In a surprising twist, the French Bulldog has dethroned the Labrador Retriever as the most popular dog breed in the United States for the second consecutive year1. After a remarkable 31-year reign at the top, the Labrador Retriever has been usurped by the bat-eared companion, showcasing the French Bulldog’s meteoric rise in popularity1. With French Bulldog registrations skyrocketing by over 1,000% in the last decade, this breed has soared from the 14th rank in 2012 to the #1 spot in 2022, a testament to its growing appeal among American dog owners1.
Key Takeaways
- The French Bulldog has been named the #1 most popular dog breed in the United States for the second consecutive year.
- The Labrador Retriever, which held the top spot for 31 years, has been displaced by the French Bulldog’s meteoric rise in popularity.
- French Bulldog registrations have increased by over 1,000% in the last 10 years, propelling the breed from #14 in 2012 to #1 in 2022.
- The Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Poodle round out the top 5 most popular dog breeds in America.
- The AKC recognizes a total of 200 dog breeds, with new breeds continuously working toward recognition.
The French Bulldog Reigns Supreme
The French Bulldog’s alluring charm and adaptable nature have propelled it to the top of the breed popularity charts in the United States2. This compact, bat-eared companion has cemented its status as the #1 dog breed, not only in the nation but also in several major cities, including San Francisco, New York, Cleveland, and Honolulu2.
The Bat-Eared Companion’s Impressive Ascent
With over a century of American Kennel Club history since its recognition in 1898, the French Bulldog has captured the hearts of people from all walks of life, from royalty to middle-class artisans2. The breed’s rise to prominence is evidenced by its dominance in the 2023 rankings, where it outshone the perennial favorite, the Labrador Retriever3.
The top 5 dog breeds in San Francisco in 2023 were the French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Bulldog2. Interestingly, breed preferences varied across different neighborhoods in the city, with the French Bulldog reigning supreme in SoMa and The Mission, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the Castro, the Labrador Retriever in Potrero and Pacific Heights, and the Bichon Frise in Nob Hill2.
The French Bulldog’s reign extends beyond the local level, as it was listed as the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for the second consecutive year in 202324. The top 10 most popular dog breeds in the country for the same year include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Poodle, Dachshund, Bulldog, Beagle, Rottweiler, and German Shorthaired Pointer24.
The French Bulldog’s rise to prominence is a testament to its enduring appeal and the breed’s ability to adapt to a variety of lifestyles. As dog enthusiasts continue to seek out companions that embody a perfect blend of playfulness, intelligence, and adaptability, the French Bulldog’s reign as the top dog breed in America shows no signs of waning243.
| Breed | Rank (National) | Rank (New Jersey) |
|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | 1 | 1 |
| Labrador Retriever | 2 | 2 |
| Golden Retriever | 3 | 3 |
| German Shepherd Dog | 4 | 4 |
| Poodle | 5 | 5 |
| Dachshund | 6 | – |
| Bulldog | 7 | – |
| Beagle | 8 | – |
| Rottweiler | 9 | 6 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | 10 | – |
| Boxer | – | 9 |
| Havanese | – | 10 |
The data showcases the French Bulldog’s dominance as the top-ranked dog breed both nationally and in the state of New Jersey3. While the Labrador Retriever maintains its strong position as the second most popular breed, the French Bulldog has firmly established itself as the undisputed leader in the canine popularity landscape3.
“The French Bulldog’s rise to prominence is a testament to its enduring appeal and the breed’s ability to adapt to a variety of lifestyles.”
What breed is number 1 dog?
According to the latest rankings from the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog has claimed the top spot as the most popular dog breed in the United States5. This represents a significant shift, as the Labrador Retriever had previously held the #1 position for an impressive 31-year reign5.
The French Bulldog’s steady rise in popularity over the last decade, climbing from #14 in 2012 to #2 in 2021 before finally claiming the top spot, reflects the growing appeal of this charming, bat-eared companion among American dog owners5. With an estimated 65 million households in the U.S. owning at least one dog5, the French Bulldog’s ascent to the top of the breed rankings is a testament to its versatility and enduring popularity.
| Rank | Breed | Percentage of Total Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bulldog | 7%6 |
| 2 | Labrador Retriever | N/A |
| 3 | Golden Retriever | N/A |
| 4 | German Shepherd | N/A |
| 5 | Poodle | N/A |
While the Labrador Retriever now occupies the second position5, other breeds such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles also remain among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the country5. Additionally, Beagles, Dachshunds, and German Shorthaired Pointers can be found in the top 20 rankings5.
This shift in breed popularity highlights the evolving preferences of dog owners, who are increasingly drawn to the unique characteristics and traits of the French Bulldog5. As the market continues to offer a diverse range of approximately 360 dog breeds5, the French Bulldog’s ascendance to the top spot underscores the breed’s enduring appeal and its ability to capture the hearts of dog enthusiasts across the United States.
