General General 4 min read

America’s favorite

Is your dog on this list? America's 10 favorite breeds

Image: Joel J. Martínez

According to recent statistics, about 66% of American homes have a pet, and dogs are the clear favorite. How popular are they? It turns out that 65 million US households own at least one dog. So which breeds top the list? Which ones claim the crown as the most chosen in American homes? Join us to see if your favorite breed makes the ranking.

1
French Bulldog

Image: Karsten Winegeart

The French Bulldog has held the title of the most popular dog breed in the US since 2022. Their friendly and adaptable nature, combined with their small size, makes them perfect companions for people living in apartments or smaller homes. They may snore a little when they sleep, but that only makes them even cuter.

Just be cautious around water. Despite their bold personalities, French Bulldogs are not strong swimmers. So it’s important to supervise them closely near pools, fountains, or any other body of water.

2
Labrador Retriever

Image: Grant Durr

In second place, we have the beloved Labrador Retrievers, who were surpassed by French Bulldogs only in 2022. For more than three decades, the sweet Labrador was America’s favorite dog, and for good reason.

Known for their outgoing and gentle temperament, they get along wonderfully with adults, children, and even other animals. Their intelligence and sensitivity also help them stand out not only as loyal family pets and hunting companions, but also as therapy and service dogs.

3
Golden Retriever

Image: Taylor Sondgeroth

Right behind Labradors are Golden Retrievers, the good guys of the neighborhood. With their warm temperament and endless energy, they’ve earned the number three spot among the most popular breeds. Often described as "people pleasers," Goldens are more than just obedient; they’re quick learners who are always eager to join you on any adventure.

4
German Shepherd

Image: Steve Smith

Fourth on the list are German Shepherds, elegant, impressive dogs renowned for their loyalty, intelligence, and ability to learn quickly. Unlike Labradors and Golden Retrievers, however, they often have a more serious image, largely because they’re commonly associated with police work, search and rescue, and service roles. Naturally protective, they tend to be reserved at first but become affectionate with those they trust.

Do you remember Rin Tin Tin? He was a great example of the breed and helped bring German Shepherds to worldwide fame.

5
Poodle

Image: Steven Van Elk

It’s hard to write a paragraph about Poodles, not because we don’t have anything to say, but because it’s easy to be distracted by all that cuteness. Ranked fifth among the most popular breeds, Poodles also rank among the most intelligent dogs in the world. Their extraordinary smarts and enthusiasm to learn come from their history as skilled hunting dogs and even circus performers. Thanks to their obedience, agility, and strong bond with people, they continue to hold a top spot among America’s favorite breeds.

6
Dachshund

Image: Christopher Cassidy

In sixth place are the adorable Dachshunds. Famous for their long bodies, short legs, and big personalities, these dogs weren’t in the top rankings a decade ago. Many believe their surge in popularity has been fueled in part by viral internet videos showcasing their charm and humor. But don’t let their small size fool you: Dachshunds may be small, but their deep, bold bark makes them sound much bigger than they really are.

7
Beagle

Image: Marcus Wallis

Beagles come in seventh place, though if there were a contest for best ears, they’d surely take first. They’re loved not only for their adorable looks but also for their intelligence and, above all, their extraordinary sense of smell. Originally bred as rabbit-hunting hounds, Beagles have a highly efficient nose and a powerful tracking instinct.

8
Rottweiler

Image: Joash Viriah

With their striking appearance and muscled bodies, Rottweilers naturally command respect. Known for their loyalty and strong protective instincts, Rottweilers are a favorite among families who have enough space for these large, energetic dogs.

Did you know they’re considered one of the oldest surviving dog breeds? It’s true! Their ancestors are believed to have accompanied the legions of the ancient Roman Empire, where they were used to herd and guard livestock.

9
Bulldog

Image: Sébastien Lavalaye

They may have a grumpy look, but Bulldogs are incredibly sweet and calm. Ranked number nine on the list, this lovable breed is a great choice for anyone looking for a dog that easily adapts to their home and lifestyle. While they’re not exactly lazy, Bulldogs do enjoy taking plenty of breaks and conserving their energy, often choosing a cozy spot on the couch over a run around the block. Plus, with those funny faces, you’ll never run out of excellent pictures.

