Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025: Rankings, Trends & What Makes Them Beloved

A sweet French Bulldog puppy gazes curiously indoors, showcasing its adorable face and prominent ears against a softly blurred background.

1. What Are the Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the top five dog breeds remained consistent with previous years:

1. French Bulldog

2. Labrador Retriever

3. Golden Retriever

4. German Shepherd Dog

5. Poodle

These are mirrored in PetMD’s March 2025 roundup, reaffirming their enduring appeal.

Additionally, data from Rover—based on real adopted dogs—expands the list, revealing the most popular breeds in actual homes across the U.S.:

Overall Top 20 (2025):

1. Mixed Breed

2. Labrador Retriever

3. Golden Retriever

4. Goldendoodle

5. German Shepherd

6. Chihuahua

7. French Bulldog

8. Dachshund

9. Shih Tzu

10. Yorkshire Terrier… and more up to Spot 20.

2. Why These Breeds Reign Supreme

Rank	Breed	Why It's Popular
1	French Bulldog	Compact, playful, apartment-friendly wins with simplicity.
2	Labrador Retriever	Loyal, energetic, family-friendly with a love for the outdoors.
3	Golden Retriever	Gentle, intelligent, photogenic—ideal family pets.
4	German Shepherd	Smart, protective, versatile, great for active or working households.
5	Poodle	Hypoallergenic, trainable, stylish—available in three sizes.
6–20	Mixed to Yorkie	Broad appeal due to temperament, adaptability, and growing popularity.

A playful Labrador relaxes on a cozy carpet, peeking out from under a fringed blanket in a sunlit living room.

3. Not Just Purebreds: Rising Mixed Breeds & Trendy Picks

Mixed breeds top Rover’s data—thanks to shelters and rescues being hugely popular.

Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are trending for their friendly temperament and low-shedding coats.

Breed shifts in popularity are also notable:

• Goldendoodle dipped slightly (↓1)

• Bernedoodle, Poodle, and Maltese are on the rise

4. Historical Perspective: Who Reigned Over the Decades?

• Labrador Retrievers dominated from 2000–2021.

• French Bulldogs overtook in 2022 and have held the crown since.

• Earlier decades saw Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Boston Terriers, and Beagles leading the pack.

5. What Makes These Dogs So Loved?

Temperaments & Traits

• French Bulldog: Quiet, affectionate—well-suited to urban apartments.

• Labrador Retriever: Friendly, outdoorsy, with unlimited love.

• Golden Retriever: Patient, intelligent, excellent with kids.

Trainability & Ease

A dog trainer tipped Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Shih Tzus as among the easiest breeds to train—great fit for busy families.

Grooming & Health Snapshots

• French Bulldog: Watch for respiratory and ear issues.

• Labrador: Prone to hip dysplasia and obesity.

• Golden Retriever: Needs exercise to avoid allergies and hip problems.

• Poodle: Requires regular grooming due to coat texture.

A fluffy brown poodle gazes with soulful eyes while resting on a soft bed, basking in gentle sunlight.

6. FAQ

Q: What is the most popular dog breed in 2025?A: French Bulldog remains the most popular, according to AKC registration stats.

Q: Are Labradors still popular? A: Absolutely. They're ranked consistently second or top by adoption.

Q: Why are mixed breeds leading in adoptions? A: Often from shelter homes, they offer diversity, compassion, and lifetime bonds.

7. Final Thoughts

Whether you’re choosing a pup or just love doggy stats, the 2025 breed rankings reflect a clear trend: companionship, adaptability, and personality matter most. From Frenchies to Goldendoodles, dog lovers are drawn to breeds that fit their homes and their hearts.

Want a fun name for your new furry pal? Browse our Dog Name Generator for clever, cute, and unique ideas!

Let me know if you'd like a spotlight article on one of these breeds next!