French Bulldog Popularity in 2026: America’s Favorite Dog

French bulldog popularity has made the breed America’s favorite dog as of 2026: the AKC’s 2025 ranking, its most recent list, puts the French Bulldog at No. 1. It is also the most debated dog, because the flat-faced build owners love comes with breathing, heat and skin problems that can add to vet care.

This article explains what drives french bulldog popularity, how the breed compares with the Labrador Retriever and other top dogs, and what to weigh before you bring one home. Older polls and rankings stay in as history, and each one is labeled with its year.

Popularity depends on how it is counted. A YouGov poll built on head-to-head matchups put the Labrador Retriever on top, winning 83% of its matchups against other dogs¹. This beloved breed is well-known as a family-friendly canine with a playful demeanor, and it also held a 30-year streak as the American Kennel Club’s most-registered dog before the French Bulldog passed it¹. The Labrador Retriever was followed by its cousin, the Golden Retriever, which won 78% of its contests. The Alaskan Malamute, popularized by its participation in dog sled races, landed in third place, winning 75% of its head-to-heads. The survey of 193 dog breeds also revealed that women are more likely than men to favor certain small dog breeds, such as the Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, and Bichon Frise, while men are more inclined toward breeds like the Belgian Malinois, English Foxhound, and Beauceron.

This sits inside a bigger question: how to pick the right dog breed.

Key Takeaways

• The French Bulldog is No. 1 in the AKC’s 2025 ranking, the most recent list as of 2026, and french bulldog popularity now sits above the Labrador Retriever’s long run at the top.
• The Labrador Retriever was the most popular dog breed in the United States for 30 consecutive years before the French Bulldog took over¹.
• In an earlier ranking of popular dog breeds, the French Bulldog surpassed the German Shepherd to take the number-two spot¹.
• Dachshunds cracked the top 10 list in an earlier ranking, ousting the Pembroke Welsh Corgi¹.
• Newly recognized breeds in 2022 include the Mudi and the Russian Toy².
• The Bracco Italiano became the 200th breed recognized by the AKC in 2022².
• The Frenchie’s flat face brings breathing, heat and skin-fold care needs, and french bulldog popularity does not remove those costs.

The Health Costs Behind French Bulldog Popularity

The Frenchie’s short muzzle and compact body are part of its charm. They are also why veterinarians group it with other flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, which can struggle to breathe, overheat easily and need extra care. A few sensible habits go a long way:

• Ask a veterinarian about breathing, eyes, skin folds and the spine before you commit, and again at the first checkup.
• Keep exercise gentle in warm weather, and offer shade, fresh water and a cool room on hot days.
• Clean and dry skin folds the way your vet shows you.
• Keep your dog lean, since extra weight makes breathing harder. Follow the 10 percent rule: treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.
• Choose a breeder or rescue that is open about health history and happy to answer questions.
• Plan for vet care, and ask what pet insurance covers before a problem appears.

None of this makes french bulldog popularity a reason to avoid the breed. It is a reason to bring one home with open eyes.

How French Bulldog Popularity Compares With America’s Other Favorites

The competition among the most popular dog breeds in the United States is fierce, and the answer depends on the measure. French bulldog popularity leads the registration lists, yet a YouGov poll that pitted breeds against each other favored the Labrador Retriever, which won a remarkable 83% of its matchups³. This family-friendly dog breed held the title of the American Kennel Club’s most-registered dog for a 30-year streak before the French Bulldog took over, a sign of its long-standing popularity among American households³.

Labrador Retrievers Set the Standard

To judge french bulldog popularity, it helps to know the breed it replaced. The Labrador Retriever’s versatility, intelligence, and loyal companionship made it the go-to choice for many American dog owners. With its playful demeanor and adaptable nature, the Labrador Retriever became a beloved family pet, earning its reputation as one of the most popular dog breeds in the country³.

Golden Retrievers and Malamutes in the YouGov Poll

Following the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever and Alaskan Malamute ranked as the next two most popular dog breeds in the YouGov poll. The Golden Retriever, a close cousin of the Labrador, won 78% of its contests, while the Alaskan Malamute, a dog breed often associated with dog sled racing, claimed third place with a 75% win rate³. Both the Golden Retriever and Alaskan Malamute are known for their affectionate nature and adaptability to cold-weather environments, contributing to their strong appeal among American dog owners³.