10
German Shorthaired Pointer

Image: Marie-Pier Fillion

Last on this list, but still among the most popular breeds in the country, the German Shorthaired Pointer is admired for its elegance and presence. Originally bred in Germany as versatile hunting dogs, this breed excels at pointing, retrieving, and tracking. With their boundless energy, German Shorthaired Pointers are best suited to homes with plenty of outdoor space, as their athletic build and enthusiasm also help them shine in a wide range of dog sports.

General General 6 min read

The sky is the limit

How many burgers can you eat? 10 unusual world records set in the USA

Image: Shivam Dewan

Pushing the limits of possibility is an innate human trait, and the Guinness World Records are living proof of this relentless pursuit of the extraordinary. The United States, a nation known for its creativity and endurance, is home to some of the most curious and extravagant Guinness records ever achieved. These remarkable accomplishments demonstrate that, in the quest for global recognition, there is no limit to inventiveness and determination. Join us to learn about 10 of the most bizarre world records set in the USA.

1
Most Big Mac burgers eaten in a lifetime

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Sure, we all enjoy a delicious burger every now and then, but 34,000? That's the total number of Big Macs a 70-year-old retired prison officer from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has consumed in his lifetime. Recently, after eating 728 more burgers throughout 2023, Donald Gorske has extended his world record.

On May 17, 1972, Gorske had his first Big Mac and from then on, he never stopped. Every day, he skips breakfast and goes straight for one burger at lunch and one at dinner, accompanied by fries or fruit. Gorske said he used to drive to McDonald's every day, but since retiring, he buys the burgers twice a week in batches and then heats them up in the microwave. What about you? If you had to choose just one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

2
Farthest distance to blow a pea

Image: Elena Leya

Some use the power of their lungs to run marathons, while others use it to break curious world records. On October 8, 2022, David Rush set out to accomplish a feat that, while unusual, required great precision and breathing control: the greatest distance traveled by a blown pea.

With a mixture of concentration and dexterity, Rush managed to blow a single green pea an impressive 84 feet, 11 inches. What makes this record even more remarkable is that he achieved this distance with a single breath. This accomplishment is just one more in the extensive list of Guinness World Records that the Boise, Idaho, resident has achieved in his lifetime; in fact, in August 2024, Rush became the world's top record breaker with 181 titles.

3
Largest collection of teddy bears

Image: MirelaSchenk

Not long ago, an American woman named Jackie Miley held the title for the largest collection of teddy bears. In her home in Rapid City, South Dakota, Jackie zealously guarded more than 8,000 teddy bears. The collection consisted of at least one bear representing each of the U.S. states and 29 different countries. She got her first bear during a vacation in 2000, and it wasn't until she reached 3,000 bears that she contacted Guinness World Records.

Unfortunately for Jackie, her record was beaten in 2019 by a Hungarian woman named Istvánné Arnóczki, who owns a total of 20,367 teddy bears. However, as far as stuffed animals go, the United States remains on the podium. In 2024, a 27-year-old from Mascoutah, Illinois, entered the Guinness World Records for having an impressive collection of 1,523 Squishmallows, a brand of stuffed toy launched in 2017 that boasts 3,000 different styles.

4
Longest birthday

Image: jarmoluk

Many of us wish our birthdays lasted a little longer than just 24 hours. Well, one young Hawaii native made that dream come true. On February 3, 2018, Paul Morgan celebrated his 28th birthday in a totally original way: by making it the longest birthday ever recorded. But how did he do it? He simply took advantage of the difference in time zones around the world! In doing so, he extended his special day to a total of 48 hours, breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest birthday in history.

Morgan began his epic celebration in Apia, Samoa, one of the first places in the world to welcome each new day. From there, he flew to Auckland, New Zealand, before heading to Los Angeles, and finally landing in Kauai, Hawaii. This carefully planned trip allowed him to cross several time zones and extend his birthday to twice as long as normal. Clever, huh?

5
Most candles on a cake

Image: Tim Cooper

And if we talk about birthdays, we can't miss cake! As we get older, candles multiply, but you'll never guess what the largest number of candles on a cake ever recorded is. In 2016, members of the Sri Chinmoy Center in New York, an Eastern philosophy spiritual group, achieved the world record for the most candles lit on a birthday cake.

