Pets

America's Top 5 Dog Breeds In 2025: French Bulldogs Still Reign, Dachshunds Break In

The American Kennel Club released its 2025 rankings, revealing which dog breeds Americans love most. French bulldogs hold the top spot for the fourth year, while dachshunds crack the top five for the first time.

French Bulldog Tops America’s Dogs In 2025

The American Kennel Club has released its latest rankings of America's top dog breeds. So who's in the top five for 2025? Let's get into it!

Number 5: Dachshund

Kicking off the list is the only new member of the top five. The dachshund moved up in popularity from No. 6 to No. 5 in 2025. Why are they becoming more popular? It's pretty superficial, actually. Americans love their funny hot dog shape. Whether it's watching them run or dressing them up in silly outfits, how amusing the dog can be has made them a hot dog. Get it?

Rylee and husband Coleman Vanderhorst's 10-month-old mini dachshund Oakley McQueen Vanderhorst will be competing at the 26th running of the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course on Saturday, July 15, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images) — Rylee and husband Coleman Vanderhorst's 10-month-old mini dachshund Oakley McQueen Vanderhorst will be competing at the 26th running of the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course on Saturday, July 15, 2023.
(Photo by Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

Number 4: German Shepherd

Number four on the list is the dog that can do it all. Also one of the smartest dog breeds, the German Shepherd is a dog lover's dream: loyal, confident, courageous and eager to please. You need protection? This dog will ride for you like no other. You need a family dog? Despite its size and energy, they are great with kids. Whatever role you need, from training purposes to even therapy, the German shepherd can fill it.

Arthas, a German shepherd, wears goggles to protect its eyes from the rain, while outside the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, where the dog and owner, Delyan Farashev of Los Angeles, returned from hiking on a nearby trail. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) — Arthas, a German shepherd, wears goggles to protect its eyes from the rain, while outside the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, where the dog and owner, Delyan Farashev of Los Angeles, returned from hiking on a nearby trail.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Number 3: Golden Retriever

Number three on the list is another super smart dog. The golden retriever can be easy to train and is the perfect companion. Not to mention, they are beautiful to look at with their golden fur! Goldens are highly energetic, super friendly and act as nannies for younger kids. Do I need to really say more? Who doesn't love them?

Coconut, a golden retriever, owned by Manny Anaya surfs in the large dog division during the 20th Annual Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon on September 7, 2025 in Del Mar, California. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) — Coconut, a golden retriever, owned by Manny Anaya surfs in the large dog division during the 20th Annual Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon on September 7, 2025 in Del Mar, California.
(K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Number 2: Labrador Retriever

Second on the list is the lab. For the longest time, actually 31 years, labrador retrievers were the most popular dog in America. The biggest difference between them and golden retrievers is that labradors have short, dense fur and come in multiple colors like yellow, black or chocolate. They also seem to have an energy reserve that has no end! They were knocked off the top spot by the current number one in 2023.

Willow, an 8-week-old Chocolate Labrador, ambles down a short hill at Bug Light Park in South Portland on Tuesday under the watchful gaze of owners Derek and Sarah Dooen (cq) of Lisbon. So far, the family's furniture remains intact, but they have to keep their shoes out of the puppy's reach, Sarah said. (Staff photo by Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images) — Willow, an 8-week-old Chocolate Labrador, ambles down a short hill at Bug Light Park in South Portland on Tuesday under the watchful gaze of owners Derek and Sarah Dooen (cq) of Lisbon. So far, the family's furniture remains intact, but they have to keep their shoes out of the puppy's reach, Sarah said.
(Staff photo by Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

Before we get to the most popular dog in America, let's talk about the benefits of having a dog! Dog ownership isn't just for fun. It's actually good for you. Studies show that pet owners have lower stress and blood pressure. Dog owners specifically have a lower risk of heart disease, and they tend to live longer too.

Dog owners are four times more likely to hit their daily exercise goals. They also get about 20 extra minutes of movement per day just from walking their dog. So if you've got a golden retriever, German shepherd, or a lab, it's not just a pet. They lowkey become your exercise buddy! Now for the top spot:

Number 1: French Bulldog

The most popular dog in America is still the French bulldog. Some people like them for their funny looks, and others like them for their tirelessly funny behavior. But the main reason why these dogs have skyrocketed to the top of the doggie world is that they are apartment-friendly! Blame the economy, right? You don't need much space for them to be happy, like you do for bigger or more active dogs. But the question now is, how much longer will they remain king? Social media was behind the initial craze, but like all fads, they come and go.

What dog surprised you the most on this list?

Rocket, a French Bulldog, owned by Dan Nykolayko, surfs in the 20th Annual Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon on September 7, 2025 in Del Mar, California. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) — Rocket, a French Bulldog, owned by Dan Nykolayko, surfs in the 20th Annual Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon on September 7, 2025 in Del Mar, California.
(K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

weather.com content writer Toby Adeyemi bridges the gap between trends and culture, a skill he's honed over years at Yahoo Sports, EBONY, and Essence. Toby's built a career finding where sports, music, and culture intersect, and now he's bringing that same lens to weather, exploring how atmospheric events shape the moments, communities, and conversations that matter most.