Move over Labradors — the French Bulldog is still king of the American pup pack.
For the fourth year running, these pint-sized Frenchies hold the top spot on the American Kennel Club’s 2025 most popular dog breeds list.
It wasn’t long ago that Labs ruled for 31 years straight, but in 2022, the French Bulldog bulldozed its way to the throne — and they’re not giving it up anytime soon.
City dwellers love them for their tiny size, apartment-friendly personalities, and undeniable charm.
The AKC counted 202 breeds in 2025, and the top five saw some shake-ups.
French Bulldogs held strong at No. 1, followed by Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
Hot on their heels? Dachshunds zoomed up from No. 6 to snag the fifth spot and nudge the Poodle down.
Meanwhile, the German Shorthaired Pointer traded places with the Bulldog, climbing from No. 10 to No. 9.
Some pups on the rise: the Wirehaired Vizsla leapt 29 spots from 159 to 130, while the American Hairless Terrier surged 17 spots.
The Cane Corso is knocking on the top 10 door, now sitting at No. 11, and Border Collies are creeping up the rankings.
Not every pooch is a winner. Greyhounds took the biggest tumble, dropping 33 spots, while the Briard and Black Russian Terrier each fell 27 places.
Even the once-hot Kerry Blue Terrier slid 20 spots from 135.
Some breeds, however, always stay steady through the chaos: Boston Terriers at No. 23, Havanese at No. 25, and the Basset Hound at No. 34.
The Pug and Collie haven’t budged, holding their spots at 38 and 39.
Notably, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog made its debut at No. 170, and the Lancashire Heeler returned at No. 190.
Ultimately, whether you’re a Frenchie fanatic or a Dachshund devotee, the AKC rankings show one thing: America loves its dogs, and the pack is always changing.
From long-legged retrievers to pint-sized city charmers, there’s a spot for every tail-wagger in 2026.
As previously reported by The Post, the AKC added three new breeds to its roster earlier this year. Say hello to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.
Now officially recognized, these pups can strut their stuff in dog shows like the Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC National Championship.
With the new additions, the AKC’s official breed count climbs to 205 — giving dog lovers even more tail-wagging options.
“We are excited to welcome the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier to the registry,” AKC President and CEO Gina M. DiNardo said in a recent press release.
“As always, it’s extremely important to do your research to find a breed that matches your lifestyle. Each of these three breeds is unique, giving prospective dog owners even more options to find the right dog for them.”
Read the full article here
