10. Labrador retriever
This is one of the most popular dog breeds, and for good reason — it is protective, playful, loving, patient and reliable. The Lab's beauty is only matched by his sweet personality and intelligence. What does this mean for you? He's your perfect family pet.
They live between 10 and 12 years, though they're prone to mass cell tumors, which can shorten life expectancy. They're also fairly large dogs — about 23 inches tall and 65 pounds, though some males can get as big as 100 pounds. They're not recommended for small apartments or houses with small yards, but with adequate exercise in a spacious apartment, they can adapt to apartment life.
More: 12 Realities New Labrador Owners Must Accept
Next Up: Golden retriever