America's Most Popular Dog Breeds in 2025
Updated December 20, 2025
Table of Contents
- Current Trends in Dog Popularity
- Why Dog Breeds Are More Popular Than Ever
- Top 10 American Purebred Dog Breeds
- Rising Stars to Watch
- Popularity by Region
- Family-Friendly Breed Comparison
- Strong Protectors That Are Family-Friendly
- Adoption vs Buying: Why It Matters
- Tips for Choosing the Right Dog
- Best Family Dogs
- Best Small Family Dogs
- Best Large Family Dogs
- External Resources
Current Trends in Dog Popularity
Every March, the American Kennel Club (AKC) releases its rankings based on purebred puppy registrations from the previous year. In the 2024 report, published in early 2025, the French Bulldog held the top spot for the third year in a row. These rankings reflect lifestyle shifts, including urban living and the rise of remote work.
While these rankings focus on purebreds, mixed breeds actually make up over half of U.S. dogs, according to Rover surveys and insurance data. Mixed breeds tend to be healthier and have well-rounded temperaments.
- City Life Drives Small Breed Popularity: French Bulldogs and Pugs thrive in apartments and urban settings.
- Rise of Guardian Breeds: Big dogs like the Cane Corso attract owners who value home protection.
- Hypoallergenic & Doodle Craze: Doodles and low-shedding breeds are increasingly sought after for allergy-sensitive households.
- Health Concerns Affect Older Favorites: Some classic breeds are slightly declining due to chronic health issues.
- Rising Stars: Unique breeds like the Bracco Italiano jumped 20 spots, showing growing curiosity for less common breeds.
Fun Fact: French Bulldogs are such celebrities that some Instagram accounts dedicated to them have millions of followers!
Why Dog Breeds Are More Popular Than Ever in 2025
The U.S. pet industry hit a whopping $100 billion this year, with dog adoptions rising 5% according to AKC data. Labs and Golden Retrievers remain household staples, beloved for their loyalty, while French Bulldogs rack up Instagram likes and celebrity endorsements.
Hypoallergenic breeds, urban-friendly small dogs, and protective breeds are trending, reflecting lifestyle and home security concerns. Mixed breeds continue to dominate, making up 65% of U.S. dog ownership, according to Rover.
Fun Fact: The Danish-Swedish Farmdog made its AKC debut in 2025, while the Cane Corso jumped 33 spots—perfect for those who love common breeds with a twist.
Top 10 American Purebred Dog Breeds (2024 AKC Registrations)
Here’s the official top ten along with practical notes for families considering these breeds.
| Rank | Breed | Registrations | Why Popular | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bulldog | 108,000 | Cute, low-energy, celebrity favorite | Apartments, families |
| 2 | Labrador Retriever | 87,000 | Friendly, trainable, America's #1 for decades | Active homes, kids |
| 3 | Golden Retriever | 52,000 | Loyal, gentle, therapy star | Outdoorsy families |
| 4 | German Shepherd | 48,000 | Protective, smart | Guarding, work |
| 5 | Poodle | 45,000 | Hypoallergenic, intelligent | Allergies, doodle mixes |
| 6 | Bulldog | 42,000 | Chill, wrinkly charm | Low-activity living |
| 7 | Rottweiler | 38,000 | Strong, devoted | Protection |
| 8 | Beagle | 36,000 | Curious, pack-oriented | Hunting, play |
| 9 | Dachshund | 34,000 | Brave, sausage-shaped fun | Small spaces |
| 10 | German Shorthaired Pointer | 32,000 | Energetic, versatile | Active outdoors |
Fun Fact: The Dachshund’s elongated body comes from breeding them to dig into badger burrows—hence the nickname “badger dog”!
Rising Stars to Watch
- Cane Corso: Guardian breed gaining popularity.
- Bracco Italiano: Elegant Italian pointer climbing in rankings.
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Smart and energetic.
- American Staffordshire Terrier: Loyal, athletic, and family-friendly with proper training.
Fun Fact: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retrievers but loves water and is a natural “toller,” charming ducks toward hunters!
