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Who doesn't love a fluffy friend? Well, most of the world's population does. The relationship between a dog and its owner is one of love and friendship. Each culture shares a taste for a particular dog breed, and every country has one particular kind of dog that stands out as the clear favorite.
Curious? Check out this gallery to see which dog breed is your country's favorite.
The UK is known as a nation of dog-lovers with around a quarter of the adult population sharing 10.1 million dogs. Their favorite breed is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. They're considered to be intelligent, fun, and manageable.
These big guard dogs are the top dog breed in Russia. They're also popular in Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries.
In Portugal, Beagles are the country's top choice. They are known to be loving and happy-go-lucky. They are traditionally known as hunting dogs but they make great family pets.
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd is an American breed—the most popular in the country in fact! They are often sought for their distinctive mottled coats and beautiful mismatched eyes.
The Bull terrier is a loving and loyal family dog and companion. The breed originated by crossing the Old English Bulldog with a now-extinct breed called the Old English Terrier. They're the number one in Argentina.
Canada’s top breed is the ultimate family dog. The Golden Retriever is intelligent, gentle, a confident worker, and let's not forget, a ray of sunshine. It's the most popular breed in 22 countries.
These dogs are gentle and friendly, despite their reputation. They're actually very fond of children and are quite tolerant. They make great company as they are cheerful, fun-loving dogs.
The Cavapoo is Jersey's top dog breed, not only because of their physical appearance and personality but also because they are low-shedding dogs and are a great match for people with allergies. They are tiny dogs perfect for a cozy apartment environment.
Rottweiler’s hit the number-one spot in most South American countries but especially in Brazil. They are powerful dogs once used by the Roman legions. They are known today as a breed that offers both a fierce warning to intruders and a gentle buddy to their owners.
Pugs are known for their charming, affectionate, and distinctive nature. They are a bit on the serious side and need a lot of attention and care. They can be mischievous, making them even more adorable.
This breed is widely known for its excellent herding skills and is ideal for managing livestock. They are beloved friends of farmers and are commonly found on farms and in rural villages.
The Labradoodle is known as a popular designer dog. They are a mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They are very friendly and hypoallergenic.
These feisty little dogs are the perfect handbag-sized stars. The breed is Mexican, named after the state of Chihuahua, and is also the country's top dog!
The Maltese is a hearty, resourceful, and adaptable breed of dog. They are known to be one of the most loyal dog breeds. Their long fur and sophisticated manner made them quite popular with royalty and artists of the past.
This breed is known to be tough and intelligent. They originated in South Africa making them the most loved breed in the country. They are also popular in other African countries like Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Shiba Inus are friendly little dogs who are known to be neat. They are very popular in most Asian countries. They are a top choice in Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Just like in the US, the Australian Shepherd is also France's favorite dog breed. They take their name from the imported Australian sheep their ancestors herded in America.
A Border Collie is also known as a sheepdog. Australians love this breed for their energy, working drive, and high intelligence. They also make a great family dog. They are great guardians and very territorial.
Golden Retrievers charm us with their radiant coats and heartwarming smiles. They hold the top spot as Italy's favorite dog breed. They are known for their easy attachment to humans.
Great Danes are huge dogs who stand tall and are often nicknamed "gentle giants" because of their sweet nature. They are loyal, lively, and loving dogs, and are also the largest dog breed in the world.
Labrador Retrievers have held their place as Finland's favorite dog breed for years. They are medium-sized dogs who are friendly, intelligent, and adaptable.
Botswana is the only country in which the Rhodesian Ridgeback is held in the number one spot. This breed originated in South Africa and takes the first part of its name from the former South African state of Rhodesia, which is today the country of Zimbabwe. The rest refers to the prominent stripe of hair along the spine. It is said that the more striking the ridge, the braver the dog.
This dog breed is known to be extremely intelligent and sensitive. They're said to possess undying loyalty and the ability to sense the needs of their owners. They are very social and easy to train.
The Chow Chow is an adorable and unique breed due to their fluffy coats and lion's mane. They are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and are Belize’s top dog breed of choice.
Poodles are very active, intelligent, and loving dogs. They are easy to train and are extremely obedient, making them great candidates for pageants and shows.
Cane Corsos are majestic-looking dogs who are affectionate and intelligent. They are known as guard dogs whose heritage can be traced back to Roman times. They are loved in the Balkan region, but they're number one in Mauritius.
The Philippines is the only country whose favorite dog is the Shih Tzu. They are loving little dogs that originated in Tibet and developed as a cross between the Lhasa Apso and other Chinese imperial breeds.
Akita's are fierce, intelligent, and loyal dogs. They have big bodies and a curled tail with a thick coat of fur. They are big cuddly dogs but not recommended as first-time pets.
The German Shepherd is a popular breed in 22 countries around the world. They are also known as Alsatians, a name given when British troops refused to call their furry colleagues "Germans" during World War II. They are a hardworking breed with hearts of gold.
Golden Retrievers are a popular breed in many countries. They are a perfect family dog to have, especially around young kids, as they are very gentle and playful
Sources: (Household Quotes) (Assistance Dogs Australia) (Border Collie Museum) (My Family Vets) (Yorkshire Evening Post) (WAG)
See also: These breeds make the best family dogs
Can you guess the most popular dog breeds in these countries?
Discover each nation's favorite furry friend
LIFESTYLE Pets
Who doesn't love a fluffy friend? Well, most of the world's population does. The relationship between a dog and its owner is one of love and friendship. Each culture shares a taste for a particular dog breed, and every country has one particular kind of dog that stands out as the clear favorite.
Curious? Check out this gallery to see which dog breed is your country's favorite.