What is your favorite dog breed? Do you think others share your opinion? The American Kennel Club has announced its annual Most Popular Dog Breeds list. Keep reading to find out which dog breeds America loves the best, based on statistics from 2017. There are a few dogs that are truly surprising — particularly the breed on page 10. See whether your tastes align with the rest of the country.

17. Australian shepherd

The Australian shepherd is not from Australia. It’s actually from the western U.S., and it was bred to herd livestock. Australian shepherds are happy when they have job to do, and they are quite active. Ranked at No. 20 in 2013, No. 18 in 2014, No. 17 in 2015, and No. 16 in 2016, they have gone up and down a bit in popularity. Here are some Aussie traits that got the breed on the AKC list:

• Good-natured
• Smart
• Active
• Affectionate
• Protective

 Next: On guard

16. Doberman pinscher

The Doberman pinscher ranked 12th in 2013, 14th in 2014 and 2015, and 15th in 2016. Bred to be guard dogs, Dobermans have athletic builds and are suited well for military and police work. In addition, the breed is great as a family guardian. Here are some Doberman traits people love:

• Fearless
• Loyal
• Obedient
• Smart
• Alert
• Confident
• Energetic

Next: Eager to learn

15. Pembroke Welsh corgi

The Pembroke Welsh corgi has made significant gains in popularity since 2013, when it was at No. 24. It went to 22nd in 2014, 20th in 2015, and 18th in 2016. Originally bred to herd cattle, horses, and sheep, this little critter is eager to learn. These traits have surely contributed to its rise in popularity:

• Protective
• Friendly
• Playful
• Outgoing
• Tenacious
• Bold

Next: Gentle giants

14. Great Dane

Great Danes are getting more popular these days. They’ve gone from No. 16 in 2013 to No. 15 in 2014 and 2015. And they have been at No. 14 since 2016. Don’t be fooled by this gentle giant’s size. Great Danes are known for being sweet, affectionate, great with kids, and really good-natured. Here are some other traits that make this breed desirable:

• Gentle
• Reserved
• Friendly
• Loving
• Loyal

Next: Small, but fierce

13. Dachshund

These little dogs were bred originally to hunt badgers, rabbits, and foxes. Today, they can still hunt small game — or make great family companions. Unfortunately, their popularity has waned in the U.S. Dachshunds were at No. 10 in 2013, No. 11 in 2014, and No. 13 from 2015 to 2017. Here are some of the breed’s characteristics that make them well loved:

• Clever
• Lively
• Playful
• Devoted

Next: Smart as a whip

12. Siberian husky

This thick-coated dog originated in Siberia and is known for its blue or multi-colored eyes and striking facial masks. Their popularity has increased. The breed came in at No. 14 in 2013, No. 13 in 2014, and No. 12 in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Many of the breed’s traits capture hearts in America:

• Gentle
• Outgoing
• Intelligent
• Alert
• Friendly

Next: Another breed that’s losing favor

11. Boxer

Sadly, these beautiful dogs — originally bred to be guard dogs — are going down in popularity. In 2013 they took the No. 7 spot and then the No. 8 spot in 2014. They remained at No. 10 for 2015 and 2016 but went down to No. 11 for 2017. These are the breed characteristics that make boxers lovable:

• Cheerful
• Energetic
• Devoted
• Bright
• Brave

Next: Easy to train

10. German shorthaired pointer

This sporting dog was bred to hunt a variety of game and retrieve on land or water. The breed has been getting more popular lately. It ranked 13th in 2013, 12th in 2014, and 11th in 2015 and 2016. These breed characteristics explain why the breed is on the rise:

• Boisterous
• Cooperative
• Affectionate
• Easily trainable 

Next: A feisty friend

9. Yorkshire terrier

A loving — and feisty — companion, the Yorkshire terrier’s popularity has gone down recently. In 2013 and 2014, the breed came in at No. 6. Then, it dropped to No. 7 in 2015 and No. 9 in 2016 and 2017. Here are some Yorkie characteristics people in America love:

• Bold
• Independent
• Confident
• Intelligent
• Sensitive

Next: You’d never guess this breed is this popular.

8. Rottweiler

This one will likely surprise you. Rottweilers were originally bred to drive cattle and pull butcher carts. They later became popular police and military canines. Although they sometimes get a bad rap for being mean, they remain one of America’s favorite breeds. They were No. 9 in 2013, No. 10 in 2014, No. 9 again in 2015, and No. 8 in 2016 and 2017. Some of their traits include:

• Devoted
• Fearless
• Steady
• Confident
• Alert
• Obedient

Next: This might surprise you.

7. Poodle

Don’t mistake poodles for hair actors — they are actually terrific family dogs. The breed has been hovering in roughly the same place since 2013, when it took the No. 8 spot. Then, it rose to No. 7 in 2014, went back to No. 8 in 2015, and stayed at No. 7 for 2016 and 2017. Notable poodle characteristics include:

• Trainable
• Alert
• Faithful
• Intelligent
• Instinctual

Next: Why is this breed’s popularity waning?

6. Beagle

Beagles’ popularity has also gone down for 2017. The breed was ranked at No. 4 in 2013 and No. 5 in 2014, 2015, and 2016. These dogs were originally bred as scent hounds to track small game, and today they make wonderful pets. Here are some traits that make them great:

• Fun-loving
• Hardy
• Active
• Determined
• Even tempered
• Amiable

Next: A kid’s best friend

5. Bulldog

Originally used to drive cattle, bulldogs today are gentle companions who love kids. And they are America’s fifth favorite breed. The popularity of the bulldog has gone down for 2017 — it was at No. 4 in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Check out some attributes that make bulldogs crowd-pleasers:

• Gregarious
• Friendly
• Docile
• Adaptable

Next: A breed on the rise

4. French bulldog

These sweet little dogs have experienced newfound popularity. In 2013, they ranked No. 11 on the AKC list, and they moved to No. 9 in 2014. In 2015 and 2016, they enjoyed the No. 6 spot, and in 2017 they jumped to No. 4. Here are some characteristics that helped the breed rise:

• Affectionate
• Easygoing
• Sociable
• Patient
• Keen
• Playful
• Lively

Next: This one’s no surprise.

3. Golden retriever

Who doesn’t love a golden retriever? Not only does the breed make a great family pet, it’s a highly capable working dog. Goldens have been America’s third favorite dog breed since 2013. And there are plenty of reasons people love this breed. Goldens are:

• Reliable
• Agile
• Athletic
• Friendly
• Confident
• Trustworthy
• Kind

Next: A devoted working dog

2. German shepherd

The German shepherd is a devoted, intelligent, and capable working dog. The breed is popular for guide and assistance work, police and military service, and more. The German shepherd has taken the AKC No. 2 spot for 2017, as it did since 2013. Many of the breed’s traits attract people to it:

• Athletic
• Loyal
• Obedient
• Smart
• Alert
• Courageous

1. Labrador retriever

The Labrador retriever has ranked as America’s No. 1 dog for 27 consecutive years, according to the AKC. Originally bred in Newfoundland as a fisherman’s companion, this popular breed has some great characteristics:

• Intelligent
• Gentle
• Friendly
• Enthusiastic
• Kind
• Energetic

Read more: You’ll Never Guess Which Popular Dog Breeds Have Never Won Best in Show

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