Every year the American Kennel Club publishes a list of the most popular dog breeds. This list is created by the types of dogs that are registered with the AKC. The top five dog breeds for 2009 are the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, Golden Retriever and Beagle.

Labrador Retrievers have been American favorites for nineteen straight years. These dogs are considered to be very loyal and affectionate, making them a highly sought after breed. Labs are great swimmers and great all-around athletes. They love to play catch and retrieve with their owners. Their strong muscular bodies make them excellent service dogs for people who are blind, epileptic, or others with special needs.

Labs come in one of three colors. Black is the most common, closely followed by yellow. Chocolate labs are less common but provide a beautiful rich color that is sought after by many. Labradors are the descendants of the St. John’s Dog, a breed that originated in Newfoundland. The retriever’s name actually comes from its historical use for hunting and retrieving waterfowl such as ducks. Labradors have coats that repel water more easily than other dogs, and they also have muscular legs, webbed toes, and thick, wide tails that make them good swimmers.

German Shepherds, the second most popular dog breed in 2009, originate from Germany. They are known to be highly intelligent, strong, and easy to train. This is why they were used for military purposes in both World War I and World War II, as well as for police dogs and search and rescue dogs around the world. The size and strength of a German Shepherd can be overwhelming, but these dogs are also very friendly and loyal to their families.

Yorkshire terriers, the favorite small dog for 2009, are short, stocky dogs with blue and tan coats. Its hair, which is usually very fine and straight, makes it the hypoallergenic dog preferred by allergy sufferers. Their coat can be kept short with regular grooming sessions or it can be allowed to grow long as is often the case with show dogs.

Yorkies is the nickname for the Yorkshire terriers. These dogs originated in Yorkshire, England, in the 19th century. They are a favorite lapdog and enjoy being pampered. Although they may be small, they are very vocal, making them excellent watchdogs to alert their owners to any visitors or even trouble.

Golden Retrievers are a solid fourth on the list of the best dog breeds of 2009. These beautiful dogs have a cheerful temperament that is contagious and loved by many. They are great with children, which makes them one of the first choices for family dogs. Like the Labrador Retriever, their loyalty, strength, and intelligence make them excellent service dogs.

The golden retriever breed originated in Scotland as hunting dogs in retrieving ducks during hunts. These dogs have been bred to be careful with their mouths to avoid damaging game. This is part of what makes them so good with children. They seem to understand the importance of being gentle.

Beagles, fifth on the AKC list, are energetic, high-tempered dogs that are affectionate and playful. Like the other four dogs, they make excellent family dogs. The size is usually small or medium, which is much preferred by some who find larger dog breeds overwhelming. Although beagles are smaller, they are still quite strong. These hunting dogs are known for their highly vocal howls as well as their keen sense of smell. This makes them great for hunting or even search and rescue missions. Their history as small game hunters dates back to England and may even date back to ancient Greece.