To determine which breeds and hybrids are truly the hottest ones, we searched Vetstreet's data and looked at how many places each breed climbed between 2002 and 2012. The results included a plethora of designer mixes and about 800 pounds of giant breeds, plus a few surprises. Did your favorite breed make the list?
And on the other side of the coin, check out our gallery of 20 breeds and mixes that are losing popularity, from the Schipperke to the Dalmatian.
Alamy
No. 1: Coton de Tulear
The small, white, fluffy Coton de Tulear is very sociable and friendly
but also makes a good watchdog. He’s originally from Madagascar and has
been portrayed on a postage stamp there, and considering he has risen 37
spots in the last decade, perhaps we’ll be seeing a U.S. stamp devoted
to him, too.
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No. 2: Blackmouth Cur
The Blackmouth Cur is a resilient hunting dog, but don’t let that tough
exterior fool you. He’s also a loving member of the family.
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No. 3: Cur (Unknown/Mix)
There are four types of Curs acknowledged by the : Blackmouth, as seen
previously, Mountain, Stephens’ and Treeing. They’re known as excellent
tree dogs and hunt a variety of animals of all sizes.
Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
No. 4: Mastiff
He’s a classic gentle giant, but the imposing can also have a stubborn
streak, which can be troublesome with a dog his size. He’s a lover, not
a fighter, but he will step in to protect his family if needed.
Sam Clark, Animal Photography
No. 5: American Bulldog
His origins as a farm utility dog don't deter the American Bulldog from
being a devoted family pet. This is an alert and powerful breed that
can also be a protective guard dog.
Barbara O'Brien, Animal Photography
No. 6: Bulldog
Tied with American Bulldog, the is a family favorite who makes friends
with everyone he meets. His flat, wrinkled face and heavy build make
him very sensitive to heat, though, so this is one dog who should be
kept indoors.
Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
No. 7: Bernese Mountain Dog
The may have started out as a farm dog, but these days, he’s mainly
kept as a loving companion. He can weigh up to 120 pounds, but his calm
temperament and generally moderate activity level make him a great
family dog. The biggest downside: a heartbreakingly short lifespan.
Barbara O'Brien, Animal Photography
No. 8: Great Dane
Tied with Bernese Mountain Dog at No. 17, the cuts a truly great
figure with a potential weight of 190 pounds and height of 32 inches (or
more!) at the shoulder. Like many of the other giant breeds on this
list, his looks tend to be far more intimidating than his sweet
disposition.
Thinkstock
No. 19: Mountain Cur
Like the other Curs on this list, the Mountain Cur is an athletic
treeing dog of medium size. He’s powerful and agile and is used for
hunting squirrel, raccoon and big game.
Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
No. 10: Anatolian Shepherd
Tied with the Mountain Cur, the is a giant breed originally used to
guard livestock in Turkey. He’s very protective, wary of strangers and
aggressive toward unknown dogs, so while he’s certainly big and
beautiful, he’s best matched with an experienced and prepared owner.
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