Popularity by Region
Urban areas favor small breeds like French Bulldogs, while rural regions prefer Labs and hunting breeds. Labs dominate many states, while French Bulldogs rule major cities such as New York and Los Angeles.
Fun Fact: French Bulldogs are sometimes called “the ultimate city dog” because of their calm demeanor and low exercise needs.
Family-Friendly Breed Comparison
| Breed | Great with Kids | Trainability | Energy Level | Shedding/Grooming | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Yes | High | High | Moderate | Large |
| Golden Retriever | Yes | Very High | High | High | Large |
| Beagle | Yes | Medium | Medium | Low | Small-Medium |
| Bulldog | Yes | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
| Poodle | Yes | Very High | Medium-High | Low (needs grooming) | Varies |
Fun Fact: Poodles are ranked as one of the most intelligent breeds—they can learn hundreds of commands!
Best Family Dogs
Families looking for loyal, patient, and playful companions often choose these breeds. These dogs are great with kids, adaptable to different home sizes, and can handle the energy of a busy household.
| Breed | Size | Temperament | Energy Level | Grooming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Large | Friendly, Gentle, Loyal | High | Moderate |
| Golden Retriever | Large | Loving, Gentle, Social | High | High |
| Beagle | Small-Medium | Curious, Playful | Medium | Low |
| Poodle | Varies | Intelligent, Adaptable | Medium-High | Low (requires grooming) |
| Bulldog | Medium | Calm, Friendly | Low | Low |
Fun Fact: Golden Retrievers are often used as therapy dogs because of their gentle and friendly nature.
Best Small Family Dogs
Small dogs are perfect for apartments or homes with limited space, yet they still have big personalities. They often require less exercise but thrive on attention.
| Breed | Size | Temperament | Energy Level | Grooming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | Small | Affectionate, Calm | Low | Low |
| Pug | Small | Playful, Sociable | Medium | Low |
| Dachshund | Small | Curious, Brave | Medium | Low |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Gentle, Loving | Medium | Moderate |
Fun Fact: Despite their small size, Dachshunds were originally bred for hunting badgers and other burrowing animals!
Best Large Family Dogs
Large breeds are perfect for active families and homes with plenty of outdoor space. They’re loyal, protective, and often gentle giants with children.
| Breed | Size | Temperament | Energy Level | Grooming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Large | Friendly, Social | High | Moderate |
| Golden Retriever | Large | Loyal, Patient | High | High |
| German Shepherd | Large | Protective, Intelligent | High | Moderate |
| Cane Corso | Large | Calm, Devoted | Medium | Low |
Fun Fact: Cane Corsos are excellent guardians and have been used historically to protect livestock and estates in Italy!
Strong Protectors That Are Family-Friendly
If you’re looking for dogs that offer protection while still being gentle with kids, these breeds combine strength with loyalty:
- German Shepherd – Intelligent and alert, great for security without being aggressive.
- Cane Corso – Calm, devoted, and protective of the family.
- Rottweiler – Confident and loyal, excellent with proper training.
- Boxer – Playful yet protective, excellent with children.
Fun Fact: German Shepherds are the top choice for police and military work worldwide because of their intelligence and loyalty.
Adoption vs Buying: Why It Matters
While the AKC rankings focus on purebred registrations, adopting from shelters and rescues is highly recommended. Mixed breeds are often healthier, and you give a home to a dog in need.
- Health: Mixed breeds typically face fewer genetic health issues.
- Cost: Adoption fees are lower than buying from breeders.
- Variety: You can find rare and unique personalities that may not be available from breeders.
Fun Fact: Over 3.3 million dogs are adopted from U.S. shelters each year, giving them a second chance at a loving home.
Tips for Choosing the Right Dog
- Consider your home size and available outdoor space.
- Evaluate your family’s activity level and lifestyle.
- Think about grooming and care requirements.
- Research the breed’s temperament and potential health issues.
- Meet the dog before adopting or buying to ensure compatibility.
External Resources
- American Kennel Club – Official breed rankings and registration data.
- Rover Dog Breed Guide – Popularity insights and adoption tips.
- Petfinder – Find adoptable dogs near you.
- ASPCA Adoption Tips – How to prepare for a new pet.