Every year around mid-March, the American Kennel Club (AKC) releases its list of the most popular dog breeds from the previous year. Dog lovers around the U.S. anxiously await the list's release to see where their dog or their favorite breed ranked.
The wait is over, because on March 20, 2025 the AKC released the list of the most popular breeds of 2024. Let's take a closer look at what the top 15 most popular dog breeds were in 2024 and which breeds increased in popularity the most.
The French Bulldog is the top dog for the third straight year
In 2022, the French Bulldog overtook the Labrador Retriever for the most popular dog breed, ending the Lab's 31-year run. Their increase in popularity can be attributed to their small size and adaptability, but it's also likely due to their popularity among celebrities like Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, among others.
French Bulldogs have been steadily increasing in popularity since 2012, when they ranked #14. And after three straight years at #1, their popularity doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. French Bulldogs aren't just popular in the United States, but around the world.
The rest of the top five
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers haven't fallen too far from the top. Labs came in second place for the third straight year, so they continue to remain popular despite being dethroned. Labs are great dogs for first time dog owners, so this is one reason their popularity has remained stable.
Labs are also adaptable, highly trainable, making great companions for hunting and spending time in the outdoors, and they are one of the best service dogs. So their spot at #2 is rightfully earned.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers consistently rank in the top five, and they came in at #3 in 2024. Goldens are loyal and goofy dogs that are very loveable, and they are one of the most recognizable dog breeds. Golden Retrievers are also very intelligent and highly trainable, and they will happily accompany you anywhere.
Golden Retrievers are such great dogs that owners often find themselves with multiple Goldens. This certainly helps the breed stay in the top five.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are another breed that consistently ranks in the top five, although their popularity and the Golden's often flip-flop. German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and one of the most popular dogs for police work and search and rescue work.
German Shepherds aren't ideal for everyone because they are very active dogs. However, they continue to remian popular enough to stay in the top five.
Poodle
Poodles have been in and out of the top five over the years, but again, they are one of the most famous dog breeds. Poodles are hypoallergenic, which means they are great dogs for people with allergies. They also come in different sizes, so Poodles are suitable for a variety of different lifestyles.
Purebred Poodles are also popular for creating designer dog breeds like the Labradoodle and Maltipoo. The AKC's list only include purebred dogs (which designer dogs are not; they are techincally hybrids. But as designer dogs continue to increase in popularity, the Poodle isn't likely to drop out of the top five anytime soon.
The top 15 most popular dog breeds of 2024
Although the top five have already been established, let's recap and round out the top 15.
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Poodle
- Dachshund
- Beagle
- Rottweiler
- Bulldog
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Australian Shepherd
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cane Corso
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Which breeds grew the most in popularity?
The exciting thing about the AKC most popular breeds list is that you never known which breeds are going to have a surge in popularity. Some of the breeds that had the biggest jumps in 2024 may surprise you.
The Kerry Blue Terrier showed the biggest surge, up 25 spots from 160 to 135. The Bracco Italiano, a breed only first recognized by the AKC in 2022, grew 20 spots from 152 to 132. German Pinschers and American Staffordshire Terriers grew 18 spots.
Other breeds that showed an increase in popularity include:
- Bedlington Terriers
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
- Brussels Griffons
- American Eskimo Dogs
- Harriers
To see the complete list of the 201 most popular dog breeds and which breeds decreased the most in popularity, you can check out the AKC's Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024.
It's always interesting to see which breeds are becoming more popular, especially breeds that are more newly recognized, and which long-time favorites are holding steady. Is there anything about the list that surprised you?