They burned 72,585 candles for 40 seconds on a huge cake measuring 80.5 feet long and 2 feet wide. It took 100 volunteers to light them and a couple of fire extinguishers to put them out safely. We are not sure if the attendees were able to eat the delicious vanilla mousse sponge cake after such a blaze, but the video of the feat can be seen on YouTube. As of today, it has already been viewed by more than 220,000 people!

6
Most tricks performed by a cow in one minute

Image: leppäkerttu

It's not just humans who break world records, animals do too! In March 2023, a four-year-old Charolais cow named Ghost broke a Guinness World Record by performing 10 tricks in just one minute. This record, which might seem more fitting for a dog or a horse, is the sole merit of her owner’s ingenuity, Nebraskan Megan Reimann, who applied horse training techniques, such as positive reinforcement, to teach her a series of amazing skills.

Among Ghost’s incredible talents are her ability to come when called, turn, nod her head, give kisses, and even bow—all in just 60 seconds. The success of the "world's smartest cow" is not only a testament to her intelligence but also to the potential all animals have to learn and perform exceptional feats.

7
Highest number counted out loud

Image: Mishelved

This Guinness World Record is probably the exact opposite of counting sheep to sleep. In the summer of 2007, a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, named Jeremy Harper embarked on a feat that would test both his physical and mental endurance: counting out loud to the number one million without leaving his apartment.

For four months in a row, Harper live-streamed his quest on YouTube, capturing an audience of thousands around the world who tuned in to watch him recite more than 11,000 numbers a day. After 89 long days without breaks, sunlight, or privacy, Harper finally reached his goal and set the Guinness World Record for the highest number ever counted out loud.

8
Most bobby pins in a beard

Image: Alf van Beem, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Surely, when San Francisco-based cosmetics manufacturer Luis Marcus invented bobby pins in the early 20th century, he never imagined that a hundred years later they would be part of a world record. On July 21, 2021, Dean Banowetz, a California hairstylist, set out to accomplish a feat few would have imagined: placing the most bobby pins in a beard.

With precision and dedication, Banowetz managed to attach a total of 4,831 bobby pins to his own beard, surpassing all expectations and setting a unique world record. This stylist, who was already known as the Hollywood Hair Guy, proved that his skill goes beyond traditional hairdressing techniques, exploring the creative potential of something as simple as a bobby pin.

9
Heaviest kale

Image: Monika Borys

If humans and animals can break world records, why can't the vegetable world do it too? In August 2007, Scott Robb, a horticulturist from Palmer, Alaska, presented a kale at the State Fair that left everyone open-mouthed with its colossal size: 105 pounds, 14.5 ounces.

This achievement was no fluke but the result of years of perfecting farming techniques and a passion for growing giant vegetables. Robb is no stranger to the world of horticultural records; he also holds titles for growing the heaviest turnip (39.2 pounds), the heaviest kohlrabi (nearly 97 pounds), and the heaviest green cabbage (138.25 pounds). Robb's dedication has made Palmer, Alaska, a benchmark for gardening enthusiasts and Guinness World Records.

10
Largest hands and feet on a living teenager

Image: KlausHausmann

Eric Kilburn Jr., a 16-year-old from Michigan, has stamped his footprint in the 2025 Guinness World Records book—literally! With feet measuring 13.50 inches and hands just over 7.4 inches, Eric holds the title of "largest hands and feet on a teenager".

His shoe size is an impressive 23 American , while the average for an adult male typically ranges from 8.5 to 9. Before he rose to fame, his mother faced challenges having to get shoes custom-made for him; they cost more than US$ 1,500 a pair. Fortunately, after Eric’s story went viral, brands like Puma and Under Armour offered him custom shoes.

History History 4 min read

What they didn't teach you at school

From Lincoln to Kennedy, here are some fun facts about US presidents

Image: History in HD

There’s so much more to history than dates, battles, treaties, and alliances—and our national past is no exception. The presidents who helped shape the United States led fascinating lives, filled with surprising and little-known moments. Read on to discover 10 crazy facts you probably didn't know about the lives of these American presidents!

