The top five most popular dog breeds in 2006, based on dogs registered with the America Kennel Club, were the Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Beagle. The Labrador Retriever has held the top spot - being most popular dog breed in America - since 1991. The popularity of smaller dog breeds is continuing to grow. For the first time in 70 years a small dog breed, the Yorkshire Terrier, made it into such a high spot on the list.

Why are these breeds so popular? Good-looks, personality and intelligence are the three main reasons these breeds are so popular. Let's take a look at the personalities and intelligence of each of these super popular breeds:

#1- Labrador Retrievers

The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in America since 1991. Labs are exceptionally friendly and good natured dogs. They are terrific with children, which makes them excellent family dogs. They are also highly intelligent which makes them very easy to train. They love to play and they love to swim.

#2 - Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkies are confident, daring, and independent. Yorkies are very intelligent and do well in obedience training but are not as quick to learn as some other breeds. The Yorkie was originally bred for ratting - to find, catch and kill rats and mice. So even though you most Yorkies look like cute little porcelain dolls - all nicely brushed and combed with a bows on their head - underneath all that is a ferocious and adept hunter. He likes to be near his owner, rather than on his lap.

#3 - German Shepherd Dogs

The German Sheppard is a highly intelligent dog which learns training commands faster than most all other breeds. They are also loyal, agile, powerful and fearless dogs. The German Sheppard loves to be near his family, and is good with children, but he is cautious of strangers because of his innate desire to guard his property and family.

#4 - Golden Retrievers

The Golden Retriever is a highly sociable, good-natured and fun loving dog. They are extremely patient and tolerant which makes them great with children. They are very eager to please which makes training a breeze. They love to retrieve - as the name suggests - so if your looking for a dog to play "fetch" with, he is a good breed to consider. On the downside, he does shed profusely.

#5 - Beagles

Beagles are gentle and even tempered and get along exceptionally well with children which is no doubt what contributes to their huge popularity. They make great family dogs. They are wary around strangers initially, but warm up to them fast. Beagles can get distracted easily (what is that wonderful smell?) which makes them more difficult to train then many breeds. They must always be leashed, once they get hold of a scent they will follow their nose and you wont be able to call them back.

Although buying a popular breed, such as one of the ones listed above, don't forget there are hundreds more breeds to choose from and on of the less popular breeds might be a better match for you and your lifestyle. So be sure to do some further investigating into lots of other breeds too. For example, you might really like all the personality and physical characteristics of a Golden Retriever, but if you are allergic to dog hair, the Golden is not a good choice for you - because he sheds heavily. You would be better off with another breed, with a similar temperament, such as a Poodle, which is a low shedder. In any case, research is the key before making a decision on which dog to buy.