What is the number 1 bought dog

These 20 dog breeds are the most popular in America. Why?

Rottweilers originally worked as drover dogs that drove the cattle to market.That required athleticism and toughness you have to take a hoof in the chest every once in a while, as he noted.

Heres my fun fact about rotties: the owners of the dogs, when they sold cattle in the market, put their purses with the money around the neck of the rottweiler. Nobodys going to take that from the rottweiler, he said.

But Frei hopes people wont get a rottweiler for the sake of seeming macho.

If you need a macho dog to show youre macho, you arent macho, he said.

No. 9 German Shorthaired Pointer

Active people are often fans of the German shorthaired pointer because the dogs are so energetic and can be terrific running partners and hunting companions. With their webbed feet and water-repellent coat, theyre also fantastic swimmers.

We call German shorthaired pointers the SUV of sporting dogs because they can do it all, Frei quipped. Theyre smart; theyre athletic. If youve got a German shorthaired pointer, youd better be ready to go for long walks or runs every day if they need that.

No. 10 Dachshund

Dachshunds come in different sizes and with three coat varieties smooth-haired, wire-haired and long-haired but theyre instantly recognizable by the public as charming wiener dogs. (Fun fact: With a wink to hot dogs, "Saturday Night Live" star Kenan Thompson had a beloved wiener dog named Nathan.)

Theyre all going to be long, low and level, Frei said. They have a lot of terrier personality in them. They were bred to hunt badgers and probably other bad guys, so they have a certain fearless temperament about them. Theyre tough, little, solid dogs.

No. 11 Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh corgis are good enough for a queen literally. Queen Elizabeth II surrounded herself with the stout little dogs. The internet loves them too, including their butts with the docked tails, which youll find emblazoned on T-shirts, hats and even sticking out from the inside of coffee cups.

California resident and dog writer Elaine Gewirtz says her corgi, Midge, is a character just like most corgis youll meet.

Theyre not a breed that just sits and looks at you, she told TODAY.

Corgis excel at dog sports like agility and home pastimes like cuddling. The bright, intuitive dogs also love to make friends with people and other dogs, and are typically fascinated by whats going on around them, she added.

No. 12 Australian Shepherd

Hiking trails, particularly in the West, often teem with Australian shepherds since they are so athletic. As a herding breed, Aussies are bred for stamina, so theyre adept on ranches and for long treks outside. Theyre also fiercely intelligent. Be ready to offer plenty of training and exercise.

No. 13 Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire terrier recognizable by that long, luxurious coat typically weighs in at just 7 pounds. But the Yorkies diminutive size doesnt denote a small personality. In fact, the AKCs breed standard includes, The dogs high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

Mission accomplished.

No. 14 Boxer

Boxers have a face that tends to bring a smile to ours. Plus, theyre playful, smart and affectionate; as the American Boxer Club notes, The Boxers most notable characteristic is his desire for human affection.

No. 15 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

People love Cavalier King Charles spaniels not only for their sweet, lap-loving personalities but also because they are multipurpose dogs, according to Kim Campbell Thornton, a dog writer and editor and Cavalier enthusiast.

Theyre happy to do dog sports, go on a hike or to the beach, or just be a couch potato with you. Whatever you want to do, theyre game, she told TODAY. Finally, their size makes them great travelers, which is important with so many people taking their dogs on trips with them these days.

No. 16 Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman pinscher can have a fearsome reputation. But the dog of yesterdays scary movies is still protective but now also a fun-loving athletic dog and discerning companion, according to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.

The intelligent dogs also boast qualities like fearlessness, loyalty and an energetic nature. As with all dogs, socialization and positive training is key.

No. 17 Great Dane

My running joke about the Great Dane is that my parents never got me a pony as a kid, so my Danes fill that purpose, Colorado resident Susan Kohut told TODAY.

Kohut has adopted four Great Danes from rescue organizations. (Purebred dogs can wind up in local shelters, and there are more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country.) She loves them for being goofy, silly, loyal and adaptable. Her current Dane, Eloise, will happily hike for 6 miles, but if the weather isnt nice, shes fine with a short walk and then a cuddle up on the couch.