“The French Bulldog’s rise to the top of the breed rankings is a testament to its versatility and enduring popularity among American dog owners.”
Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2023
The dog breed landscape in the United States has seen some intriguing shifts in 2023. While the French Bulldog7 has solidified its position as the most popular dog breed7, the rest of the top five most sought-after pups include the ever-reliable Labrador Retriever7, the affable Golden Retriever7, the versatile German Shepherd Dog7, and the intelligent Poodle7.
But the top 10 list is a dynamic landscape, with some breeds making significant strides. The Dachshund7, known for its long-standing popularity since the 1950s8, has jumped from the #9 spot to #67, while the Rottweiler has moved up from #7 to #97. The Bulldog9 and the Beagle9 have also maintained their positions within the top 10, showcasing their enduring appeal.
Interestingly, several other breeds have been steadily climbing the popularity charts, including the Papillon, Great Pyrenees, Basenji, and Finnish Lapphund7. The Finnish Lapphund, in particular, has soared from #167 to #1357, while the Basenji jumped from #91 to #817. This trend suggests that Americans are increasingly drawn to a diverse array of canine companions, beyond the traditional top-tier breeds.
| Rank | Breed | Popularity Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bulldog | Remained at the top for the second consecutive year7 |
| 2 | Labrador Retriever | Previously held the top spot for 31 years7 |
| 3 | Golden Retriever | Consistently among the most popular breeds9 |
| 4 | German Shepherd Dog | Known for their versatility and adaptability8 |
| 5 | Poodle | Prized for their agility and obedience skills8 |
| 6 | Dachshund | Climbed from #9 to #6 in the rankings7 |
| 7 | Bulldog | Renowned for their gentleness and compassion, but require caution in hot weather8 |
| 8 | Beagle | Widely utilized for contraband detection in airports8 |
| 9 | Rottweiler | Moved up from #7 to #9 in the rankings7 |
| 10 | German Shorthaired Pointer | Maintained its position at #109 |
As the data showcases, the top 10 dog breeds in the United States continue to evolve, reflecting the diverse preferences and needs of American dog owners879. From the ever-popular French Bulldog to the steadily climbing Dachshund and Rottweiler, this list highlights the dynamic nature of the canine landscape in the country.
Conclusion
The American Kennel Club’s annual ranking of the most popular dog breeds in the United States provides valuable insights into the evolving preferences of American dog owners10. For the second consecutive year, the French Bulldog has emerged as the #1 most popular breed, dethroning the long-reigning Labrador Retriever10. This compact, bat-eared companion’s rise to the top spot reflects its growing appeal as a smart, adaptable, and playful breed that can thrive in a variety of living situations11. While the top 5 breeds remained unchanged, the shuffling within the top 10 and the steady climb of several other breeds suggest that dog ownership trends are continuously evolving, offering dog lovers a diverse range of beloved canine companions to consider.
With over 300 different dog breeds officially recognized today11, the American Kennel Club’s annual list serves as a barometer for the changing tastes and preferences of dog owners11. From the iconic Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers to the playful Boxers and loyal Beagles, the diverse array of breeds highlighted in the top 10 list caters to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences10. As the French Bulldog solidifies its position as the nation’s most popular breed, and other breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog and Poodle maintain their strong following, the landscape of dog ownership in the United States continues to evolve in exciting and dynamic ways.
Whether you’re a long-time dog enthusiast or a first-time pet parent, the American Kennel Club’s annual rankings provide a fascinating glimpse into the ever-changing world of canine companions10. As the top five breeds tend to remain similar in popularity year over year10, the subtle shifts and newcomers to the top 10 list offer a window into the dynamic and ever-evolving preferences of American dog owners. By staying informed about these trends, you can make more informed decisions when choosing the right furry friend to join your family.
FAQ
What breed is number 1 dog?
According to the American Kennel Club’s annual ranking, the French Bulldog has been named the #1 most popular dog breed in the United States for the second consecutive year.
What are the most popular dog breeds?
The top 5 most popular dog breeds in the United States for 2023 are the French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, and Poodle.
How have dog breed rankings changed over time?
Before 2022, the Labrador Retriever had held the top spot for an impressive 31-year reign. However, the French Bulldog’s steady rise in popularity over the past decade, from #14 in 2012 to #2 in 2021 before claiming the #1 position in 2022, demonstrates its growing appeal among American dog owners.
What are the characteristics of the French Bulldog?
The French Bulldog’s appeal lies in its playful, smart, and adaptable nature. These compact, bat-eared companions are easy to bring anywhere and make great companions for a variety of lifestyles.
How does the AKC determine the most popular dog breeds?
As the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs, the American Kennel Club (AKC) uses their registration statistics to rank the most popular dog breeds each year.
