America’s Favorite Dogs: The Most Popular Breeds of 2023

From compact city companions to loyal family dogs, discover what sets these breeds apart.

By Srija Burman

Created on Aug 29, 2025

From compact city companions to loyal family dogs, discover what sets these breeds apart.

Americaâs Favorite Dogs: The Most Popular Breeds of 2023

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has released their highly anticipated annual list of Americaâs most popular dog breeds for 2023, showcasing notable shifts and reinforcing enduring favorites. French Bulldogs, for the third consecutive year, claim the title of the nationâs top dog, while time-honored breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever maintain their cherished places in homes across the country.

Understanding the AKCâs Dog Breed Rankings

Each year, the AKC meticulously compiles registration statistics to create a definitive ranking of the United Statesâ favorite purebred dogs. These rankings reflect national trends, urban vs. rural preferences, and periodic surges in certain breeds driven by lifestyle, temperament, and pop culture influences.
The AKCâs annual ranking is based strictly on the number of dogs registered and is intended to document â not promote â breed popularity.

The 2023 Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds

According to AKC data and reporting for 2023, these breeds received the highest number of registrations:

Rank	Breed
1	French Bulldog
2	Labrador Retriever
3	Golden Retriever
4	German Shepherd Dog
5	Poodle
6	Dachshund
7	Bulldog
8	Beagle
9	Rottweiler
10	German Shorthaired Pointer

Why the French Bulldog Is Americaâs Most Popular Dog (Again)

For the third year in a row, the French Bulldog holds the top spot in the AKC rankings. Originally bred as companion animals in France, these dogs are instantly recognizable by their compact build, muscular bodies, and iconic “bat ears.” Their meteoric climb began over a decade ago: ranked 14th in 2012, they entered the top five by 2017, overtook the longstanding leader in 2022, and have remained No. 1 since.

Adaptability: French Bulldogs thrive in apartments and houses alike, fitting seamlessly into both urban and suburban lifestyles.
Affectionate Temperament: Loyal and playful, they’re known for forming tight bonds with their families.
Low Exercise Needs: Their moderate activity requirements make them ideal for owners with less-active lifestyles.

However, the breedâs popularity has also led to increased scrutiny regarding health and responsible breeding practices. Prospective Frenchie owners are strongly advised to seek reputable breeders who prioritize health and temperament.

The Labrador Retrieverâs Legacy

Labrador Retrievers enjoyed an unprecedented 31-year reign as Americaâs favorite breed until French Bulldogs edged them out three years ago. Labs are still revered for their intelligence, trainability, and gentle nature, making them outstanding family pets, athletic companions, and service dogs alike.

Trainability: Labs consistently rank among the most obedient and versatile breeds.
Friendliness: They’re famous for their easygoing attitude toward adults, children, and other pets.
Utility: Often used as therapy and working dogs (e.g., search-and-rescue, guide dogs).

Labrador Retrievers are ideal for active households willing to provide ample exercise and mental stimulation.

Golden Retriever and the Other Top Breeds

Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, and Poodles round out the top five, each offering unique qualities that appeal to a large cross-section of American dog owners.

Golden Retriever: Loving, intelligent, and always eager to please. They excel in obedience and are renowned for their gentle disposition.
German Shepherd: Hardworking and loyal, these dogs are iconic in law enforcement and service roles due to their intelligence and protective instincts.
Poodle: Available in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, Toy), Poodles are celebrated for their hypoallergenic coats and extraordinary versatility.

All of these breeds consistently attract new owners and have seen minimal shifts in popularity, reinforcing their stature as cornerstone companions in American homes.

Rising Breeds and Emerging Trends

Every year, certain breeds surge in popularity, driven by changing lifestyles, popular culture, and newly recognized qualities. In 2023, the Cane Corso notably climbed swiftly, now close to entering the top 10. In previous years, breeds like Finnish Lapphund and Pembroke Welsh Corgi have also made noteworthy gains.

The Cane Corsoâs popularity is credited to its strong protective instincts and loyal nature, making it highly sought for families looking for guard dogs with a gentle side.
Urban preferences favor breeds that are small and adaptable, while rural areas often opt for sturdy working or hunting breeds.
The growing interest in hypoallergenic dogs has boosted the visibility of breeds like the Poodle and related “designer” mixes.
Social media and celebrity influence have also led to occasional spikes in breed popularity.