No. 18 Miniature Schnauzer

The miniature schnauzers beard makes the breed instantly recognizable plus, they don't shed much.

The spunky dogs are highly recommended for families with children by the AKC, which lists other positive attributes as being bright, friendly, trainable and fearless without aggression.

No. 19 Siberian Husky

Theres no question that Siberian huskies are head turners but theyre more than just a pretty face.

Colorado resident Heather Mundt, a freelance writer and family travel expert, said she and her husband got their first husky in 1997 and fell in love with the breeds love of exercise. (She was quick to mention that this affinity can make them monsters without enough of it and that they bore easily).

Huskies are always ready for a run or hike, so theyre great adventurers. Theyre also beautiful but willful. Which means theyre tough to train. But I adore them, and theyve always been great with kids, she told TODAY. The two we have now, Boris and Tasha, are pandemic rescues, and I was reluctant to get them because I hate losing my pets. But Im so glad to have huskies in my life again because they are so entertaining. Plus I joke theyre my favorite children now that my boys are teens. At least the dogs are glad to see me.

No. 20 Bernese Mountain Dog

Driving through Switzerland and in the city of Bern youll see images of the Bernese mountain dog on postcards and souvenirs. Its only natural that the Swiss would feel pride in the gentle giants known for being affectionate, hardy, strong, intelligent, even-tempered and eager to please.

Here's a complete list of rankings of the top 197 dog breeds.

Choosing the right dog for you

Before bringing home any dog, its important to realize what youre getting into and learn about the care a dog will need, such as training. As Frei mentioned, They arent born with an obedience degree.

Its also crucial to work with responsible breeders whose motivation is to preserve the best traits of a breed and perform health checks, rather than backyard breeders just looking to profit, he added.

Responsible purebred dog breeders heritage breeders are fighting to keep some of these breeds alive. Not just to keep the breed alive, which they are in a lot of cases, but to make sure that the best of those traits in those breeds come forth, he said. Theyre going to be a lifetime member of your family.

So choose that family member carefully and bear in mind that the most popular dogs might not be the right pets for everyone.

We Taste-Tested 18 of the Best Hot Dog BrandsHere Are The Results, from Meh to Seconds, Please

We Taste-Tested 18 of the Best Hot Dog BrandsHere Are The Results, from Meh to Seconds, Please

To be frank (sorry), there are more differences between them than youd expect

Whether were firing up the grill or tossing the worlds easiest dinner into a pot of boiling water, hot dogs hold a very special place in our hearts and tummies. So why do we tend to grab whatever franks are on sale? We tested the best hot dog brands around to find out once and for all which one reigns supreme, and it turns out that there are some major differences in each brands taste and texture.

We sampled tons of weenies by popular brands like Oscar Mayer, Nathans and Ball Park (spoiler alert, our top pick was Sabretts skinless beef dogs) to find the winners. Our list includes options made from beef, pork, chicken and turkey, plus two vegan, plant-based varieties. Read on for our faves of the bunch.

The Best Hot Dog Brands, at a Glance

How We Tested the Best Hot Dog Brands

Each brand on the list was tasted grilled and boiled without a bun or condiments. After tasting both versions of each hot dog, we scored them based on five 20-point factors:

• Meatiness: Does the hot dog taste like real meat, no matter the protein? If it's a vegan or vegetarian option, does it taste similar to a hot dog?
• Snap and Crust: Does the hot dog have a crunchy exterior that snaps when its bitten? Does it develop a brown outer crust when grilled?
• Seasoning: Does it have that signature smoky sweetness that's expected from a hot dog? Is it well seasoned? If it contains cheese or a special seasoning that's mentioned on the label, does it shine through?
• Texture: Is the texture meaty and smooth? Are there unpleasant fat granules throughout or an off texture?
• Price: Is the hot dog's price reasonable for the quality of the product?

