The French Bulldog has taken the top spot as the most popular dog breed in the U.S., beating the Labrador Retriever in 2022. This breed has seen a huge rise in popularity, jumping from the No. 14 spot in 2012 to the top. The Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Poodle are also among the most wanted dogs in America. What is the most demanded dog in USA.
What makes the French Bulldog so popular? Its charming and adaptable nature makes it perfect for many lifestyles. This includes city living and smaller homes. It’s a great fit for those who want a loving companion without a lot of space.
Key Takeaways
- The French Bulldog has become the most popular dog breed in the United States, surpassing the long-reigning Labrador Retriever.
- The Frenchie’s popularity has skyrocketed, with a over 1,000% increase in registrations over the past decade.
- The Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Poodle remain among the top five most sought-after dog breeds in America.
- The French Bulldog’s charming and adaptable nature has made it a popular choice for various lifestyles, particularly in urban and smaller living spaces.
- Dog ownership and pet insurance trends in the U.S. continue to reflect the growing demand for canine companions across the country.
Introduction to Popular Dog Breeds in America
Overview of dog ownership trends and the factors influencing breed popularity
About 65 million households in the U.S. have a dog. With over 360 dog breeds, some have become very popular. The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists the top breeds every year based on how many are registered.
Things like the dog’s traits, how well it fits with different lifestyles, and media coverage affect its popularity. Trends among dog owners also play a big role.
In 2022, the French Bulldog took the top spot, beating the Labrador Retriever after 31 years. French Bulldogs have gotten much more popular, with over 1,000% more registrations in ten years. The Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, and Poodle were also very popular.
Some breeds became more popular from 2021 to 2022. The American Hairless Terrier, Gordon Setter, Italian Greyhound, and Anatolian Shepherd Dog were among them. The Mudi and Russian Toy were new to the list, at numbers 150 and 144.
The Bracco Italiano was the 200th breed recognized by the AKC in July 2022. It will be included in the 2023 rankings.
The least popular breeds in 2022 were the Sloughi, Norwegian Lundehund, and English Foxhound. They were at numbers 197 to 199. These facts show how dog preferences and trends are changing in the USA.

“In 2022, the French Bulldog became the most popular purebred dog breed in the USA, dethroning the Labrador Retriever after 30 years.”
French Bulldog: The Current Top Dog
The French Bulldog has taken the top spot in the United States, beating the Labrador Retriever. In 2022, the American Kennel Club saw a huge jump in Frenchie registrations. They moved from the 14th place in 2012 to the number one spot.
This breed is loved for its playful and quiet nature. French Bulldogs fit well in cities and apartments. They are perfect for both families and single people, making them the top dog breeds usa, trending dog breeds us, and highly sought-after dogs america.
Insights into the Frenchie’s Rise in Popularity
Several reasons explain why French Bulldogs are so popular now. They are small, standing 11 to 13 inches tall and weighing about 28 pounds. This makes them great for city living and small spaces. Their friendly nature has won over many desired dog breeds usa and favored dog breeds us owners.
Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have helped make Frenchies even more popular. They share pictures of their Frenchies online, boosting the puppy demand america for these in-demand dogs united states.

“French Bulldogs have become the darling of the dog world, capturing the hearts of countless Americans with their endearing personalities and charming looks.”
Labrador Retriever: The Long-Reigning Champion
The Labrador Retriever has been a favorite in the United States for 31 years. It was the most popular dog breed until the French Bulldog took its place in 2022. Known for being playful, loyal, and smart, Labradors are loved as family pets and working dogs.
Labradors are easy to train because they want to please. They are great with families and children. They also work as service dogs and hunting dogs.
Even though it’s not the top breed anymore, the Labrador Retriever is still very popular in the United States. In cities like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Denver, Labradors are still a top choice. Their loyalty and friendly nature make them a favorite for many families.
City | Top 5 Most Popular Dog Breeds |
---|---|
Atlanta, GA | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. Labrador Retriever, 4. Poodle, 5. Barbet |
Boston, MA | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. Labrador Retriever, 4. German Shepherd Dog, 5. Poodle |
Chicago, IL | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. Labrador Retriever, 4. German Shepherd Dog, 5. Bulldog |
Columbus, OH | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. German Shepherd Dog, 4. Labrador Retriever, 5. Rottweiler |
Dallas, TX | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. Labrador Retriever, 4. Bulldog, 5. German Shepherd Dog |
Denver, CO | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Labrador Retriever, 3. Golden Retriever, 4. German Shepherd Dog, 5. Bulldog |
Detroit, MI | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Rottweiler, 3. German Shepherd Dog, 4. Golden Retriever, 5. Labrador Retriever |
Houston, TX | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Bulldog, 3. Golden Retriever, 4. Labrador Retriever, 5. Poodle |
Los Angeles, CA | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Bulldog, 3. Golden Retriever, 4. Poodle, 5. Labrador Retriever |
Miami, FL | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. German Shepherd Dog, 4. Poodle, 5. Labrador Retriever |
New York, NY | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Poodle, 3. Golden Retriever, 4. Labrador Retriever, 5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
Philadelphia, PA | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. Poodle, 4. Labrador Retriever, 5. German Shepherd Dog |
Raleigh, NC | 1. Labrador Retriever, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. French Bulldog, 4. German Shepherd Dog, 5. Poodle |
San Francisco, CA | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. Labrador Retriever, 4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 5. Bulldog |
Seattle, WA | 1. Golden Retriever, 2. Labrador Retriever, 3. French Bulldog, 4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 5. Havanese |
St. Louis, MO | 1. Labrador Retriever, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. French Bulldog, 4. German Shepherd Dog, 5. Bulldog |
Washington, DC | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. Labrador Retriever, 4. Poodle, 5. Bulldog |
West Palm Beach, FL | 1. French Bulldog, 2. Golden Retriever, 3. Poodle, 4. Labrador Retriever, 5. Rottweiler |
The Labrador Retriever has made a lasting impact on dog lovers in the United States. Even though it’s not the top breed anymore, it remains a favorite among popular dog breeds in the USA.
