SubscribeMost Popular Dog Breeds: Are They Right For You?
Every year, the American Kennel Club reveals the most popular dog breeds, but are they right for you? Here’s what to know.
Each year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes the most popular dog breeds. Based on annual dog registration statistics, the canines are ranked in order. Although only AKC-recognized breeds count in the report, many recent changes have occurred.
If you are considering if one of the AKC’s most popular dog breeds is a fit for you or your family, there are many things to consider first. Here are the breeds that rose to the top in 2024, followed by tips for choosing the best dog for you and your pack.
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
AKC Names Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024
Popular dog breeds are subjective–some people love to jog with an athletic dog by their side, while others prefer a slower pace with a less physical pooch.
For the third year in a row, the French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed. The friendly, happy-go-luck Frenchie is part of the AKC’s Non-Sporting Group. He is considered playful, smart, and adaptable, which no doubt helped it rise to the top of the list.
Frenchies are not the most vocal dogs; the AKC says they don’t bark much. However, if something catches their attention, they may alert you. They are great for couples, families, or singles, hence the #1 status on the list.
“The Frenchie has solidified itself as America’s sweetheart, and it’s no surprise why,” according to AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. “They are fabulous companions for a variety of people.”
Other AKC Top Dog Breeds Revealed
Following the French Bulldog in the top spot, the other 19 popular dog breeds that comprise the top 20 include:
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Poodle
- Dachshund
- Beagle
- Rottweiler
- Bulldog
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Australian Shepherd
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cane Corso
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Doberman Pinscher
- Boxer
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Shih Tzu
Some breeds that moved down the list in 2024 include the Saluki, Black and Tan Coonhound, and the Wirehaired Viszla. Of note, the Saluki dropped from number 120 to number 141, falling 21 spots.
The biggest jumps to the top include the Kerry Blue Terrier and Bracco Italiano. In one year’s time, the Bracco Italiano moved from spot 152 to 132.
The AKC notes that breeds in the 20s and 30s on the annual list pretty much stayed in the same spots from 2023 to 2024.
Rare breeds are the ones closest to the bottom of the list. Presently, there are 201 breeds, and the Sloughi came in at spot 200.
See where your favorite breed placed on the AKC’s Most Registered List for 2024.
Is a Popular Dog Breed Right For Me?
Just because a dog breed is popular and highly registered does not mean they will be an ideal fit for you. Check your local rescue group or breed-specific websites if you want a purebred dog.
Petful offers a list of questions to ask a dog breeder if a purebred dog is in your future. You always want to learn about the dog breed, its traits, temperament, and care.
Visit Petful’s Dog Breed Page to get started on the answers you need.
What Affects a Dog Breed’s Popularity?
Breeds in movies, television shows, or commercials often catch the eye of prospective pet parents. If a celebrity owns a specific breed, such as Oprah and her Cocker Spaniels, this, too, can affect a breed’s popularity.
Other factors influencing the most popular dog breeds:
Housing and Lifestyle Trends: Apartment dwellers may not want a large dog, whereas someone with a big backyard or a lot of property may prefer a high-energy or bigger dog breed.
Health and Upkeep: Some breeds are prone to health issues, such as breathing problems that affect brachycephalic breeds (i.e., Pugs, Bulldogs.)
Family Friendliness: Labs and Goldens dominate the popularity charts because they are usually great with kids.
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL): Some cities, states, or countries band certain breeds. Sometimes, a homeowner cannot secure a policy if they own a specific breed. For these reasons, certain breeds may fall in registrations.
Popularity doesn’t mean the breed is right for you. Trends come and go, but a purebred dog or mixed breed should be chosen with your lifestyle, finances, time commitment, and personal preferences in mind.
Mixed Breeds Matter
There are plenty of purebred dogs in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Mixed breeds are also incredibly popular and are the most common types found in shelters.
Each mixed breeds has its own set of unique qualities that can be assessed with a simple canine DNA test. It’s always fun to ask family, friends, and social media followers what breeds they believe comprise your dog. When the results come in, you can compare who got it right.
In recent years, the AKC began recognizing “All-American Dogs” in obedience and agility trials. All-American Dogs are also called mutts.
You should consider a mixed-breed dog if you:
- Prefer supporting a local shelter or online rescue
- Want to save a life
- Give a canine a second chance at life
- Don’t need a dog with specific traits for work or competition
- Want a unique pooch that is one of a kind
The Future of Purebred Dogs
As new breeds enter the American Kennel Club and trends occur, the list of popular dog breeds will most likely change. Consider these facts:
- The popularity of the movie 101 Dalmatians in 1996 lead to a spike in ownership of the breed.
- In the 1950s and 1960s, the Cocker Spaniel was atop the AKC list, but has since dropped lower, but still top 50.
- Social media has contributed to the popularity of many breeds like the Shiba Inu.
- Designer dogs and mixed breeds have gained traction since the 1990s. This includes breeds like Cavapoos and Goldendoodles.
As you can see, dog breed popularity has changed dramatically over the decades, influenced by media, lifestyle trends, and health awareness. While some breeds have remained steady favorites, others have faded or surged in response to shifting societal preferences, and other pet parents prefer mixed breed All-American mutts!
Feature photo: Image by Pavla from Pixabay
Mutt Image by Rajesh Balouria from Pixabay
