These were the top dog breeds in 2023

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently announced that the French Bulldog was the most popular breed in the United States for the second year. Before 2022, the Labrador Retriever held a 31-year-long streak. 

In 2023, the Labrador Retriever took the 2nd spot, followed by the Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog and Poodle to make the top 5.

The Dachshund is now in 6th place, up from 9th in 2022. Bulldogs have moved a position down to 7th. The Beagle has retained its position as number 8. Rottweilers are now 9th, down 2 places from 7th in 2022. The German Shorthaired Pointer remains at number 10.

The AKC’s rankings are based on the registration of dogs and litters of puppies the organization received in 2023.

Affable and adaptable dogs

According to the AKC, the rise in popularity of the French Bulldog breed is due to its affable and adaptable nature.

“They make great apartment dogs and are good with children; they are also widely popular on social media,” a spokesperson shares with GlobalPETS.

The AKC also observes that this breed is more popular in urban areas with higher instances of apartment living.

Other popular breeds

The Papillion rose by 6 places between 2022 and 2023 to number 45, the Great Pyrenees went up 5 spots to number 64, the Basenji increased its position by 10 spots to become number 81 and the Finnish Lapphund rose a staggering 32 places up the list to number 135.

Other breeds that gained popularity include the Cane Corso, Belgian Malinois, Giant Schnauzer and English Cocker Spaniel.

The Lancashire Heeler was the latest breed recognized by the AKC in January 2024. 

Least popular

Of the 200 recognized dog breeds, the Sloughi, English Foxhound, Norwegian Lundehund, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Azawakh were the least popular.

The Mudi, Russian Toy, and Bracco Italiano, which were recognized in 2022, also slightly dropped from their debut rankings in 2023.