The top 10 dog breeds in the United States, based on the American Kennel Club’s most recent list (covering 2025), are the French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Dachshund, Poodle, Beagle, Rottweiler, German Shorthaired Pointer and Bulldog. That order comes from registration numbers, not opinion, so as of 2026 it shows which dogs people are actually bringing home.
Below, we look at why the top 10 dog breeds rank where they do and what each spot says about how people live now. We also trace how the French Bulldog took the No. 1 position in 2022. Older lists appear as history, with their years labeled.
Looking back, the 2022 AKC list was a surprise: the iconic Labrador Retriever was dethroned as the most popular dog breed in the United States. The French Bulldog claimed the top spot, ending the Labrador’s 31-year reign as America’s favorite dog1.
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That shift showed the French Bulldog’s rising prominence. In the decade before the 2022 list, French Bulldog registrations rose by more than 1,000%, a sign of the breed’s growing appeal among dog owners across the country1.
As the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs, the AKC publishes annual rankings that give a useful glimpse into the preferences of American dog owners. With the French Bulldog leading the top 10 dog breeds in that 2022 list, it was clear that this playful, smart, and adaptable breed had won over countless families and individuals seeking a canine companion1.
Key Takeaways
- As of 2026, the AKC’s latest list (covering 2025) puts the French Bulldog at No. 1 and the Labrador Retriever at No. 2 among the top 10 dog breeds.
- The Dachshund moved from No. 6 to No. 5 in the 2025 list.
- In the 2022 list, the French Bulldog dethroned the Labrador Retriever as the most popular dog breed in the United States.
- French Bulldog registrations rose by about 1,000% over the 10 years before the 2022 list.
- The first five places in 2022 went to the French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Poodle.
- Also in 2022, Rottweilers climbed to 7th place and Dachshunds broke into the top 10.
- Newly recognized breeds like the Mudi and Russian Toy made their debut in the 2022 rankings.
The Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2025: The Latest AKC List as of 2026
The AKC’s most recent list, “The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025,” ranks breeds by registrations. These are the top 10 dog breeds from that list, according to the AKC:
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Dachshund
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Rottweiler
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Bulldog
The Dachshund moved up from No. 6 to No. 5. Farther down the list, the Wirehaired Vizsla climbed from No. 159 to No. 130. Three breeds recognized in January 2026 (the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and Basset Fauve de Bretagne) debut in the 2026 rankings.
Why do these breeds rank where they do? A registration-based list records what people choose, and choices follow daily life: the space they have, the time they can give a dog, and the kind of companion they want. The French Bulldog’s small size and adaptable nature suit city living, while the Labrador and Golden Retriever are known as friendly, active family dogs.
A high rank does not mean a breed is right for every home. Before choosing from the top 10 dog breeds, learn about each breed’s exercise needs and common health concerns, and ask your veterinarian what to expect.
Why the French Bulldog Leads the Top 10 Dog Breeds
The rise of the French Bulldog as America’s most popular dog breed has been remarkable. Once ranked a mere 14th in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) rankings in 2012, this playful, compact breed climbed steadily through the top 10 dog breeds to claim the top spot in 20222. With approximately 66,500 new registrations in the year behind that list, the French Bulldog surpassed the Labrador Retriever, the long-reigning champion with over 98,300 new registrations2.
The French Bulldog’s Rise to Prominence
The French Bulldog’s popularity has been fueled by its endearing personality and adaptability. Originally bred in France as a companion dog for the working class, these bat-eared companions have found a special place in the hearts of urbanites and families alike2. In fact, the French Bulldog was first recognized by the AKC in 1898, giving the breed over a century of history and tradition within the registry2.
Traits That Help the French Bulldog Rank So High
The French Bulldog’s playful and affectionate nature, combined with its relatively small size, makes it an ideal companion for a variety of lifestyles. These smart, adaptable dogs thrive in apartments and city living, while also being well-suited for families with children3. With their distinctive bat-like ears and wrinkled brow, French Bulldogs have a unique and endearing appearance that has captivated dog lovers nationwide3.
