.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn fact, Afghanistan-hailing pups dominated the pageant shows of Australia for an entire decade.<\/span><\/p>\nAkita<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Height:\u00a0<\/span>\n\n- Male: 26 to 28 inches<\/span><\/li>\n- Female: 24 to 26 inches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n- Weight: Source<\/span>\n\n- Male: 75 to 130 pounds<\/span><\/li>\n- Female: 70 to 100 pounds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAkitas, one of the <\/span>most popular dog breeds<\/span> from Japan, is so beloved in their native country, they even have a whole museum dedicated to them.<\/span><\/p>\nImposing and striking, Akitas are large, sturdy animals. Their thick double coat serves to ward off the cold since this pup is happiest when running and rolling around in the snow.<\/span><\/p>\nThis type of dog is affectionate, incredibly loyal, and protective, making them one of the <\/span>best family guard dogs<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\nAkitas are also very territorial and known to be wary and aloof with strangers. This makes them one of the <\/span>best kinds of dogs<\/span> if you feel the need for a guard in the family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, they\u2019re also dominant and will not be happy sharing their family with another pet.<\/span><\/p>\nThese pooches want to be the <\/span>top dog<\/span> and aren\u2019t suitable pets for everyone. Maybe that\u2019s why they\u2019re ranked 47th on the American Kennel Club\u2019s list of popular canines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOf course, they are still highly sought after and are far from being the <\/span>least popular dog breeds<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\nBut if you want a dog that is entirely devoted to you, there\u2019s none better than the Akita.<\/span><\/p>\nAlaskan Malamute<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Height:\u00a0<\/span>\n\n- Male: 25 inches<\/span><\/li>\n- Female:\u00a0 23 inches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n- Weight: Source<\/span>\n\n- Male: 85 pounds<\/span><\/li>\n- Female: 75 pounds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAlaskan Malamutes are big, strong dogs bred for their endurance and strength.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOne of the all-American <\/span>top dog breeds<\/span> has a thick coat, specifically created for the cold of Alaska. But their most distinctive feature is their furry tail and loving eyes.<\/span><\/p>\nIf appropriately trained, Malamutes can be a great family pet.<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, their innate stubbornness doesn\u2019t make them one of the <\/span>best dog breeds for first-time owners<\/span>. Mals are pack animals, and unless their guardian establishes themselves as the alpha, they\u2019ll end up getting pushed around.<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, keep in mind that they\u2019re one of the <\/span>best dog breeds for first-time owners<\/span>, as they need a lot of attention, training, and exercise, which not all first-time owners realize when they get a dog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThey must be made to work. Without it, they can get bored and even destructive.<\/span><\/p>\nAustralian Shepherd<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Height:\u00a0<\/span>\n\n- Male: 20 to 30 inches<\/span><\/li>\n- Female: 18 to 21 inches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n- Weight: 35 to 70 pounds\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe name of this dog breed is quite misleading, as they didn\u2019t come from Australia at all. They were actually bred on US ranches in the 1800s.<\/span><\/p>\nBut at least the second part of their name is true \u2014 they\u2019re one of the best <\/span>types of shepherd dogs<\/span>. Aussies are excellent at herding and are most commonly known to help cowboys drive sheep and cows.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Australian Shepherd made our <\/span>list of most popular dog breeds<\/span> because it is pretty popular in the US, holding number 13 on the AKC\u2019s list.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you\u2019re searching for <\/span>types of dogs<\/span> that are extremely intelligent and energetic, look no further. Also, they love playing with kids and other pups.<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, they aren\u2019t the best pet for people who live sedentary lives. If you\u2019re not ready to run around with your dog, look into some <\/span>low<\/span>–<\/span>energy dog breeds<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\nThe ideal setting for Aussies would be the countryside or at least a big fenced-in yard where they can spend most of the day running around.<\/span><\/p>\nBasset Hound<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Height: Up to 15 inches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n- Weight: 45 to 65 pounds\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n- Life Expectancy: 12-13 years\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Ranked 37th on the most popular <\/span>dog breed list<\/span>, the Basset Hound is a medium-sized, laid-back dog.<\/span><\/p>\nBasset Hounds have short legs and heavy bodies. However, they\u2019re most recognizable for their long, hanging ears, sad eyes, and frowning brow. These features make them look like the most miserable yet adorable creatures on Earth.<\/span><\/p>\nThese <\/span>hounds<\/span> are relatively easy to train, although they can be stubborn, so they are the <\/span>best medium dog breeds<\/span> for patient owners. They\u2019re bred to hunt in packs, and that\u2019s why they usually need the company of others, either dogs or owners.<\/span><\/p>\nOne of the most popular <\/span>medium<\/span>–<\/span>sized dog breeds<\/span>, Basset Hound is an excellent scent hound, second only to the Bloodhound. Not surprising, as this breed was initially used to trail rabbits.<\/span><\/p>\nBassets might not be overly affectionate, but they are loyal.<\/span><\/p>\nBeagle<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Height: 13 to 15 inches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n- Weight: 18 to 35 pounds\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWith their cute puppy eyes and floppy ears, it\u2019s easy to see why Beagles are among the <\/span>most popular dog breeds in America<\/span> and so absolutely lovable.<\/span><\/p>\nThey\u2019re among the <\/span>best family dogs<\/span> because of their small size and simple grooming needs. Beagles are friendly, playful, and curious pups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThey\u2019re an absolute joy to have in the house and one of the reasons they rank seventh among the <\/span>top 10 most popular dog breeds<\/span> in the US across the board.<\/span><\/p>\nBeagles are scent dogs, primarily bred for hunting and tracking. Their powerful sense of smell makes them perfect for sniffing out contraband at airports.<\/span><\/p>\nOne downside is that they need a lot of attention. If you leave them alone for too long, they will bark and howl and even start attacking your shoes and other personal items. However, if you have the time and love, they are one of the <\/span>best dog breed for kids of all ages<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\nBernese Mountain Dog<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Height:\u00a0<\/span>\n\n- Male: 25 to 27.5 inches<\/span><\/li>\n- Female: 23 to 26 inches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n- Weight: Source<\/span>\n\n- Male: 80 to 115 pounds<\/span><\/li>\n- Female: 70 to 95 pounds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n- Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe popularity of the Bernese Mountain Dog has been growing in the US. The breed is in the <\/span>best big dog breeds<\/span> lists everywhere and takes 23rd place in the most popular breeds.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the <\/span>most popular large dog breeds<\/span> used for herding cattle on Swiss pastures. Their enormous size and tricolor coat give this dog a majestic and noble look.<\/span><\/p>\nDespite being an adorable <\/span>giant dog breed representative species<\/span>, these pups are pretty serene and make good pets. Berners are eager to please, and they get along best with one person in the family. They love having chores and doing exercise.<\/span><\/p>\nThey also love human companionship, making them one of the more <\/span>