These poll results show the enduring popularity of Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Alaskan Malamutes. These beloved canines have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts nationwide, solidifying their status as some of the most favored family-friendly and cold-weather breeds in the country.

Is the French Bulldog America’s Favorite Dog in 2026?

In the AKC’s 2023 rankings, the French bulldog was America’s favorite dog breed for the second year in a row, surpassing the long-reigning Labrador retriever as the nation’s top canine choice⁴. The breed’s distinctive bat-like ears and playful personality help explain french bulldog popularity among American dog owners. The dog averages 11 to 13 inches in height and around 28 pounds⁴.

The Labrador retriever, a family-friendly breed that dominated the American Kennel Club’s most-registered list for over three decades, sat in the second position in those 2023 rankings⁴⁵. Following closely behind were the Golden retriever, ranked third, and the German shepherd, securing the fourth spot, both praised for their intelligence, loyalty, and suitability as family companions⁴⁵.

Rounding out the 2023 top five favorite dog breeds in the U.S. was the Poodle, renowned for its energy, affection, and long lifespan, ranging from 10 to 18 years⁴⁵.

French Bulldog Popularity at No. 1 in the AKC’s 2025 Ranking

The AKC’s 2025 ranking is the most recent list as of 2026. Here are the top ten, according to The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 from the AKC:

1. French Bulldog
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Dachshund
6. Poodle
7. Beagle
8. Rottweiler
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
10. Bulldog

The Dachshund moved from No. 6 to No. 5, and the Wirehaired Vizsla climbed from No. 159 to No. 130. Three breeds recognized in January 2026, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, debut in the 2026 rankings.

The YouGov poll also revealed gender differences in dog preferences, with women more likely to favor small breeds like the Shih Tzu and Pomeranian, while men tend to prefer working dogs such as the Belgian Malinois and English Foxhound⁵.

In recent years, America’s beloved canine companions have received increasing attention and recognition. The winners of the 2024 America’s Favorite Pet competition were Destiny and Ysera, showcasing the nation’s affection for its pets⁶. Organizations like PAWS have united over 130,000 cats and dogs with loving families since 1967, while Furbaby Socks and Crown & Paw cater to the growing demand for pet-centric products and services⁶.

“Our pets are companions and members of our families, and it’s no surprise that Americans have such a deep affection for their canine friends. The data from this poll reflects shifting preferences and trends in dog ownership.”

The Bottom Line on French Bulldog Popularity

The YouGov poll gives a snapshot of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, with useful insights into the shifting preferences of American dog owners⁷. The Labrador Retriever’s long reign as the nation’s favorite dog breed reflects its versatility, intelligence, and enduring appeal as a family-friendly companion⁷. While the Labrador Retriever remained the dominant choice in that data⁷, the survey also reveals that over 30 different breeds are favored across various states, with German Shepherds, Beagles, and French Bulldogs emerging as regional favorites in some areas⁷.

As the American Kennel Club (AKC) registers between half a million and a million dogs annually, its data provides a reliable indicator of “purebred” dog ownership in the US⁷. Registration counts are one way to measure french bulldog popularity, but they cover only registered purebred dogs. In the older data cited here, the AKC’s findings show that the Labrador Retriever was the preferred breed in all but five states⁷, cementing its status as the quintessential American canine companion⁸. Labrador Retrievers are celebrated as one of the most beloved dog breeds, consistently ranking as the top choice for families, professionals, and those in need of service dogs⁸.

While the Labrador Retriever’s popularity remained strong in that data⁷, Google Trends data suggested a potential shift, with Bulldogs emerging as a popular choice in a higher number of states in 2018⁷. As dog ownership continues to thrive in the US, the insights from this poll shed light on the shifting tastes of the nation’s favorite four-legged friends⁸, reflecting the diverse range of canine companions that have captured the hearts of Americans⁸.

For anyone weighing a Frenchie in 2026, the practical step is simple: let french bulldog popularity send you to a veterinarian and a careful breeder, not to the first puppy you find listed.

Keep reading

• Top Dog Breeds: How to Find the One That Fits Your Home
• Top 10 Dog Breeds of the Year and Why They Rank
• Tallest Dog Breed: Why the Irish Wolfhound Wins
• Territorial Dogs: Why Some Breeds Guard the House

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