The table below gathers figures from AKC lists published in earlier years (2022 and 2023), so read it as past data, not the 2026 picture. It compares the French Bulldog with several breeds, including some that sit well outside the top 10 dog breeds.
| Breed | Popularity Ranking | New Registrations |
|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | 1st | 98,500 |
| Labrador Retriever | 2nd | 98,300 |
| Dachshund | 6th | N/A |
| Cane Corso | 16th | N/A |
| Bracco Italiano | 152nd | N/A |
| Sloughi | N/A | N/A |
The French Bulldog’s meteoric rise to the top of the AKC’s rankings shows its growing popularity as a beloved companion dog23. With their endearing traits and adaptable nature, it’s no wonder these bat-eared pups have won over dog enthusiasts across the United States.
“The French Bulldog’s playful and affectionate nature, combined with its relatively small size, makes it an ideal companion for a variety of lifestyles.”
What’s the Number One Dog in America?
In the AKC’s 2023 rankings, the French Bulldog held the top spot as the most popular dog breed in the United States for the second consecutive year4. This followed the end of the Labrador Retriever’s 31-year reign as the nation’s favorite canine companion5. As of 2026, the AKC’s latest list (covering 2025) still has the French Bulldog at No. 1.
Following the French Bulldog in the top five of that 2023 list were the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, and Poodle4. These breeds held their positions from the previous year, solidifying their status as beloved American canine companions5.
The table below profiles the first five of the top 10 dog breeds from the AKC’s 2022 and 2023 lists, which had the same order at the top.
| Rank | Breed | Popularity | Lifespan | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bulldog | Most popular in the U.S. | 10-12 years | Affectionate, playful, adaptable |
| 2 | Labrador Retriever | Second most popular | 11-13 years | Friendly, active |
| 3 | Golden Retriever | Third most popular | 10-12 years | Friendly, devoted, intelligent |
| 4 | German Shepherd | Fourth most popular | 7-10 years | Family dogs, K-9 officers |
| 5 | Poodle | Fifth most popular | 10-18 years | Active, smart, affectionate |
“The French Bulldog’s rise to the top of the AKC’s annual rankings is a sign of their growing popularity as beloved American canine companions. Their affectionate, playful, and adaptable nature makes them a top choice, especially for city dwellers.”
Among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, the French Bulldog’s ascent to the number one spot reflected a shift in what American dog owners wanted, with more people choosing a small, affectionate dog that adapts to city life45.
The Top 10 Dog Breeds in 2023: A Look Back
The AKC’s list for 2023, shown here as past data, brought some changes and new additions among the popular dog breeds. The French Bulldog held the No. 1 spot, remaining the most popular dog breed in the United States for two consecutive years67.
Notable Breed Movements in the 2023 Rankings
Beyond the top five, the 2023 list shuffled the rest of the top 10 dog breeds. The Dachshund made a significant jump, moving from the No. 9 spot in 2022 to the No. 6 spot in 20236. Rottweilers, on the other hand, dropped from No. 7 in 2022 to No. 9 in 20236. Bulldogs went from No. 6 in 2022 to No. 7 in 20236, while the Beagle remained at No. 8 and the German Shorthaired Pointer kept its position at No. 10 with no change in rank67.
Newly Recognized Breeds and Their Debut Rankings
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has recognized 201 dog breeds since 18846, and several newly recognized breeds made their debut in the 2023 rankings. The Mudi, for instance, climbed from its debut at No. 150 in 2022 to No. 130 in 20236. The Russian Toy debuted at No. 144 and ranked No. 141 in 20236. The Bracco Italiano, recognized in July 2022, also entered the 2023 rankings, at No. 1526. None of them came close to the top 10 dog breeds, but they show how the registry keeps growing.
FAQ
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Keep reading
- Top Dog Breeds: How to Find the One That Fits Your Home
- French Bulldog: America’s Favorite and Most Debated Dog
- How to Pick a Dog Breed That Fits Your Life
- Dog IQ Rankings: How the Intelligence List Is Built
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