The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently released its annual list of the most popular dog breeds, and this year’s results are largely similar to the last.
The French Bulldog maintained the title of the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for the fourth year in a row. But there were some shifts. The Dachshund moved up in popularity, securing a spot in the top five dog breeds for the first time, and the Bulldog swapped places with the German Shorthaired Pointer.
What other dog breeds were deemed the most popular in the country? We’ve got a rundown of the results, and what you can expect from each if you’re looking to add one of these sought-after breeds to your home.
Key Takeaways
- The French Bulldog has been the most popular dog breed since 2022.
- Before the Frenchie, the Labrador Retriever held the title of most popular dog for 31 years.
- Dachshunds and German Shorthaired Pointers both rose in popularity in 2025.
- Many popular dogs make great family dogs thanks to their friendly temperaments.
1. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has been climbing the ranks in popularity over the last 10 years, according to the AKC. They were first named the most popular dog breed in 2022 and still hold that title today.
It’s not hard to see why—Frenchies, as they’re often called, are easygoing, happy, compact dogs with a good-natured temperament and a bright personality.
They enjoy short walks, playing fetch, and games of tug-of-war. Their smaller size is ideal for any type of home, which has no doubt contributed to their popularity.
French Bulldogs are prone to a handful of health issues, though, including brachycephalic airway syndrome, ear infections, and back injuries.
Frenchies, like other breeds, should be fed a size and age-appropriate diet, and cleaning their ears regularly can help prevent frequent ear infections.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are known for their affectionate nature toward everyone they meet—even strangers—and they do exceptionally well with children and other dogs. This breed loves the water and makes a great companion for families who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Labrador Retrievers love to play and are known to be highly energetic throughout most of their lives. They should be fed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and size, and exercised regularly to maintain a healthy weight. Frequent games of fetch will keep your Lab active.
3. Golden Retriever
Another one of the most popular breeds is the Golden Retriever. They’re considered an intelligent, loyal, easy-to-train, and very affectionate breed. Like Labs, Golden Retrievers make wonderful family dogs because they’re great with young children and other pups.
Goldens enjoy a wide variety of activities, including running, long walks, retrieving, and swimming. They also make excellent therapy dogs and guide dogs for people with impaired vision. Goldens thrive with regular activity and enrichment, and being fed a large breed-specific diet.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large yet agile, muscular and highly intelligent dogs. They’re a breed known for their confidence, loyalty, and bravery.
These pups love having a job to do, and German Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs in the military and police for patrolling, bomb sniffing, and search and rescue. A German shepherd named Mercedes also won the herding group in the 2024 Westminster Dog Show.
Although they have a long life expectancy for a large breed dog, they are prone to health issues such as gastric dilation and volvulus (which can be life-threatening), as well as cancer, allergies, and heart disease. German Shepherds should be fed a large breed-appropriate diet, and puppies should be fed a large breed puppy food.
5. Dachshund
Dachshunds are commonly called “Doxies,” or “wiener dogs,” and they’re known for their long silhouette, short and muscular legs, brave and energetic personality, and alert nature. They’re also known for being willful, headstrong, playful, and mischievous.
Although Doxies are down for anything their favorite humans are doing, these pups aren’t built for extensive running, jumping, or swimming—all these activities can make them susceptible to injuring their long back. Offering a ramp or dog stairs in the house is great injury-prevention for long-backed Dachshunds.
Dachshund parents should also consider a breed-specific food, since the breed is prone to joint and bone problems from their long backs and short limbs. Royal Canin’s Dachshund-specific food contains calcium and phosphorus for additional bone and joint support.
Instead of high-impact activities, Dachshund pet parents should try low-impact, brain stimulating activities like scent tracking, nose work, and puzzle toys.
6. Poodle
As an athletic, smart, and good-natured breed, the Poodle rounds out the top five most popular dog breeds. This breed comes in three distinct sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
Their recognizable curly coat gives them their reputation as “hypoallergenic” dogs and requires regular and consistent grooming by a professional to stay healthy and mat-free. Regular brushing and combing at home can help decrease tangles between grooming appointments.
Poodles generally have a kind and friendly personality, but they’re very energetic and do best with regular exercise and training. A few health issues to keep an eye on include hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, and Von Willebrand disease.
Poodles should be fed a diet based on their size and age. Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Standard Poodles may all thrive on different food formulas because of the difference in their sizes.
7. Beagle
Beagles are famously led by their nose. This makes them a curious breed, but they’re also loving, affectionate, and active. Their sense of smell keeps their nose to the ground, and they love wagging their tails.
Beagles are also very smart, but they can be willful and have a short attention span when it comes to training. They respond best when you tap into their food-motivated nature! Using snuffle mats during mealtime will offer your Beagle some mental stimulation using their nose.
Common health issues that can afflict Beagles include ear infections, allergies, cherry eye, and obesity. Feeding your Beagle the recommended serving size of a size, age, and breed-appropriate diet will help prevent obesity.
8. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are loyal dogs that are eager to please their humans. They’re intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training, but if they grow bored, they can develop unwanted behaviors to entertain themselves.
Providing mental stimulation is important for Rottweilers. They’re fans of running, hiking, dock diving, and tracking. Despite how active they are, the breed is prone to health problems including obesity. Feeding your Rottweiler the recommended serving sizes of a vet-recommended diet will reduce the risk of obesity.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers (GSP for short) are known for their speed, agility, and endurance. They’re often trained as hunting dogs and will point and signal when they’re trailing a game scent by stopping and standing with their nose pointing in the direction of the scent.
Despite their need for adventure, they’re typically a low-maintenance breed. Running, fetching, or agility games are great ways to spend time with them. But be on the lookout for health issues such as bloat, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia.
10. English Bulldog
Another identifiable breed—thanks to their wide stance, muscular low profile, and flat and wrinkled face with an underbite—Bulldogs (commonly called English Bulldogs) are a popular dog breed with a laid-back attitude.
Though they have a reputation for laziness, but the breed does enjoy (and benefit from!) daily moderate exercise. Exercise could include brisk walks and backyard games of tug-of-war, but keep all exercise out of the sun—thanks to their smooshed-in face, Bulldogs can easily overheat.
Bulldogs should be fed a breed, age, and size appropriate diet to maintain a healthy weight.
Bulldogs also commonly have skin and ear issues, most often due to allergies or moisture getting trapped in their adorable wrinkles. Wipe your Bulldog’s face using a cleansing dog wet wipe to keep them clean.