Golden Retriever: A Beloved Family Companion
The Golden Retriever is a top pick for many American dog owners. It’s always in the top five most popular breeds. These dogs are gentle, loyal, smart, and versatile. They make great family pets.
Golden Retrievers love to exercise, play, and keep their minds busy. They fit well in many homes because of their friendly nature. Their long coats need regular grooming. But, their sweet nature and desire to please have won many hearts.
Exploring the Qualities that Make Golden Retrievers So Popular
The Golden Retriever is a favorite in the USA for families. They are friendly and can adjust to different homes. These smart and loyal dogs are often used as therapy dogs. They bring comfort and calm to people.
- Friendly and affectionate nature, great with children
- High energy levels, requiring regular exercise and playtime
- Intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train
- Thick, golden coat requires frequent grooming
- Prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia due to their active lifestyle
The Golden Retriever is loved for its charm and adaptable nature. It’s one of the most popular dog breeds in America. These dogs are loyal and loving. They’re perfect for families wanting a smart, active, and affectionate pet.
German Shepherd: The Intelligent and Versatile Breed
German Shepherds are a top choice in the United States for their smarts, adaptability, and loyalty. They have a long history as police and military dogs. This makes them a favorite among American dog lovers.
Male German Shepherds usually weigh 65-90 pounds, while females weigh 50-70 pounds. They live about 9-13 years. These dogs have a balanced temperament, scoring 0.35 on the temperament scale. This makes them great for many environments and tasks.
German Shepherds need regular brushing to keep their thick coat healthy. They are very smart and love to learn, making them easy to train with positive rewards.
But, German Shepherds can face health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia and genetic disorders. These problems can lower their activity level and health as they get older.
German Shepherds are known for their high intelligence, ranking 3rd in Stanley Coren’s study of smart dog breeds. They learn fast, adapt well, and can make good decisions. This has made them popular as police and military dogs.
In summary, the German Shepherd’s smarts, versatility, and loyalty have made it a favorite among top dog breeds united states and popular dog breeds usa. With the right care and training, these german shepherd dogs can do well in many roles and be great pets for their owners.
Poodle: The Stylish and Smart Canine
Poodles are a favorite among dog lovers in the United States. They are known for their smarts, friendly nature, and unique looks. These dogs come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They are often seen as top dogs in America, doing great in obedience and agility training.
Examining the Different Sizes and Grooming Needs of Poodles
Standard Poodles are big, standing over 15 inches tall and weighing 40 to 70 pounds. Toy Poodles are much smaller, reaching up to 15 inches and weighing 10-15 pounds. Miniature Poodles are the smallest, under 10 inches tall and weighing 4-6 pounds.
All Poodles have coats that need regular grooming to keep them looking great. This can be a big task for some owners. But, their loving nature and desire to please keeps them popular in America.
The Poodle is a favorite, often ranking sixth or seventh in the AKC rankings. This makes it one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA.
“Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs, specializing in water retrievals, particularly of ducks and other birds.”
The Poodle is France’s national dog but it started in Germany. The name comes from the German word “pudel.” They were bred for water work, which makes them energetic and great for activities like fetch and swimming.
Poodles are also super smart. They work as service dogs, guide dogs, and even truffle hunters because of their great sense of smell. Their smarts and trainability make them a top choice for American owners looking for a clever pet.
Bulldog: The Lovable Couch Potato
The Bulldog is a favorite in the United States, known for its unique look and sweet personality. These dogs love to relax and are often called “couch potatoes.” They are happy to spend their days with their owners, just chilling at home.
They have a flat face and wrinkles that make them stand out. Bulldogs are also known for being gentle and patient. This makes them perfect for families with kids. But, they can have breathing problems because of their face shape. So, owners need to keep them from getting too hot or exercising too much.
