It's a new year, and families are bound to grow and change. If you're thinking of adding a precious pooch to your family, there's a lot to consider.
Picking a breed of dog for your family can be harder than you think. You have to consider activity levels, space, and a number of other considerations. A lot of time, people will draw inspiration on what breeds to explore from what's popular in the society around them.
We've learned a bit about what to expect in popular dog breeds for 2021. As Rover told Country Living, the trends reflect everything we all went through last year.
"[P]eople are spending more time at home and are more likely than ever to be craving companionship," Kate Jaffe, trends expert at Rover, said.
"When it comes to the most popular dog breeds in 2021, we anticipate that the surge in adoption will lead to beloved mixed breed dogs continuing to rise to the top of the list. We also expect to see the following breeds remain popular as we head into next year."
Doghawk also provided some interesting insights on what to expect in 2021. Labs have topped its list for nearly 30 years!
French Bulldog
French bulldogs are beloved for their signature big, perky ears. The American Kennel Club describes the breed as "charmers," and it couldn't be more right. The sweet dogs are alert and affectionate and sure to be a hit with families.
Labrador Retrievers
Labs have been at the top of Doghawk's list for nearly 30 years for good reason. The breed is well known for being friendly, loyal, and affectionate. They're easy to train; many people delight in teaching their labs cool tricks.
Border Collie
These spirited medium-size dogs are great for a super-active family. They're the kind of dogs that will enjoy a day out hiking with you. When they're all worn out, they love to cuddle up to their humans.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels are small and solid and will love rolling around with your young kids. They've got more grooming needs than other breeds, but your dog's beauty is a reward in itself. Their size also lends them to being pretty portable, which is great if you want a constant companion for all your adventures.
Poodles
Poodles also require quite a bit of grooming. The protective pups looks amazing with a shaped trim. They're also a lot of fun and incredibly intelligent.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers are incredible guard dogs with hearts of gold. They are obedient to those dedicated to training them and are very loyal as family pets. They're playful enough to mistake themselves for lapdogs, so be sure you're ready for some big cuddles.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell terriers are perky little pooches filled with personality. They make some truly endearing expressions that make you feel like you're really connecting with them. They're swift and inquisitive pals for your family.
Shih Tzu
Shih tzus are tiny, pretty little dogs with a tremendous amount of personality. They're very popular because of how affectionate they are with kids. They'll have fun running around, but they're also ready for some low-key time when you are.
Beagles
Beagles are known as hunting dogs with a seriously impressive sense of smell. Many families enjoy beagles because they're just as friendly and family-oriented as other breeds that need more activity or more regular grooming. The dogs are known to quickly win over kids.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire terriers are a lesser known or represented breed, but they still have a lot of the great qualities people look for in pets. They're smart, courageous, and confident. They quickly fall in line with family personalities and are known to even get goofy from time to time.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are ideal for child-free families or families with older kids, since they can be a little aggressive for young kids. These breeds can have spurts of activity but love to lie low as well. They do best with families who spend a lot of time indoors, as extreme temperatures in either direction can be stressful for them.
Mixed Breeds
The charge to increase the number of animals rescued continues in 2021. When you open your heart to a rescue, you don't always know what you're going to get. Loving a mixed breed dog is a beautiful thing, and you're likely to end up with a pup who's that much more special.
