Dogs are beloved globally, especially in the United States. As the pet industry booms across our nation, it’s not surprising that most families report having a dog in the household. And just like with popular baby names, there are some dog breeds more commonly found in American homes than others. The American Kennel Club (AKC) tracks and reports on the number of registered dogs each year – tallying which breeds are the most popular. Retrievers and labs have long held a top spot on the popularity list, but the 2023 results may surprise you.
  1.       French bulldog That’s right, this little non-sporting, smush-faced cutie dethroned the goldens and the labs. The Frenchie’s fun-loving personality, pint-size, and adaptability made millions of dog owners fall in love. Their inquisitive but gentle nature makes them perfect for families, but approachable for single owners as well. Despite the high-maintenance health needs, the French bulldog’s upside far outweighs the downsides.
  2.       Labrador retriever No surprise here. The goofy, athletic Labrador retriever is an iconic family dog in the U.S. With their soulful eyes, drive to please, and athletic nature, it’s hard to find something wrong with this breed. Bred to retrieve, obviously, this high-energy breed can go for hours providing an outdoorsy or active owner with a perfect companion for exploring all nature has to offer. Coupled with their sweet nature, it’s no wonder they’ve been at the top of this list for decades.
  3.       Golden retriever Once the ruler of this list, Golden retrievers have a long history of being beloved in American homes. As a truly gentle breed, Goldens are often sought after by families with children who can trust this breed will bring them nothing but joy and friendship. While Goldens are prone to various cancers, they are otherwise a healthy breed that can provide years of companionship when properly cared for. Plus, few things are cuter than a Golden retriever puppy.
  4.       German shepherd The classic police dog – German shepherds are a high-energy, highly-intelligent breed that require a firm owner with dog experience. Prone to anxiety and reactivity, this breed is not for the inexperienced as some of the traits that make them fabulous working dogs can become bad habits when in the home. However, in the right hands a German shepherd is as loyal and obedient as they come, providing unending devotion and protection to those they love.
  5.       Poodle Arguably the smartest breed on this list, Poodles are a common pet beloved by families. Gentle, active, and always willing to go on an adventure – these dogs really can do it all. In fact, all of these great qualities may be why they are so often crossed with other breeds. To get the best out of the Poodle, it’s recommended you adopt a pure-bred.