Even though they love to relax, Bulldogs still need some exercise. A short walk or some playtime indoors is enough for them. They love to be close to their owners and enjoy being at home.
Breed | Rank in USA |
---|---|
German Shorthaired Pointer | 9 |
Dachshund | 10 |
Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 11 |
Australian Shepherd | 12 |
Yorkshire Terrier | 13 |
The Bulldog’s sweet nature, need for less exercise, and unique look make it a top choice in America. They need special care because of their face shape, but they still win hearts with their “couch potato” charm.
“Bulldogs are great for individuals preferring a quiet indoor lifestyle due to their calm and even-tempered nature.”
Rottweiler: The Powerful and Protective Guardian
Rottweilers are one of the most popular dog breeds in America. They are known for their strong build and loyal nature. These dogs have become beloved pets thanks to their protective instincts and loving nature.
Understanding the Rottweiler’s Working Dog Heritage and Temperament
Rottweilers were first used as herding and guard dogs. They protected livestock and valuables. Their intelligence and loyalty made them perfect for these jobs.
By the mid-1800s, their popularity dropped due to changes in transportation and laws. But they made a comeback as police and service dogs. This showed their ability to adapt and excel in different roles.
Today, Rottweilers are great at various jobs, like service and therapy work. They are smart, loyal, and easy to train. But, they need proper training and socialization to be gentle and well-behaved.
Breed | Height | Weight | Life Expectancy |
---|---|---|---|
Rottweiler | 22-27 inches | 80-135 pounds | 9-10 years |
English Mastiff | 30 inches and up | 160-230 pounds | 6-10 years |
Anatolian Shepherd | 27-29 inches | 80-150 pounds | 11-13 years |
Rottweilers are known for guarding and being protective. But with the right training and socialization, they can be gentle and loving. They need lots of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Knowing about their background and nature helps owners take good care of them.
Beagle: The Curious and Cheerful Scent Hound
The Beagle is a top choice in America, loved for its curious nature and great sense of smell. It’s a small dog that has won the hearts of many, living in both big and small homes.
Beagles are known for being friendly and loving, perfect for families with kids. They’re easy to care for and don’t need a lot of space. But, they do need lots of exercise and training to keep them happy and well-behaved.
Beagles are easy to spot with their floppy ears and colorful coat. They’re great at sniffing out things, which makes them useful at places like airports. Their skills in detection work have made them very popular.
The most wanted dog breeds in America, Beagles, offer great companionship, smarts, and flexibility. They fit well into many homes, bringing joy and loyalty to their owners.
Dachshund: The Unique and Feisty Companion
Dachshunds, also called “wiener dogs,” are a beloved breed in America. They come from Germany and have three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. Each type needs different grooming, with wire-haired ones often being more spirited.
These dogs come in standard and miniature sizes. Standard Dachshunds are 8 to 9 inches tall and weigh 16 to 32 pounds. Miniatures can weigh up to 11 pounds. Despite their size, they are bold, loud, and protective, making them popular in the US.
Exploring the Different Coat Types and Health Concerns of Dachshunds
The long-haired Dachshund is seen as the most gentle and loving. The wire-haired one is the most spirited and like a terrier. Miniature Dachshunds might be more shy than the standard ones.
Dachshunds have long spines that can lead to a common health issue: intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Owners need to watch out for this. Still, Dachshunds are among the most loved dachshund, most wanted dog breeds america, and popular dog breeds usa.
“The Dachshund is a bold, lively, and curious breed that has captured the hearts of many Americans. Their unique appearance and varied personalities make them a truly special companion.”
What is the most demanded dog in USA?
Analyzing the Latest Breed Popularity Rankings and Trends
The French Bulldog is now the top dog in the USA, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). It has taken over from the Labrador Retriever, ending its 31-year rule. This breed is loved for its small size and calm nature, perfect for city living.
Other breeds like the Rottweiler, Cane Corso, Belgian Malinois, and Italian Greyhound are also gaining popularity. These dogs are becoming favorites as they fit well with modern lifestyles and have unique traits.
The top 5 most wanted dog breeds in the USA are:
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Poodle
These trends are influenced by media, changing tastes, and the versatility of certain breeds. As dog preferences change, it will be exciting to see what breeds rise to the top next.
“The French Bulldog’s rise to the top of the popularity rankings is a testament to its growing appeal across the country. Its compact size and charming personality have made it a favorite among urban dwellers and families alike.”
Conclusion
The popularity of dog breeds in the US keeps changing. Some breeds stay popular, while others gain more fans. The French Bulldog now tops the list, ending the Labrador Retriever’s long rule. This shows how American’s tastes in dogs change over time.
What makes a dog popular? It’s its adaptability, temperament, and looks. Also, new trends and what people want play a big part. As tastes change, we’ll see new breeds winning over American hearts.
There’s a strong bond between humans and their dogs in the US. Breeds like the Frenchie, Labrador, and German Shepherd are loved for their unique traits. As we look ahead, new breeds might become favorites, adding to the mix of popular dogs in America.