Breed Popularity and Responsible Ownership

While AKC rankings provide a snapshot of national preferences, experts caution that breed popularity can have unintended consequences:

Spikes in demand can lead to irresponsible breeding, raising risks of hereditary health problems.
“Puppy mills” and unscrupulous breeders may use popularity for profit at the expense of animal welfare.
The AKC performs thousands of breeder and pet store inspections annually to combat these issues and encourages prospective owners to research breeders and breed traits thoroughly.
Trends often overshadow the needs of individual dogs; adopting from shelters or rescue organizations is always strongly recommended as an alternative.

What Affects Breed Popularity?

Breed rankings are influenced by a variety of factors:

Living Conditions: Smaller breeds are favored by apartment dwellers, while larger breeds thrive in homes with outdoor space.
Cultural Trends: Movies, TV shows, and social media can quickly elevate niche breeds into the mainstream.
Health and Maintenance: Breeds known for hypoallergenic coats or low maintenance are increasingly popular.
Lifestyle Needs: Families with children or other pets may favor easy-going, tolerant breeds over highly active or protective ones.

Other Breeds on the Rise and Decline

While the top 10 breeds remain remarkably stable, sub-rankings show significant movement each year:

The Finnish Lapphund rose an impressive 32 places in 2023, reflecting growing interest in lesser-known breeds.
Sloughi was the lowest-ranked breed, underscoring the diversity within AKC-recognized dogs.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis entered the top 10 for the first time in 2019, illustrating how quickly breed trends can shift.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did the French Bulldog surpass the Labrador Retriever as Americaâs favorite?
French Bulldogs surged to the top due to their adaptability to both city and suburban life, their compact size, affectionate nature, and relatively low grooming and exercise requirements. While Labs remain beloved, urban living trends naturally favor breeds like the French Bulldog.
Should popularity influence my choice of dog breed?
No. While rankings provide insight into trends, the best breed choice is determined by your lifestyle, living situation, and ability to meet a dogâs physical and emotional needs. It’s important to research breed characteristics and potential health concerns.
Are AKC rankings only for purebred dogs?
Yes. The AKC registry and annual rankings are based strictly on recognized purebred dogs and do not reflect mixed breeds or non-recognized breeds.
How does rising popularity affect certain breeds?
Increased demand can result in more irresponsible breeding and puppy mills, which may cause long-term health issues in popular breeds. Always buy from reputable breeders and consider adoption as a first option.
Can less popular breeds still make great pets?
Absolutely. Less popular or rare breeds often excel in specific environments or with dedicated families willing to understand their unique needs. Exploring various breeds and mixed-breed options can lead to finding the perfect companion.

Choosing the Right Dog Breed

Choosing a dog breed should be a thoughtful process rooted in lifestyle compatibility, not trends. Consider:

Your home environment (e.g., urban apartment vs. rural acreage)
Time available for exercise and training
Allergy concerns (consider hypoallergenic breeds)
Established relationships with children, other pets, or elderly family members

Breed temperament, care needs, and potential health issues should all be carefully weighed. Consulting with veterinarians, breed clubs, and rescue organizations is recommended before making a decision.

Full Rankings and Key Data Points

The top 10 for 2023, reaffirmed by AKC and outside reporting, are:

French Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Poodle
Dachshund
Bulldog
Beagle
Rottweiler
German Shorthaired Pointer

Future trends to watch include rising interest in cane corsos, hypoallergenic varieties, and unique working breeds.

Americaâs Canine Community: Beyond Breed Rankings

The AKCâs annual breed popularity rankings provide valuable insights into national dog ownership trends, cultural shifts, and the evolving landscape of canine companionship. Whether your dream dog is Americaâs top-ranked French Bulldog or a rare breed outside the spotlight, responsible ownership, education, and love are the keys to lifelong happiness for every dog.

References

AKC and major news outlets report cane corsos climbing rapidly in popularity.
AKC statistics confirm the Labrador Retrieverâs long history as the nationâs favorite breed.
2023 AKC full breed rankings and registration statistics reaffirm trends.
AKC documentation highlights the French Bulldogâs rapid climb and current dominance.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman