The 50 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S.
There's a reason your Goldendoodle didn't make the list.
Every year, in early spring, we get set to welcome the results of the country's most important competition—and nope, we're not talking about the Oscars, or the Easter egg roll at the White House, or even the Kentucky Derby. We mean, of course, the American Kennel Club's ranking of the most popular dog breeds in the United States! After all, dogs are vitally important to so many of us. They're not just man's best friend, they're our furry, four-legged family members, and we tend to get attached to one particular kind. Whether you couldn't imagine life without a comical little Pug on your lap, or you prefer to run with the big dogs (we're talking to you, Mastiff fans), it's always interesting to see how your favorite pooch stacks up against other breeds.
That's where the AKC comes in. Every spring, the organization tabulates the registration statistics of the previous calendar year and publishes its annual list of the most popular dog breeds in America. And there are always at least a few shockers, which keeps things plenty interesting. (Who could forget when the Frenchie dethroned the Lab after it had spent more than three decades as top dog??) So keep in mind that the reigning champ announced this year is actually last year's winner, due to the lag time.
And, of course, because the AKC registers only purebred dogs, you're not going to find what they classify as "designer" dogs or hybrids on the list. Sorry Goldendoodle! But there are so many other pleasing puppers in the top 50, from teeny tiny Fidos like Chihuahuas to classic guardian breeds, including the German Shepherd. So if you're thinking of broadening your horizons by adding a new-to-you breed of dog to the household, you're sure to find one to love on the list. We've even tossed in a couple that are "on the rise" if you like to stay ahead of the curve!
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One to Watch: Kerry Blue Terrier
No other dog jumped as far up the 2024 AKC rankings as the Kerry Blue Terrier, which rose a remarkable 25 places, from no. 160 to no. 135. Hey, we get it: Named for the Irish county from which he comes, this is one gorgeous dog. And that showstopping, wonderfully soft coat is not only hypoallergenic, it doesn't shed.
One to Watch: Bracco Italiano
Recognized by the AKC in 2022, the Bracco Italiano has zoomed up 20 spots, from no. 152 in 2023, to no. 132 in 2024. The oldest European pointer, this Northern Italian gundog takes well to training and loves having a task to do. Count on this breed needing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
French Bulldog
For the third year in a row, the pint-sized, adaptable, and totally adorable Frenchie stands atop the rankings of the AKC's most popular pooches. The breed's climb to no. 1 has been steady over the past dozen or so years—in 2012, it checked in at no. 14, ascending to no. 2 by 2021, and finally deposing the Labrador Retriever in 2022.
Labrador Retriever
When the Labrador Retriever finally lost its crown to the French Bulldog, it had been the most popular dog in America for a jaw-dropping 31 straight years. The breed hasn't fallen far, though, still sitting at no. 2 on the list. Will the noble Lab ever regain the title? Only time will tell...
Golden Retriever
Standing strong at no. 3, the Golden Retriever's faithful, loving nature has made him a favorite family pet in the United States, though he was actually developed in Scotland as a gun dog. Intelligent, cheerful, and hard-working, the breed also notably makes excellent guide dogs for the blind.
German Shepherd
The breed that can do just about anything and do it well, the steadfast, courageous, confident German Shepherd can make a wonderful family pet when he's not earning his keep as a police, guard, service, or military dog. Made famous by the Hollywood film star Rin Tin Tin, this dog seems unlikely to fall out of the AKC's top 5 anytime soon.
Poodle
One of dogdom's oldest breeds, the perennially popular Poodle probably originated in Germany, where hunters used him to retrieve waterfowl. Now the national dog of France, this puppers comes in three sizes and his waterproof coat is hypoallergenic, making him a great choice for folks who get the sniffles from animal dander.
Dachshund
You can take your pick of two sizes with the super spunky wiener dog, which comes in standard and miniature options, with three different coat types also available. Intelligent, but also independent and headstrong, Dachshunds—which were traditionally used to hunt badgers in their native Germany—can be famously difficult to train.
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Beagle
Moving up a spot from no. 8 to no. 7 on 2024's list, the Beagle may be best known for being Snoopy's breed. The beloved Peanut's hound isn't any cuter than real-life Beagles, which are also famed for their carefree, curious, and companionable dispositions.
Rottweiler
With their imposing size and great strength, Rottweilers look like bruisers. But within their human family unit, they are not only loyal but deeply loving lap dogs. Early training and socialization are crucial to keep the Rottie's protective instincts in check.
Bulldog
While Rottweilers have shifted up a spot to no. 8, the Bulldog has dropped two spots to no. 9 on the latest AKC list. Laidback but never lazy, these friendly Brits enjoy brisk walks on cool days but should be kept inside during hot weather and never allowed near deep water.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rounding out the top ten and remaining in the same position from 2023 to 2024, the German Shorthaired Pointer is an enthusiastic and energetic gundog that requires a lot of exercise to be happy. Eager to please and affectionate, this breed is great with kids but shouldn't be allowed around smaller pets due to their strong prey drive.
Yorkshire Terrier
Bounding up two places to no. 11, the itty bitty but packed-with-personality Yorkie makes a wonderful pet for city dwellers. And thanks to his unique coat, which is more like human hair than dog hair, he's a great choice for folks who are allergic to most canines.
Australian Shepherd
Scary smart and absolutely indefatigable, Aussies are legendary for their work as herders in the American West. Their ancestors hailed from Europe's Pyrenees Mountains (and later, Australia), though they're now commonly found in rodeos or working as police, search and rescue, and service dogs. If you don't lead an active lifestyle, this exuberant breed is not for you.
Related: Which Dog Breed Is the Smartest?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle and graceful, with a sweet demeanor, this toy spaniel is equally at home in sedentary or more active households. The breed, which was a favorite of the British monarch King Charles I, is bright, easy to train, and does well with young children.
Cane Corso
Checking in at no. 14, up from no. 16 in 2023, is the Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff. With a distinctly noble bearing, this massive breed—which can weigh 100 pounds—is the descendant of Roman war dogs. While deeply loyal and eager to please, their size and sometimes domineering nature mean they may not be suitable for first-time dog owners.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Alert and agreeable, these short-statured little herding dogs from Wales are as affectionate as they are agile. They're big barkers and so make great watchdogs, if not necessarily the ideal pet for apartments.
Doberman Pinscher
Bred to safeguard taxmen making collections in 19th-century Germany (yes, really!), the sleekly regal and fearless Doberman Pinscher still excels at protection today. Great with children and devoted to their human family, this breed is easy to train.
Boxer
A cousin of bulldogs and descended from Tibetan fighting dogs, this breed is said to be so named because it fights standing on hind legs, like a boxer. Kind-hearted and charming, these pups are particularly patient with kids. It's no surprise that they have remained one of the country's most popular breeds since the 1950s, even moving up a notch from no. 18 to no. 17 in 2024.
Miniature Schnauzer
The smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, the chipper Miniature Schnauzer has a lot going for him. Sturdy but small, he doesn't shed much, enjoys good health and a long lifespan, and is easy to train. Most Miniature Schnauzer owners keep their dog's double coat clipped short to avoid the extensive grooming it would otherwise require.
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
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