The American Kennel Club has released its much-anticipated ranking of the most popular dog breeds for 2025, and for the fourth consecutive year, the French Bulldog sits firmly in the No. 1 spot. The rankings, based on AKC registration data, reveal a shifting landscape in America's canine preferences — one where compact, city-friendly breeds continue their steady climb while classic family favorites hold strong.
Released in March 2025, the list reflects a full year of puppy registrations and showcases both enduring loyalties and emerging trends among American dog owners. While the top three breeds remain unchanged from 2024, the Dachshund's rise into the top five signals a broader pivot toward smaller, apartment-ready companions.
The Top 10: Familiar Faces and a Notable Shake-Up
According to the AKC's 2025 data, the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States are as follows: French Bulldog (No. 1), Labrador Retriever (No. 2), Golden Retriever (No. 3), German Shepherd (No. 4), Dachshund (No. 5), Poodle (No. 6), Bulldog (No. 7), Beagle (No. 8), Rottweiler (No. 9), and German Shorthaired Pointer (No. 10).
The biggest headline from the rankings is the Dachshund's surge. The spirited "wiener dog" climbed from No. 6 to No. 5, displacing the Poodle — which had held a top-five position for years — down to sixth place. PetMD noted that both the Dachshund and the German Shorthaired Pointer "rose in popularity in 2025," a shift that mirrors growing demand for compact yet energetic breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer itself jumped into the top 10, reflecting increased interest in active sporting dogs.
The French Bulldog's dominance — now spanning four straight years since it first unseated the Labrador Retriever in 2022 — underscores a dramatic transformation in American dog ownership. The breed's compact size, low exercise requirements, and affectionate personality make it "ideal for city and apartment dwellers," according to the Associated Press. But that popularity has not come without controversy.
The Hidden Cost of the Frenchie Phenomenon
The ASPCA has sounded alarms about the French Bulldog's meteoric rise, warning that "the French Bulldog's popularity comes at a price." The breed's flat face (brachycephaly) predisposes it to serious respiratory issues, overheating, and complications during anesthesia. The skyrocketing demand has also fueled unethical breeding practices, puppy mills, and a troubling rise in French Bulldog thefts across the country.
Animal welfare advocates urge prospective Frenchie owners to research breeders carefully, consider adoption through breed-specific rescues, and be prepared for potentially significant veterinary expenses. The breed's health challenges serve as a cautionary tale about what happens when a breed becomes a status symbol.
Meet the Newcomers: AKC Welcomes Four New Breeds in 2025
While established breeds jockeyed for position in the rankings, 2025 was also a landmark year for breed recognition. In January, the AKC officially welcomed the Danish-Swedish Farmdog as its 202nd recognized breed, placing it in the Working Group. The breed, affectionately known as the "Little Big Dog," spent 14 years in the AKC's Foundation Stock Service before earning full recognition — a testament to the dedication of its breeders and enthusiasts.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a small, compact dog with roots on family farms in Denmark and Sweden, where it was prized for catching rodents, herding livestock, and serving as an all-purpose working companion. "Danish-Swedish Farmdogs are active, people-oriented and highly trainable," and they excel at dog sports like agility, dock diving, scent work, and obedience, according to breed experts. NPR reported that fans of the breed "worry that its appealing, relatively easy-care nature could make it quickly become too popular for its own good."
Then, in December 2025, the AKC added three more breeds to its registry: the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. These additions brought the total number of AKC-recognized breeds to 205. Gina M. DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary, told People magazine: "We are excited to welcome the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier to the registry."
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a French scent hound known for its rough fawn-colored coat and cheerful disposition. The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a small, affectionate companion breed from Russia with a long, wavy coat. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, an American breed named after the 26th president, is a compact ratting terrier with a big personality despite its small stature.
Why Small Dogs Are Winning America's Heart
The 2025 rankings tell a larger story about how Americans are living — and who they're living with. Urbanization, apartment living, and an aging population have all contributed to the surge in small-breed popularity. The French Bulldog, Dachshund, and Poodle all fit neatly into smaller living spaces and require less exercise than large working breeds.
Rover.com's 2025 trending data reinforces this pattern. Their list of the top trending breeds includes the Miniature Poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Toy Poodle, and Pug — all compact companion dogs. Interestingly, the American Staffordshire Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog also made the trending list, suggesting that medium-sized, loyal, and active breeds continue to attract devoted followings.
Data from the UK's Kennel Club echoed similar trends internationally: "In 2025, small dog breeds such as the French Bulldog puppies, Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund puppies, and Jack Russell puppies have seen a continued surge in demand." The global shift toward smaller dogs appears to be a lasting transformation rather than a passing fad.
What This Means for Future Dog Owners
For anyone considering adding a dog to their family in 2025 and beyond, the AKC rankings offer both inspiration and caution. The most popular breeds earn their status for good reason — French Bulldogs are charming companions, Labradors are famously family-friendly, and Golden Retrievers are reliably gentle. But popularity can be a double-edged sword.
Prospective owners should look beyond the rankings and consider a breed's health profile, energy requirements, grooming needs, and temperament. The rise of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog and the three newly recognized breeds also means more options than ever for those seeking a less common companion. Whether you're drawn to a chart-topping Frenchie or an up-and-coming Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, the key is finding a breed whose needs align with your lifestyle — and always prioritizing responsible breeders or rescue adoption.
The Bottom Line: Key Takeaways
- French Bulldog reigns supreme: Four consecutive years at No. 1 on the AKC's most popular breeds list.
- Dachshund cracks the top 5: The breed rose from No. 6 to No. 5, displacing the Poodle and reflecting the small-dog trend.
- Four new AKC breeds in 2025: The Danish-Swedish Farmdog (January), plus the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier (December), bringing the total to 205 recognized breeds.
- Small dogs dominate: Urban living, apartment-friendly size, and aging demographics continue to fuel demand for compact companion breeds.
- Health concerns persist: The French Bulldog's popularity raises welfare alarms — prospective owners should research thoroughly and consider adoption.