The 18 Best Hot Dog Brands

• Meatiness: 17/20
• Snap: 20/20
• Seasoning: 18/20
• Texture: 19/20
• Price: 16/20

TOTAL: 90/100

These dogs will have you singing New York, New York at first bite. Theyre just like the ones you get (with the works, obvi) from a Manhattan street cart. They have hickory smoke flavor added and a natural casing that makes them the snappiest hot dogs on our list. The casing is tied off at the end of each dog, so they have a homemade look. Theyre super juicy and flavorful when boiled; prepare them this way if you want all the spices and seasonings to shine through. Grilled, the outer crust is at its crispiest, despite only mild browning. But honestly, if a dog is all about texture and snap to you, you wont even miss the char marks.

• What We Like: great snap and texture, crisp exterior, juicy
• What We Don't Like: more expensive than other brands
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 19/20
• Snap: 16/20
• Seasoning: 19/20
• Texture: 18/20
• Price: 17/20

TOTAL: 89/100

If youre into beef, odds are youre a big fan of Wagyu, which is famous for its ridiculously tender texture and next-level flavor. Both are due to the meats excessive marbling and exclusivity (Wagyu must come from one of four Japanese breeds of beef cattle). At KC Cattle Co., cows are selected from quality breeders and raised on green pastures. Corn is an important part of their diet, since its been shown to create more fat cells in cows, which lead to better marbling down the road. So, its no surprise that these dogs are supremely beefy. Their flavor is pretty unique in comparison to the other dogs on this list; it almost tastes like a hamburger-hot dog hybrid. While they could certainly be snappier, theres no doubt that theyll blow everyone at the picnic away. KC Cattle Co. ships to all 50 states and sells everything from beef chorizo to bacon cheeseburger bratwurst, so consider stocking up on all your BBQ needs ahead of the big day.

• What We Like: high quality beef, incredibly flavorful and meaty, juicy
• What We Don't Like: more expensive than other brands, not available at supermarkets
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 18/20
• Snap: 17/20
• Seasoning: 18/20
• Texture: 18/20
• Price: 18/20

TOTAL: 89/100

Doesnt the retro packaging just warm your heart? One bite and were transported to the picnics and block parties of our childhood. Despite its only semi-decent browning, the outer crust remained snappy while the inside stayed juicy and tender, both boiled and grilled. The highlight here is really its savory, smoky flavor packed in a distinctly chewy, crisp outer skin. Because they dont char as immaculately as you may want for serving guests, this pick is prime for cooking either on the stove or grill for a casual backyard family dinner. The price isnt too shabby either, coming to only about 79 cents per dog.

• What We Like: affordable, juicy interior, smoky, classic flavor
• What We Don't Like: doesn't brown well, modest snap
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 17/20
• Snap: 16/20
• Seasoning: 17/20
• Texture: 19/20
• Price: 18/20

TOTAL: 87/100

This will catch no TJs stans by surprise, but we were thoroughly pleased with the brand's uncured, all-beef hot dogs. Free of nitrates, nitrites, fillers and hormones, these are a great choice if you want a minimally processed weenie for your next barbecue. The meaty texture holds up whether grilled or boiled, and theyre expertly seasoned with the basics, like onion and pepper, plus a few curveball spices, like nutmeg, mace and ginger. They could definitely be snappier and dont have too durable a casing, but the flavor is on point. Were betting your kids will go gaga for em.

• What We Like: minimally processed, high quality beef, tasty both grilled and boiled, meaty flavor
• What We Don't Like: only available at Trader Joe's, pricy compared to other brands, minimal snap
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 19/20
• Snap: 17/20
• Seasoning: 17/20
• Texture: 17/20
• Price: 17/20

TOTAL: 87/100

Hosting a barbecue? The Angus upgrade can make a difference. Were talking ridiculously juicy franks, a distinct outer crust and gorgeous char marks thatll make you look like a total grill master. Made with uncured Angus beef, the dogs are firmly on the smoky, ham-like side of the flavor spectrum. Their texture is soft and consistent, versus other dogs that look more uneven, like ground meat, on the inside. When boiled, they maintain their crisp outer skins and mildly sweet flavor. But grilled, they get a dreamy brown crust thats tough to turn down. The skin could be a bit snappier, so some extra time on the grill might get you closer to where you want to be.

