By America’s love affair with dogs—faithful, familiar, and increasingly photogenic—has found its latest expression in the American Kennel Club’s newly released 2025 breed rankings. And for the fourth straight year, the crown remains firmly (and adorably) perched on the head of the French Bulldog.
The list, published March 18, offers a snapshot of the country’s purebred preferences, drawn from AKC registration data covering more than 200 recognized breeds. It is not a full census—mixed breeds and designer dogs remain outside the tally—but it is, as ever, a reliable barometer of American taste. And this year, that taste looks both familiar and newly energized, according to The Independent.
At the top, little has changed. The French Bulldog holds steady at No. 1, extending a remarkable run that has reshaped the modern canine hierarchy. Once a niche companion, the breed has surged in popularity over the past decade, propelled by city living, celebrity ownership, and a social media presence that borders on dominance. Registrations dipped in 2025 compared to prior years—a reminder, perhaps, of growing awareness around health concerns—but the breed’s hold on the top spot remains secure.
Behind it, the old guard endures. The Labrador Retriever—America’s longtime favorite, which held the No. 1 position for 31 consecutive years—claims second place for the third year running. The ever-reliable Golden Retriever and the stalwart German Shepherd Dog follow in third and fourth, respectively. Together, they form a kind of canine establishment: steady, recognizable, and deeply woven into American life.
But the real story—perhaps the happiest one—arrives at No. 5.
For the first time in more than two decades, the Dachshund has trotted its way back into the top tier.
Long beloved but rarely ascendant, the Dachshund’s return reflects something more than novelty. With its unmistakable silhouette and outsized personality, the breed has always occupied a special corner of American affection. Now, it has reclaimed a place at the center. As longtime breeder Trudy Kawami put it, they are “amusing to look at” and “very expressive dogs—they let you know what they’re thinking.” More simply: they “make you laugh every day.”
It is not hard to see the appeal. In an era that prizes both companionship and character, the Dachshund offers both in abundance—compact, animated, and just a little bit stubborn. Their rise nudges the Poodle out of the top five, marking one of the few notable reshuffles in an otherwise stable lineup.
Further down the rankings, the quiet churn of American preference continues. Newer entrants—like the Cane Corso, now sitting just outside the top ten—signal a growing openness to breeds once considered exotic or unfamiliar. Others, such as the Coton de Tulear and the American Hairless Terrier, are climbing steadily, reflecting a broader diversification of taste.
The long view makes the shift even clearer. Twenty-five years ago, the French Bulldog barely registered in the rankings. Fifty years ago, the Saint Bernard ranked among the nation’s favorites. A century ago, the list looked different still—though some constants, like the German Shepherd and the Beagle, have proven remarkably durable.
The rankings are not without controversy. Critics, including PETA, argue that popularity can sometimes reward traits that come with health challenges. The AKC, for its part, has pushed back, calling such critiques misplaced and emphasizing responsible ownership.
And that, in the end, may be the quiet message beneath the numbers. As AKC spokesperson Brandi Hunter Munden noted, the list is less a prescription than a reflection. “No matter how you acquire your dog, do your research and make sure that a dog fits in your lifestyle,” she said.
It is good advice—and a fitting conclusion to a list that, year after year, says as much about Americans as it does about their dogs.