1
John F. Kennedy’s favorite

Image: Florida Memory

We all have our favorite movie or book, and JFK was no exception. America’s 35th president had a clear literary favorite : Ian Fleming’s James Bond series .

In fact, some credit President Kennedy with boosting Fleming’s popularity in the American market. Shortly after taking office, JFK hosted a dinner with several notable figures—including the creator of Bond. Following that meeting, sales of Fleming’s books skyrocketed in the US, eventually leading to the famous film adaptations!

2
Jefferson and speeches

Image: J. Amill Santiago

Thomas Jefferson was one of the great political figures who helped shape this country. And with such talent—along with his political and diplomatic skills—you might not expect that the Sage of Monticello had a hard time speaking in public. But it’s true! According to historical records, Jefferson preferred writing, as public speaking made him uneasy—even panicky at times. So much so that he delivered only two public speeches during his time in office!

3
Adams and Jefferson's caper

Image: sq lim

Before becoming rivals, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very good friends. In fact, they shared not only political ideals but also everyday adventures. In 1786, while traveling in England, the two—both devoted fans of Shakespeare —visited the house where the playwright was born. Legend has it that before they left, they decided to take a souvenir: a small piece of the wooden chair said to be where Shakespeare once sat while writing!

4
William McKinley's lucky charm

Image: Library of Congress

President William McKinley was known for the red carnation he often wore in his suit lapel—a flower many said he considered a good luck charm . Once, during the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, a little girl approached him to say hello, and the president handed her his signature flower. Strangely, just moments later, he was shot by a man in the crowd. McKinley died eight days later from his wounds.

5
Andrew Jackson's temper

Image: Giorgio Trovato

President Andrew Jackson was famously a hot-tempered man. It's believed that the 7th president fought in more than 100 duels!

According to a well-known story, in 1806, Jackson challenged a man to a duel after the man insulted his wife, Rachel. The opponent fired first and struck Jackson in the chest. But the bullet didn’t stop him —Jackson stood his ground and returned fire, mortally wounding the man. Though he survived, the bullet seriously injured Jackson, and some say it remained lodged in his chest for the rest of his life.

6
Ulysses S. Grant's last-minute decision

Image: Library of Congress

Ulysses S. Grant, commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War and later the 18th president, was also invited to attend Ford’s Theatre with President Abraham Lincoln on the night of Lincoln's assassination. But at the last minute, Grant declined the invitation in order to visit his grandchildren. That decision may very well have saved his life.

7
Washington's teeth

Image: Ryan Quintal

Contrary to the popular myth, our first president’s teeth were not made of wood. However, it’s true that George Washington suffered from serious dental problems . In fact, he began losing his teeth before the age of 30. While his dentures weren’t wooden, they were made from a mix of materials—including ivory, copper, silver, and even animal and human teeth!

8
James A. Garfield's skills

Image: Sean Foster

President James A. Garfield was well known for his impressive oratory and writing abilities. But his talents didn’t stop with English—he was also fluent in Greek and Latin. In addition, Garfield was reportedly ambidextrous: he could write with both hands , even simultaneously. Surprisingly, he allegedly could write in two different languages at the same time—one with each hand! Hats off to him.

9
Andrew Johnson's childhood

Image: Yasamine June

Andrew Johnson didn't have an easy childhood. In fact, he started working at a very young age —when he was just 10 years old, his mother sent him and his brother to apprentice as tailors. They ran away two years later, but Johnson’s skill with fabrics stayed with him well into adulthood. It’s said he designed and sewed his own suits while in office.

10
Abraham Lincoln's hobbies

Image: Jacob Thorson

Abraham Lincoln wasn't just the leader who guided the country through the Civil War and became the 16th president—he was also a regular person, just like us, with a wide range of passions and hobbies (many, many hobbies!).

President Lincoln had a curious mind and surprisingly varied interests. He loved reading (especially Shakespeare), exploring logic and mathematics, playing chess and the violin, caring for animals (especially cats), and even had a talent for mimicking voices. In addition, he was a skilled wrestler in his youth, reportedly competing in around 300 matches and losing only once!

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