• What We Like: very juicy, soft texture, browns well
• What We Don't Like: not very snappy
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 18/20
• Snap: 16/20
• Seasoning: 18/20
• Texture: 18/20
• Price: 15/20

TOTAL: 85/100

Your eyes dont deceive you: Those are burger patty-shaped hot dogs, courtesy of Rastellis butcher shop. Before you write them off as sacrilege, hear us out. Theyre equipped with wavy edges and grooves that help them cling to your barbecue or grill pans grates, and their flat shape allows more of the dog to make direct contact with the grill. In other words, youll get more caramelized, charred deliciousness is every bite by default. Made from chopped black Angus beef and premium pork, the dogs flavor is quality. Our one critique was a lack of snap, since only the outside of the hot dog has casing. Nevertheless, we think these dogs make for a one-of-a-kind eating experience that wont disappoint.

• What We Like: unique shape, kid-friendly, great for grilling, quality meat
• What We Don't Like: expensive, lacks snap, only available on Rastelli's website
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 17/20
• Snap: 16/20
• Seasoning: 18/20
• Texture: 18/20
• Price: 16/20

TOTAL: 85/100

If your fondest hot dog memories happened at the ballpark, Stock Yardss Chicago Beef Franks will conjure up alllll the nostalgia. Made from U.S. beef, theyre wonderfully seasoned (despite the package not divulging what spices are used), as well as juicy and meaty in texture. The snap falls a bit flat, but theyre super tender and plump. Since they dont brown as well as some other picks on this list, wed say they're especially prime for boilingthe hot water doesnt detract from the texture or flavor one bit. These dogs are also great for crowds, considering they come 25 to a pack. Save yourself a trip to the supermarket and order a box ahead of your next cookout (just make sure you have plenty of freezer space).

• What We Like: well seasoned, juicy, meaty flavor and texture
• What We Don't Like: mild snap, only available online, pricy
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 18/20
• Snap: 17/20
• Seasoning: 18/20
• Texture: 17/20
• Price: 15/20

TOTAL: 85/100

These dogs from Whole Foods are made without antibiotics or growth hormones, so you dont have to worry about any freaky hidden ingredients. And the difference is apparent, because they taste like ~real~ meat and contain a unique blend of spices including minced onion and garlic, white pepper, nutmeg, ginger and paprika, which give them unique flavor. When boiled, the outer skin turns a nice red-brown color and they maintain their snappiness. Grilled, the skin turns bubbly, crackly and even snappier, almost like the deep-fried rippers native to New Jersey. These will cost you a few cents more per dog, but the difference in quality is noticeable and well worth it.

• What We Like: decent snap, can be boiled or grilled, quality meat
• What We Don't Like: pricier than others on this list
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 17/20
• Snap: 16/20
• Seasoning: 16/20
• Texture: 17/20
• Price: 18/20

TOTAL: 84/100

A Coney Island staple with robust, meaty flavor that can hold its own underneath all your favorite condiments. Its juicy without being greasy and super tender. But if you love your dogs snappy, keep looking; theres no crunch on these when boiled and grilling only gives them a modest snap and light-brown color. We also noted a questionable soapy aftertaste when we bit into the boiled dog, so definitely use a barbecue or grill pan for these. That being said, this was one dog that we kept going back to for one more bite. Something about the mildly sweet flavor and soft texture make us want to have a whole bunch of these on a hot summer day instead of just one before a cheeseburger.

• What We Like: nostalgic flavor, juicy, soft texture, good for grilling
• What We Don't Like: no snap, off-putting aftertaste when boiled
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 16/20
• Snap: 17/20
• Seasoning: 17/20
• Texture: 16/20
• Price: 17/20

TOTAL: 83/100

As the classic idiom goes, if it aint broke, dont fix it. These cheese-filled dogs taste like our childhood and are guaranteed to win over every kid who tries them. They're giving us a "grilled ham and cheese sandwich made with Kraft Singles" vibe, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The creamy, cheesy flavor and decent snap come through best when grilled, plus they brown up pretty well. But theyre sweet and melty both boiled or grilled. If youre hosting or have a bunch of kiddos coming to a cookout, look for the resealable ten-pack designed with families in mind.

