National Dog Day: Woke Edition

Alright folks, it's that time of year again—National Dog Day! If you're thinking about adopting a furry bestie, now's the time to get your research on. But which pup is perfect for you? Buckle up, because 2024's top dog breeds are here, and spoiler alert: it's not all golden retrievers and labradoodles (although, let's be real, they're adorable).

Rover.com, an online marketplace for pet care, teamed up with Ancestry (yes, they do DNA tests for pets now, because why not?) to find out which dog breeds are topping the charts and what their personalities are like. Because, you know, we all need a little more drama in our lives.

Dogs have been our ride-or-die companions since forever, so it's no surprise that around 65.1 million Americans own one, making them the ultimate popular pet. Thanks, [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/#:~:text=66%25%20of%20U.S.%20households%20(86.9,fish%20(11.1%20million%20households).), for that groundbreaking revelation.

"Almost anyone who has had a dog knows the joy of getting home at the end of the day and being greeted by a wild wagging tail," said Phil Tedeschi, a professor at the University of Denver who literally studies human-animal connections. I mean, who needs a significant other when you have a dog, right?

In July 2024, Rover surveyed 1,000 U.S. pet parents to get the scoop on popular dog breeds and their personality traits. Because, you know, we all need to be prepared for the sass, the cuddles, and the inevitable zoomies.

The Popular Kids

So, who made the cut? According to Rover, the most popular breeds are:

• Non-designer mixed breeds ( because rescue is the new black)
• Labrador Retrievers
• Goldendoodle
• Golden Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Chihuahua
• French Bulldog
• Dachshund

It's All About the Connection, Baby

Surprise, surprise—understanding your dog's breed mix can help you understand them better. Shocking, I know. Around 88% of dog parents said knowing their dog's genetic makeup would strengthen their bond. Because, you know, it's all about that emotional connection (and the Instagram likes).

Another 62% said breed was an important factor when choosing their furry friend. But let's not forget, folks—it's about the dog's personality, not just their breed. We don't want any breedism up in here.

"So often, these are companions that [we] spend some of our most high-quality recreational time," said Tedeschi. This bonding time often takes place when people are just able to relax. Because nothing says 'chill' like Netflix and cuddles with your furry BFF.

Get to Know Your Pup (Like, Really Know Them)

It's essential to get to know the individual dog and their personality instead of stereotyping them by their breed. Yes, dog breeds are unique, but individual dogs have their own quirks and needs. It's like saying all humans are the same because we're all 'homo sapiens.' Please.

Some of the top personality traits that people and dogs share include:

• Loyalty - 71%
• Playfulness - 65%
• Intelligence - 61%
• Friendliness - 61%

And get this—around 62% of parents said they and their dogs are also socially anxious. Because who needs therapy when you can just blame it on your dog, right?

Separation Anxiety: The Struggle is Real

Around 42% of dog parents said their dog's separation anxiety is a challenge. The breeds most likely to have separation anxiety? Dachshunds and Yorkshire Terriers. But let's be real—any dog can get anxious when they're away from their humans. American Humane has the deets on that.

Loyalty Squad

The most loyal dog breeds, according to the survey, are:

• American pit bull terriers (despite the stigma, because #pitbullsarelove)
• German shepherds
• Chihuahuas

But remember, folks—every dog is different. Just because a breed is known for certain traits doesn't mean every pup fits the mold.

So, which dog should you get? That's for you to decide, my friend. Do your research, think about your lifestyle, and most importantly—love and accept your furry friend for who they are. Because at the end of the day, all that matters is the bond you share.

Good luck, and happy adopting!

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