US the most popular dog breeds of 2023
Each year the American Kennel Club publishes the official ranking of America's most popular dog breeds, based on registrations. The 2023 list tells a clear story: the French Bulldog dethroned the Labrador Retriever after the Lab held the #1 spot for over 30 years - a remarkable shift driven by urbanization, apartment living, and the breed's compact, affectionate nature.
Below is the complete top-100 ranking with HD photos, quick stats, and deep links to each breed's full guide. Use the table or click any breed to explore further.
2023 Trends
What's Driving the Rankings
Top 10 Spotlight
The Top 10 Most Popular Breeds of 2023
#1 French Bulldog
Small · 20–28 lbs · Exercise: 20–30 min · Grooming: Low
Read the full French Bulldog guide →#2 Labrador Retriever
Large · 55–80 lbs · Exercise: 60–90 min · Grooming: Moderate
Read the full Labrador Retriever guide →#3 Golden Retriever
Large · 55–75 lbs · Exercise: 60–90 min · Grooming: Moderate
Read the full Golden Retriever guide →#4 German Shepherd Dog
Large · 50–90 lbs · Exercise: 60–90 min · Grooming: Moderate–High
Read the full German Shepherd Dog guide →#5 Standard Poodle
Large · 40–70 lbs · Exercise: 60–90 min · Grooming: High (professional required)
Read the full Standard Poodle guide →#6 Bulldog
Medium · 40–50 lbs · Exercise: 20–30 min (strictly weather-limited) · Grooming: Daily (fold cleaning)
Read the full Bulldog guide →#7 Rottweiler
Large · 80–135 lbs · Exercise: 60–80 min · Grooming: Low–Moderate
Read the full Rottweiler guide →#8 Beagle
Small–Medium · 20–30 lbs · Exercise: 45–60 min · Grooming: Low
Read the full Beagle guide →#9 Dachshund
Small · 8–32 lbs · Exercise: 20–30 min · Grooming: Varies
Read the full Dachshund guide →#10 German Shorthaired Pointer
Large · 45–70 lbs · Exercise: 2+ hrs/day · Grooming: Low
Read the full German Shorthaired Pointer guide →Full Ranking
Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023 - Full Top 100
Click any breed to read its full Wooffy guide.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dog breed in America?
As of 2023, the French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed in the United States, having dethroned the Labrador Retriever after the Lab held the top spot for over 30 years. The shift reflects urbanization and the Frenchie's apartment-friendly compact build.
Why did the French Bulldog overtake the Labrador?
Frenchies thrive in apartments and small homes, have moderate exercise needs, are low-shedding, and have a quiet, affectionate temperament - all traits aligned with how Americans live today. Their popularity surged 1,000%+ since 2012.
Are popular breeds always the best choice?
Not necessarily. Popularity reflects what owners are buying, not which breeds are easiest, healthiest, or best for your specific lifestyle. Always match the breed to your home, schedule, and energy level - not the other way around.
Which breeds are climbing the rankings fastest?
Cane Corso, Belgian Malinois, and several working/guard breeds have been climbing as households re-prioritize protection. Among small breeds, Havanese, Pomeranians, and Mini American Shepherds are also rising.
How can I find a specific breed's rank?
Use the full Top-100 table above to find any specific breed's rank. The list is ordered exactly as published by the AKC for 2023 registrations.
How does the AKC measure popularity?
By new registrations of purebred dogs in the AKC's pedigree database. It does not include mixed-breed dogs, dogs registered with other clubs, or unregistered purebreds - so the ranking reflects AKC purebred trends specifically.
Where can I read more about each breed?
Click any linked breed name in the table to read its full Wooffy guide - covering temperament, care, costs, and how to find a healthy puppy or rescue.
Explore More
Related Reading
- Most Popular Dog Breeds (Updated) - Our editorial pick of must-know breeds
- Best Family Dog Breeds - Top picks for households with kids
- 21 Best Apartment Dogs - Smaller and quieter favorites
- Best Large Dog Breeds - Gentle giants and big working breeds
- Best Small Dog Breeds - Toy and small companions
