Pets and Animals |

Vote for top dog: Yorkie or golden retriever?

Getty Images

The Yorkshire terrier was bred to perform a very important task in Great Britain -- killing rats. You'd never guess by that sweet little face, but these dogs can be fierce.

Getty Images

The golden retriever is ranked No. 3 by the American Kennel Club on its list of 100 favorite breeds. It is intelligent and adaptable, which also make this breed a popular service dog.

Getty Images

The Siberian husky is a favorite for a sled tog team, but they also make great family pets, with a little training.

Getty Images

Australian shepherd is loyal, protective and an excellent herding dog. The dog also makes a great addition to the family, but he feels like he needs to earn his keep.

Getty Images

The English springer spaniel is an affectionate and excitable dog that was bred for hunting. The name "springer" comes from their ability to stalk birds and flush (also known as spring) game birds into the open. They're just as happy on your lap.

Getty Images

The Great Dane was originally called the German boarhound, but world tensions and eventual war led to the renaming of this gentle giant.

Getty Images

The labradoodle is a mix of a Labrador retriever and various types of poodles, standard, miniature and toy. The dogs gained popularity as hypoallergenic guide dogs, but they also are prized for their sweetness, cuteness and, if you can believe it by looking at this face, as fighting dogs because they also are powerful and have amazing stamina.

Getty Images

The German shepherd is another dog that has found a number of occupations beyond what it was bred for -- herding sheep and cattle. They now often work as police and military dogs, search and rescue, and as service dogs.

Getty Images

The Cockapoo is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle. They tend to be agile, love a good dip in the pool, and like lots of company.

Getty Images

There's not much the Labrador retriever can't do. It is prized as a guide and service dog, a police dog, used in search-and-rescue, and is popular with hunters. The Lab also is a family favorite.

Getty Images

Goldendoodle puppy in front of white background. (Getty Images)

Getty Images

The French bulldog has become a popular bundle of energy and cuteness. They are descended from the bulldog, crossed with French "ratter" terriers, giving them plenty of attitude.

Getty Images

The Pembroke Welsh corgi, popular with Queen Elizabeth and California Gov. Jerry Brown, were bred as herding dogs and that's what they might have stayed if British royalty hadn't taken a liking to them and changed how the world viewed them. The corgi ranks No. 1 for intelligence.

Getty Images

German shorthaired pointer is another dog that was bred for hunting, specifically water fowl as they have webbed feet, but they have found a loving place as a family dog.

Getty Images

The poodle is considered the second most intelligent dog breed, but America probably loves them more for their looks.

Getty Images

Doberman pinschers are described as highly intelligent, alert and tenaciously loyal. They often are given the job of guard dog, but there's a big, loving heart behind the fierce countenance.

Getty Images

The first puggle -- a cross between the pug and a beagle -- was born in the 1980s and their popularity has been growing. They are good with children and very affectionate. Like the beagle, they are good at scenting things and jumping, and they have the curiosity of a pug.

Getty Images

The pomeranian also was a favorite among British royalty. Queen Victoria had a particularly small pom, which led breeders to create smaller and smaller versions of this cheery little dog. Today's poms are about half the size they were in the 1800s.

Getty Images

The Maltipoo is a cross between the Maltese and the miniature poodle. These small dogs are packed with personality, and they love nothing more than being with their person.

Getty Images

Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a friendly, sweet dog that needs its people around at all times.

Getty Images

The English bulldog is an icon for British pluck, and was among the first dogs to set foot in America, arriving with their colonial owners. This dog won't give up on you.

Getty Images

The Boston terrier is known as an American Gentleman as the breed originated in the United States in the 1800s. Bravery and loyalty are hallmarks of this breed.

Getty Images

Pugs have been increasingly popular for a number of years, partly based on some Internet sensations. Their perpetually puzzled faces and sad eyes have captured many hearts.

Getty Images

The adorable yorkipoo is a cross between the equally adorable Yorkshire terrier and the poodle. The dog has the poodles brains and the Yorkshire's boldness.

Getty Images

The Shih Tzu originated in the Tibetan Plateau before becoming a traditional dog of China. The long, fast-growing coat is often styled to include a topknot on the head.

Getty Images

The schnoodle is a cross between a schnauzer and poodle, and is about as cute as they come. They make good lap dogs and therapy animals.

Getty Images

The rottweiler's original job was working for butchers in Germany, herding cattle and pulling carts of meat. They are powerful, loyal dogs that are intelligent and loving.

Getty Images

The Maltese Shih Tzu mixed breed doesn't have a cute name with poo or doodle in it, but it does have a stranglehold on cuteness. The combination of qualities from both breeds makes it perfect for those who want a lap dog with a little attitude.

Getty Images

The dachshund, with its long, lean body, originally was used to drive badgers from their holes. Now, they mostly drive the blues away from our hearts when we watch one scampering on the lawn.

Getty Images

The cocker spaniel was originally bred to hunt American woodcocks, but the image of hunter was changed in most American's hearts when Disney cast a cocker spaniel in the female roll in "Lady and the Tramp."

Getty Images

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the canine family, but its personality and bravado are much greater than its size.

Getty Images

The beagle is a superb scent hound, but it also is loyal, lovable and a bit of a scamp. There's a reason why the beagle is Charlie Brown's dog.