Dogs are definitely man’s best friend. These four-legged pets will love you unconditionally. There is even a notion that some of your lovers may leave you, but your dogs will stand by you through thick and thin. There are even stories when dogs would protect or save their owners from danger. Indeed, dogs are not just pets, they are family.

There are hundreds of dog breeds out there for you to choose from should you want to get one or more. They range from the small to the big, from the hairy to the smooth, from the toy dogs to the intimidating ones.

One of the most popular dog breeds is the Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are considered as the small dog breed. They also live pretty long. These dogs are playful and energetic, and they also love attention. The poster dog for Chihuahuas? Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbelle! Another small and cute dog breed is the Papillon. Unlike Chihuahuas, Papillons are hairy. They are also very alert and playful. Dog lovers will also not have a difficult time training papillons.

Another popular dog breed is the bulldog. Compared to Chihuahuas and Papillons, bulldogs are heavier and bigger. Despite their gloomy appearance, bulldogs are actually very friendly and good-natured.

One of the bigger dog breeds is the Akita. These dogs can stand up to 28 inches and weigh as much as 115 pounds. They are very protective and loyal of their owners. Just as big as the Akitas are Alaskan Malamutes. One of the telling features of the Alaskan Malamute is its tail. These dogs are good hunters and they are also fun to be with.

In 2007, the American Kennel Club listed the 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States. Labrador Retriever topped the countdown. They were followed by Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Boxer, Dachshund, Poodle, Shih Tzu and Bulldog.