• What We Like: affordable, kid-friendly
• What We Don't Like: texture too soft, could be snappier, could be more robustly seasoned
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 16/20
• Snap: 15/20
• Seasoning: 17/20
• Texture: 17/20
• Price: 18/20

TOTAL: 83/100

We saw that Hillshire Farm commercial too many times (I said a brat, beef kielbasa, hot-smoked sausage, cheddarwurst!) that we had to give these a try. They're deep-red smoked beef sausages made with spicy red pepper and no fillers. We love the easy-to-open package. Grilled, the links browned beautifully and developed char marks on par with Beyond Meats brat. Their inner texture is a little uneven, closer to sausage than a hot dog; but they have a distinct outer skin that offers some chewiness (it falls a bit short of snappy). You can smell the red pepper while it cooks and taste the unique flavor it gives the links compared to regular dogs, though theyre not overly spicy at all. They're just as tasty boiled, but without those pretty char marks. So, if youre hosting, fire up the grill.

• What We Like: good browning, good flavor, affordable
• What We Don't Like: not snappy, uneven texture
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 17/20
• Snap: 16/20
• Seasoning: 17/20
• Texture: 16/20
• Price: 17/20

TOTAL: 83/100

If youre looking for a vegan dog that can hold its own against the flames and deliver the savory flavor you crave in a hot dog, this one fits the bill. Made from a base of water, wheat gluten and wheat flour (aka seitan), non-GMO Updogs have a pretty impressive snap, thanks to their algae-based outer casings. They're also impeccably cured and seasoned with traditional spices, like yellow mustard seed and celery seed. Hickory smoke concentrate gives them a touch of that magical charred flavor, so itll taste like you grilled it even if you seared it indoors on your cast iron skillet or grill pan instead. Even better, each link boasts a whopping 20 grams of protein each and no cholesterol. Each also contains 10 percent of your daily recommended potassium and 6 percent of your daily recommended calcium. One caveat: These babies shouldnt be boiled, as it says on Uptons websitetrust us, we tried and they fell apart.

• What We Like: solid vegan option, meat-like flavor and texture, well seasoned
• What We Don't Like: pricy, not snappy, can't be boiled
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 16/20
• Snap: 15/20
• Seasoning: 16/20
• Texture: 16/20
• Price: 19/20

TOTAL: 82/100

We were curious to see if these hot dogs lived up to their cult following. Before we even tasted them, we fell for the easy-to-open package (most of the products on this list needed scissors). Theyre meaty and slightly smoky in flavor. The dogs turn deep red, tender and plump when cooked. Grilling one results in a thick, chewy outside thats pleasing, but not notably snappy. Boiling, on the other hand, gives them a nice snap, extra juiciness and a distinct sweetness, so wed pick these for boiling indoors on the stove.

• What We Like: juicy, smoky-sweet flavor, great for boiling
• What We Don't Like: not snappy
• Kosher: yes

• Meatiness: 14/20
• Snap: 20/20
• Seasoning: 12/20
• Texture: 18/20
• Price: 16/20

TOTAL: 80/100

If youre from Central New York, odds are youre familiar with Hofmann's franks. If not, allow us to introduce you. [Theyre] known for their refreshing, not-too-heavy texture and extreme snap, says PureWow's editor in chief Jillian Quint. The shape is longer and thinner than other franks on the list, and the result is a dog that's less meaty and juicy, but more likely to pick up the flavors of whatever you put on them or how you grill them. The recipe for these old-fashioned dogs packed in natural lamb casing has been around for more than a century. Made from a blend of pork, beef and veal, theyre free of by-products, gluten, fillers and artificial flavors and colors. They may be tough to find depending on where you live, but if Hofmanns dogs ever do cross your path, do yourself a favor and snag a pack. My preference is over a charcoal grill with spicy mustard, says Quint. And they sell them at Wegmans in Brooklynjust sayin.

