Every year the AKC publishes its breed registration numbers, and the top of the list usually changes less than you might expect.
That is exactly what happened in 2025.
The same four breeds kept the first four spots. The only change in the Top 5 was the Dachshund, which moved up one place and pushed the Poodle to No. 6. The French Bulldog stayed at No. 1 for the fourth year in a row.
| Rank | Breed | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bulldog | 1 |
| 2 | Labrador Retriever | 2 |
| 3 | Golden Retriever | 3 |
| 4 | German Shepherd Dog | 4 |
| 5 | Dachshund | 6 |
These are AKC registration numbers, so this is not a census of every dog in America. Still, it is a useful look at which purebred dogs keep showing up near the top.
And it is a strange little group when you put them together.
1. French Bulldog
Frenchies are still No. 1.
Their size probably explains part of the appeal. They fit into apartments easily, they are easy to take along in the car, and they do not need the sort of exercise schedule people expect from a Lab or German Shepherd.
The tradeoff is health.
That flat face is not just part of the look. Breathing and heat tolerance are real considerations with the breed, which is why choosing a Frenchie should involve more than finding the cutest puppy photo.
We cover that in French Bulldog Pros and Cons: Is a Frenchie Right for You?
2. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador spent 31 years at No. 1. Now it has settled into second place.
Labs are still an easy breed to understand. They like people, they usually like training, and a lot of them will happily spend half the day outside doing something and the other half waiting to see if food appears.
The surprise for new owners is often the shedding.
That short coat looks harmless until you find Labrador hair in the couch, the carpet, the car, and somehow on clothes that were nowhere near the dog.
Young Labs can also be a handful. Friendly, yes. Calm from birth, no.
See Labrador Retriever Pros and Cons: Is a Lab Right for You?
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers stayed at No. 3.
There is a reason they keep hanging around the top of these lists. They tend to be social dogs, they are usually pleasant to train, and they fit well into homes where the dog is actually going to be included in things.
They also come with a lot of coat.
A Golden that likes water can go from beautiful family dog to wet mop surprisingly fast, and the longer feathering means more brushing than you get with a Labrador.
That does not seem to put many people off.
See Golden Retriever Pros and Cons: Is a Golden Right for You?
4. German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd stayed at No. 4.
This one is a different proposition.
A GSD is a large working dog. They can be excellent to train, but they need someone who actually wants to train them. Socialization matters too. So does being comfortable handling a powerful adult dog.
They also shed heavily.
The breed looks impressive standing in a yard, but most of ownership is much less dramatic: walks, training, hair on the floor, vet visits, visitors at the door, and teaching the dog how to behave in normal life.
See German Shepherd Pros and Cons: Is a GSD Right for You?
5. Dachshund
The Dachshund is the new face in the Top 5.
It moved from No. 6 to No. 5 in 2025, knocking the Poodle down one spot.
Small size is obviously part of the appeal, but Dachshunds are not just lapdogs with unusual proportions. They were bred as hunting dogs and can be surprisingly busy, bold little animals.
The long back is also something owners have to take seriously.
Back problems, including IVDD, are an important concern in Dachshunds. Keeping the dog fit and at an appropriate weight matters, and sudden pain or difficulty walking is something to take to a veterinarian rather than wait out at home.
We do not have a full Dachshund guide yet. That should probably be the next breed page we add.
What Happened to the Poodle?
Nothing dramatic.
It moved from fifth to sixth.
The Poodle is still one of the most popular breeds in the country. It just lost one place when the Dachshund moved up.
For plenty of people, a Poodle may still be the better choice anyway — especially if having less loose hair around the house matters more than avoiding regular coat maintenance.
See Poodle Pros and Cons: Is a Poodle Right for You?
Which One Would Actually Suit Your Home?
That is the more useful question.
These five dogs are popular, but they barely belong in the same category once you get past the ranking.
A French Bulldog is nothing like a German Shepherd.
A Dachshund is not a small Labrador.
A Lab and Golden may look like obvious alternatives, but even those two come with different coat and grooming realities.
So the ranking is interesting.
I just would not use it as a shortlist.
Pick the dog whose size, energy, coat, health needs, and temperament fit the life you already have.
Not the dog sitting highest on somebody else's chart.
Quick FAQ
What is the most popular dog breed in the U.S.?
The French Bulldog is No. 1 in the AKC's 2025 registration ranking and has held that position for four years.
What are the Top 5?
French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, and Dachshund.
Is the Labrador still No. 1?
No. It is No. 2. The Lab previously spent 31 years in first place.
Why isn't the Poodle in the Top 5?
The Dachshund moved up to fifth in 2025, and the Poodle moved down to sixth.
Does this include every dog in America?
No. The list is based on AKC registration statistics, so it should not be treated as a census of every dog living in the U.S.
