The American Kennel Club unveiled its 2025 rankings of the most popular dog breeds in major U.S. cities, drawing from registration data.[1][2] French Bulldogs secured the national top position for the fourth straight year, surpassing the long-reigning Labrador Retriever.[1] City-level results showed this compact breed dominating urban landscapes, though regional tastes introduced notable exceptions.
French Bulldogs Cement National Dominance
The French Bulldog overtook the Labrador Retriever in 2022 after the latter’s 31-year run at number one. Registration statistics confirmed its staying power through 2025.[2] This breed’s appeal lies in its adaptability to apartment living and affectionate nature.
Nationally, the top 10 breeds held mostly steady from 2024, with a few shifts:
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Dachshund
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Rottweiler
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Bulldog
The Dachshund climbed to fifth place, while the Poodle slipped to sixth.[2] These rankings reflect purebred registrations among 202 recognized breeds.
Frenchies Rule Dozens of Major Metros
French Bulldogs topped the charts in numerous cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Hartford, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Newark, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, Tampa, Tucson, and Washington, D.C.[1] Residents in these areas favored the breed’s compact size and companion qualities.
Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers frequently followed in second and third places. German Shepherd Dogs and Poodles rounded out many top fives, underscoring their versatility. Rottweilers and Bulldogs also appeared often, appealing to families seeking protective or sturdy companions.
Retriever Hotspots Challenge the Frenchie Trend
Golden Retrievers claimed the top spot in several cities, such as Austin, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh, San Francisco, and Seattle.[1] These areas highlighted the breed’s friendly demeanor and family-oriented traits.
Labrador Retrievers led in Denver, Long Island, and Saint Louis. Their enduring popularity stems from working roots and trainability. Such patterns emerged stronger in the West and Northeast, where outdoor lifestyles prevailed.
| City | Top Breed | Second Place |
|---|---|---|
| Austin, Texas | Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever |
| Denver, Colorado | Labrador Retriever | French Bulldog |
| Seattle, Washington | Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever |
| San Francisco, California | Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever |
Unique Local Favorites Break the Mold
Albany, New York, stood out with the Poodle at number one, followed by Border Collie, German Shepherd Dog, Labrador Retriever, and French Bulldog. This upscale choice reflected preferences for intelligent, low-shedding companions.[1]
Detroit featured Yorkshire Terrier in second and Cane Corso in fifth, blending small and guardian breeds. Hartford boasted a Pembroke Welsh Corgi in fourth and Basenji in fifth – rarer sights nationally. Boston included the Bernese Mountain Dog at fifth, while Los Angeles elevated the Pomeranian and Dachshund.
These outliers illustrated how climate, housing, and culture influenced selections. For instance, Basenjis suited urban agility, and Bernese Mountain Dogs thrived in cooler climates.
Key Takeaways from 2025 City Rankings:
- French Bulldogs topped most cities and the nation, marking four years of leadership.
- Golden Retrievers and Labs dominated Western and select Eastern metros.
- Surprises like Poodles in Albany and Basenjis in Hartford added regional flavor.
These rankings, compiled by the American Kennel Club, captured a snapshot of American pet preferences amid rising dog ownership.[1] They revealed a blend of national consistency and local diversity. What breed tops the list in your hometown? Share your thoughts in the comments.