• What We Like: very snappy, versatile, old-school lamb casing
• What We Don't Like: tough to find outside New York area, less juicy than others on this list
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 16/20
• Snap: 15/20
• Seasoning: 15/20
• Texture: 15/20
• Price: 15/20

TOTAL: 76/100

Heres another alternative for anyone avoiding red meat. Not only are they organic, but these uncured dogs are also antibiotic-, hormone-, sugar- and nitrate-free. Unlike the turkey dogs, these are light beige rather than hot-dog red. But theyre also strikingly flavorful, like well-seasoned chicken rather than chicken trying to imitate beef. We definitely recommend grilling them (theyre a bit dull when boiled, mostly because of their color) to get light char marks and blistered, crisp skin that makes for a decent snap.

• What We Like: a solid poultry alternative, well seasoned, good for grilling
• What We Don't Like: not great for broiling, pricy
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 17/20
• Snap: 13/20
• Seasoning: 16/20
• Texture: 16/20
• Price: 14/20

TOTAL: 76/100

We had to see if all the hubbub around this popular vegan brand was warranted. And TBH, were impressed. These got the best char marks of all the dogs on this list! The alginate casing (as in made from algae) gets bubbly and crusty when grilled, while the inside remains savory and juicy. Its a plant-based brat made from pea protein rather than a plant-based hot dog, but we think its safe to assume any herbivores at the barbecue wont mind one bit. (Especially since its GMO-free and offers 16 grams of plant protein per link.) It imitates sausage in flavor with subtle notes of fennel and has a mouthfeel similar to ground meat. The package doesnt have explicit boiling instructions, but we tried it anyway. The skin does still get a little bubbly and textured, but it pales in comparison to the grilled version.

• What We Like: tasty vegan option, meaty texture, crisp exterior
• What We Don't Like: not great for boiling, pricy
• Kosher: yes

• Meatiness: 16/20
• Snap: 12/20
• Seasoning: 14/20
• Texture: 15/20
• Price: 16/20

TOTAL: 73/100

Those of you trying to cut down on processed or red meat may be looking for a leaner alternative. Enter this antibiotic-free swap, made from nothing but turkey, water and seasonings. Well give major props to their appearance because they look like regular beef hot dogs. Nevertheless, they taste like straight-up turkey, so dont expect them to be an identical trade. You may need to adjust to their inner texture (theyre not as soft and silky as generic franks), but the skin does get nice and bubbly with a slight char when grilled. All in all, this is a solid (and juicy) replacement for someone seeking a healthier substitute.

• What We Like: tasty poultry option, quality ingredients, juicy
• What We Don't Like: off-putting texture
• Kosher: no

• Meatiness: 12/20
• Snap: 12/20
• Seasoning: 14/20
• Texture: 14/20
• Price: 18/20

TOTAL: 70/100

Dont eat meat? Soy and pea protein to the rescue. At only 50 calories a link with 7 grams of plant protein each, these veggie dogs fit into just about any diet (unless youre allergic to soy). While their coloring is similar to beef franks, its obvious that theyre meatless in both taste and appearance. We wouldnt suggest boiling them: They end up looking a bit unappetizing because the outer skin and inside are the exact same color, so they gave us some franken-food vibes. The boiled ones were also spongy, rubbery and so slippery that when we tried fishing it out of the pot with silicone tongs, it broke. But when grilled, it kept its color plus some random spots of browning and bubbling. The real perks here are the price and nutrition facts.

• What We Like: plant-based protein, vegan option, decent grilled, affordable
• What We Don't Like: shouldn't be boiled, off-putting texture
• Kosher: yes

The PureWow100 is a scale our editors use to vet new products and services, so you know whats worth the spendand whats total hype. Learn more about our process here.

_{Taryn Pireis PureWows associate food editor. A former bartender and barista, shes been writing about all things delicious since 2016, developing recipes, reviewing restaurants and investigating food trends at Food52, New Jersey Family Magazine and Taste Talks. When she isnt testing TikToks latest viral recipe, shes having popcorn for dinner and posting about it on Instagram@cookingwithpire.}

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWows food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. Shes developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...