What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
This Russian dog breed is very energetic, and needs to be properly exercised. It is good with children, and has a very sociable nature. They weigh between 16-27 kg (35-60 lbs), and live for 12-14 years.
Also known as the Alsatian, this dog breed is intelligent, loyal, and obedient (early training prevents them from being overly possessive). They weigh between 22-40 kg (49-88 lbs), and live for 9-13 years.
Also known as the English or British Bulldog, this is the most popular dog breed in the world. They are friendly and patient, yet also stubborn. Bulldogs are very good with children, making them the perfect family pet. They weigh between 18-25 kg (40-55 lbs), and live for 8-10 years.
Click here to find out which breeds make the best family dogs!
This breed of dog has a disputed heritage. Some say France, others Germany. Either way, it is a highly sociable and intelligent breed. They weigh between 20.4-31.8 kg (45-70 lbs), and live for 12-15 years.
This dog breed is originally British. Professionally, it is best known as a disability assistance dog, possible due to its kind, confident, intelligent, and loyal nature. They weigh between 25-34 kg (55-75 lbs), and live for 10-12 years.
This dog breed is originally from China. They are charming and sometimes stubborn, but rarely aggressive and therefore great with children. They weigh between 6.4-8.2 kg (14-18 lbs), and live for 12-15 years.
This breed of dog has a temperament that, very interestingly, depends on its genetics. They are easily scared, but also very loyal. They weigh between 1.8-2.7 kg (4-6 lbs), and live for 12-20 years.
This Polish-German dog breed is very friendly and energetic. They are intelligent, and respond very well to training. They weigh between 1.4-3.2 kg (3-7 lbs), and live for 12-16 years.
This breed of dog requires a lot of attention. They don't require a huge amount of exercise, but they do need at least a daily walk. They weigh between 7.3-12.7 kg (16-28 lbs), and live for 11-13 years.
This British and Canadian dog breed is often used as a disability assistance dog. It has a kind and even-tempered disposition, and is therefore perfect as a family dog. They weigh between 25-36 kg (55-80 lbs), and live for 12-14 years.
This English dog breed is very energetic and craves attention. They are easy to train, and are highly loyal. They weigh between 5.4-6.8 kg (12-15 lbs), and live for 13-16 years.
This German breed of dog can be stubborn, which may make them difficult to train. However, they are also intelligent, lively, and courageous. They weigh between 7.3-15 kg (16-32 lbs), and live for 12-16 years.
This breed of dog is strong, confident, and very friendly and loyal to their owners. They weigh between 13.6-27.2 kg (30-60 lbs), and can live anywhere between 8-15 years.
This Chinese dog breed is extroverted, loyal, and affectionate. They can, however, be possessive and stubborn, so training fom a young age is advisable. They weigh between 4-8.1 kg (8.8 - 17.9 lbs), and live for 10-15 years.
This German breed of dog is intelligent and full of energy. They are a popular family choice, as they are very good with children. They weigh between 25-34 kg (55-75 lbs), and live for 9-15 years.
Professionally, this English breed is mainly used as a detection dog. It is an intelligent breed, with a gentle disposition. However, they are determined, and can be difficult to train. They weigh between 9.1-11.3 kg (20-25 lbs), and live for 12-15 years.
This British dog breed is the favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. They are affectionate, easy to train, intelligent, and loyal. They weigh between 11-14 kg (24-31 lbs), and live for 12-15 years.
This German breed of dog is very strong and territorial, which means that early training is highly recommended. They weigh between 35-60 kg (77-132 lbs), and live between 8-10 years.
This German dog breed is highly intelligent and loyal. They are therefore often used as guard dogs. They are easy to train, and learn quickly. They weigh between 32-45 kg (71-99 lbs), and live for 9-12 years.
This breed of dog can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece. They are very energetic dogs, and love humans. They generally weigh between 0.9-3.6 kg (2-8 lbs), and live for 12-15 years.
This dog breed was actually developed in the US. They are very intelligent and have a lot of energy, and should be kept occupied and physically active for at least a couple of hours per day. They weigh between 16-32 kg (35-70 lbs), and live between 12-14 years.
This Japanese dog breed is known for being small and independent. Yet despite their independence, they can exhibit loyalty and affection. They weigh between 8-10 kg (18-22 lbs), and live for 12-15 years.
This German dog breed is giant in size and has a friendly and gentle nature. It is a good dog to have around children. They can weigh anywhere from 45-90 kg (100-200 lbs), and live for 8-10 years.
This English breed of dog is very large in size, and has a very docile and gentle personality. They can weigh anywhere from 54-113 kg, (120-250 lbs) and live for 6-12 years.
This British dog breed is considered to be the most intelligent. They need to be both stimulated mentally and exercised significantly more than most other dog breeds. They weigh between 12-20 kg (26-44 lbs), and can live anywhere between 10-17 years.
This Chinese dog breed is thousands of years old. They are not hugely active dogs, but they still need to be taken for regular walks. They weigh between 16-41 kg, (35-90 lbs), and usually live for 11-13 years.
This Italian breed is closely related to the Neapolitan Mastiff. It is a muscular dog, often used by police. They weigh between 40-50 kg, (88-110 lbs) and live for an average of 9.3 years.
This English breed of dog is highly energetic and generally enjoys good health. They are intelligent, vocal, and athletic by nature. They weigh between 6-8 kg, (14-18 lbs) and they usually live for 13-16 years.
This Japanese dog breed is very large in size. Its nature is dominant, independent, and strong. Due to its dominant nature, early training is essential. They can weigh anywhere from 32-59 kg (70-130 lbs), and live for 10-15 years.
This English dog breed is part of the Terrier family of dogs. They are stubborn, but good with people, especially children. They weigh between 20-29 kg, (45-65 lbs) and live for 10-15 years.
While dogs don't outnumber cats, fish, or birds in volume, more households have at least one dog in them than any other animal. Therefore dogs are a big deal!
What's more, there are so many different breeds to choose from. Which breed is most suitable depends on many factors—such as the time, space, and energy an owner has to offer. But, of course, there are naturally some dog breeds that are more popular than others.
Take a look through this gallery to find out the 30 most popular dogs worldwide. Click on!
The 30 most popular dog breeds in the world
These are the dogs in demand!
LIFESTYLE Pets
While dogs don't outnumber cats, fish, or birds in volume, more households have at least one dog in them than any other animal. Therefore dogs are a big deal!
What's more, there are so many different breeds to choose from. Which breed is most suitable depends on many factors—such as the time, space, and energy an owner has to offer. But, of course, there are naturally some dog breeds that are more popular than others.
Take a look through this gallery to find out the 30 most popular dogs worldwide. Click on!