The post America’s Top Dog Breeds Are Revealed — And One Classic Breed Took the Biggest Tumble first appeared on Crafting Your Home.
America’s favorite dog breeds have been revealed, and the latest rankings show that while some familiar names continue to dominate, others are experiencing noticeable shifts in popularity. The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) newly released 2025 registration rankings highlight which breeds gained attention among American dog owners and which ones slipped in the standings.
The annual rankings, released in 2026, are based on AKC registration data from the previous calendar year. They include 202 recognized breeds and provide a look at trends among owners who register their dogs with the organization. While the rankings do not represent every dog living in American homes, they remain one of the most widely followed measures of breed popularity.
The biggest story from this year’s list is the continued dominance of the French Bulldog. The small companion breed has held the No. 1 position for four consecutive years, continuing its historic rise after surpassing the Labrador Retriever in 2022. However, another part of the story has drawn attention: a classic breed declined, while several others moved up.
French Bulldog Holds Onto America’s Top Dog Spot as Familiar Favorites Remain Strong
The French Bulldog remains America’s most popular AKC-recognized breed, maintaining its place at the top of the rankings. Its continued success reflects the growing appeal of smaller companion dogs that fit well into modern living environments.
The AKC has pointed to the French Bulldog’s size, adaptability, and suitability for city living as factors contributing to its popularity. Many owners are drawn to breeds that can comfortably live in apartments or smaller homes while still providing companionship and personality.
Behind the French Bulldog, the rankings remained largely unchanged. The Labrador Retriever held onto second place, followed by the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Dog. These breeds have long been among America’s favorites because of their intelligence, loyalty, versatility, and reputation as dependable family companions.
The Labrador Retriever, in particular, remains one of the most recognizable and beloved breeds in the country. Although it lost the top spot after more than three decades of dominance, it still has a strong following among families, service organizations, and working dog communities.
The Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Dog also maintained their positions, showing that traditional favorites remain deeply established despite the rise of newer trends. Their popularity shows that many owners still value breeds known for trainability, companionship, and a strong connection with people.
Other longtime favorites also remained steady. The Beagle stayed at No. 7, while the Rottweiler held No. 8. Their continued presence near the top of the rankings shows that America’s interest in classic breeds remains strong even as smaller companion dogs gain more attention.
Dachshund Climbs Higher While Bulldog Slips in the Top 10
One of the most notable changes in the latest rankings was theDachshund’s rise. The small, long-bodied breed moved from No. 6 in 2024 to No. 5 in 2025, marking its best performance in more than two decades.
The Dachshund’s rise pushed the Poodle down to No. 6 after the breed had held the fifth position from 2021 through 2024. Despite the drop, the Poodle remains one of America’s most popular dogs and is still recognized for its intelligence, athletic ability, and distinctive appearance.
The Dachshund’s growing popularity reflects a broader trend toward smaller dogs with strong personalities. Despite their compact size, Dachshunds are known for their confidence, curiosity, and energetic nature. Their combination of portability and personality has helped them appeal to a wide range of owners.
The biggest change among the top 10 involved the Bulldog, a breed that has been part of American culture for generations. The Bulldog moved from ninth place to tenth place, switching positions with the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Although some headlines have described the Bulldog’s movement as a major decline, the actual change was relatively small. A one-position drop does not mean the breed has suddenly become unpopular. AKC rankings are based on relative registration numbers, meaning a breed may move down if another breed gains popularity faster.
The German Shorthaired Pointer’s rise to ninth place reflects growing interest in athletic, versatile sporting breeds. Known for energy, intelligence, and hunting ability, the breed has gained recognition among active owners looking for an energetic companion.
The top 10 breeds for 2025 were French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Dachshund, Poodle, Beagle, Rottweiler, German Shorthaired Pointer, and Bulldog.
Greyhound Experiences the Biggest Ranking Drop as Other Breeds Gain Attention
While the Bulldog’s movement drew attention because of its status as a classic breed, the Greyhound saw the largest decline. The Greyhound dropped 33 places, falling from No. 188 in 2024 to No. 151 in 2025. This represented the biggest year-over-year ranking decline among all 202 AKC-recognized breeds.
However, a drop in ranking does not automatically mean fewer people are choosing the breed. The AKC explains that rankings are relative, meaning a breed can fall if other breeds receive more registrations and move ahead. Registration rankings alone do not show whether a breed’s actual registrations increased or decreased.
The AKC has not provided a specific reason for the Greyhound’s decline. While factors such as changing lifestyles, shifting owner preferences, and increased competition from other breeds could influence popularity, the available data does not identify one confirmed cause.
Other breeds also experienced notable declines. The Briard and Black Russian Terrier each dropped 27 positions, while the Kerry Blue Terrier declined 20 places after making a significant jump the previous year.
At the same time, several breeds gained momentum. The Cane Corso continued its rise, moving from No. 14 to No. 11 and approaching the top 10. The Wirehaired Vizsla recorded one of the biggest improvements, climbing 29 spots from No. 159 to No. 130. The American Hairless Terrier also moved upward, gaining 17 positions.
The Giant Schnauzer rose five places, a change the AKC suggested may be linked to increased visibility after major dog show achievements. However, popularity rankings cannot prove that individual events directly caused a breed’s rise.
Changing Dog Trends Show Americans Are Choosing Both Modern Companions and Traditional Favorites
The latest AKC rankings reveal that America’s relationship with dogs continues to evolve. Smaller companion breeds are becoming increasingly popular, while many traditional family dogs remain firmly established.
The continued success of breeds like the French Bulldog and Dachshund suggests many owners want dogs that can adapt to modern lifestyles. Smaller homes, urban environments, and busy schedules may influence interest in breeds that are easier to accommodate.
At the same time, the strength of breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd Dog shows that Americans still value dogs known for loyalty, intelligence, and versatility.
The rankings also highlight how visibility and public interest can affect breed popularity. Some breeds gain attention through dog shows, social media, or shifting cultural trends. However, registration data shows only ranking changes and does not explain each owner’s decision.
Rather than showing that classic breeds are disappearing, the latest rankings reveal a more diverse picture of American dog ownership. Established favorites continue to thrive, while newer trends create opportunities for other breeds to gain recognition.
The French Bulldog remains America’s top dog, the Dachshund has reached a major milestone, and the Bulldog has experienced a modest decline. Meanwhile, the Greyhound faces the largest ranking drop, though the reason behind the change remains uncertain.
Overall, the 2025 rankings show that Americans remain strongly connected to their dogs. Whether choosing a small companion breed or a traditional family favorite, owners are shaping an ever-changing landscape of America’s most popular canine companions.
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