate dogs, city-people. The AKC has that list as well.
I agree with JD, especially about Vizslas- so underated! I have a pit/vizsla mix and she's the best- the sweetest smartest dog I've ever had. Why weren't pits on either list? Despite their bad reputation everyone and their mother has one these days, because their super sweet and easily trained. Just because some people use that loyalty and intelligence for horrible means doesn't make them any less popular.
Oh yeah, and Border Collies, too. They're herding dogs, They don't belong herding your nasty old slippers around your tiny apartment.
Since "popular" translates into backyard breeders, puppy mills, and sales in pet stores and over the internet, I'm delighted not to see my favorite breed on any lists.
What about miniature schnauzers? I see them all the time. I have one and he is the Best Dog in the World. They don't shed, and are very loyal. Okay, you have to groom them, but they are so affectionate and love to cuddle.
What about Weimaraners'. I have 3 and they are the best, beautifulest and loving dogs ever.
WESTIES ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
I have a Yellow Lab that is absolutely fantastic, a great dog. This past September my daughter came home with a Pug puppy of which I wasn't too keen on. However, that little Pug is a doll. What a funny dog, an entertainer to say the least! And lovable, she is sweet and very loyal. She's now 7 months and only 6 lbs. so she'll be smaller than normal but she doesn't know that! She's been taught a lot by my Lab and I often think she thinks she's a Lab herself. We go on 2 + mile hikes in the woods and she's off the trail picking up scents just like my Lab. And it is a hoot to see them walk side by side down the street, people stop, look and smile and also usually comment on the dynamics of the 2 dogs. Pugs are great little dogs, smart and stubborn, but their facial expressions make up for a lot of things!! Go Pugs!!