List of most popular dog breeds in the United States in 2023

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has released its annual list of most popular dog breeds in the United States, and it's always exciting to see which breeds are at the top.

According to the AKC, the Labrador Retriever has held the number one spot for several years, and in 2023, it's still the most popular breed in the country.

The French Bulldog has been rising in popularity, and in 2023, it's the second most popular breed, followed closely by the German Shepherd.

The Bulldog, with its adorable wrinkles and gentle nature, has also made the top 10 list, coming in at number 6.

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Poodles have made a comeback as one of the top five most popular breeds in the United States. They held the top spot from 1960 to 1982, but then fell out of favor for a while.

Their athletic abilities, intelligence, and versatility make them a great breed, according to David Frei. Poodles were originally bred to be water retrieving dogs, and their full coat protected their internal organs from the cold.

Poodles come in a range of sizes, including toy, miniature, and standard, making them a great fit for many families. They're also very intelligent and easy to train, which is why they're often used as police and search-and-rescue dogs.

The Labrador retriever is an all-American favorite, holding the top spot for over three decades. They're known for being easygoing, multi-talented, and friendly, making them a loyal family companion.

Their short, dense coat is weather-resistant, and they have an "otter tail" and clean-cut head, according to the AKC. They come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate.

Labradors are highly intelligent and have a mild temperament, which makes them great police and search-and-rescue dogs. They're also excellent companions, always eager to please and playful.

Their intelligence and friendly eyes make them a beloved breed, and they're often used as service dogs for people with mobility issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism.

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The poodle is a popular breed that's been making a comeback in recent years. It's ranked fifth in 2021, after holding the top spot from 1960 to 1982. People often have misconceptions about poodles due to their haircut, but they were originally bred to be water retrieving dogs.

Poodles are great athletic dogs and one of the smartest breeds you could have. David Frei, an expert, would have a poodle in a minute if he could. They come in a variety of sizes, including standard, miniature, and toy, and have a color for everyone.

Poodles have a longer average lifespan, between 10 and 18 years, making them a great choice for families. They're active, smart, and affectionate, making them a wonderful companion.

Bulldogs are popular pets as well as school mascots - a bulldog is a mascot for more than 40 colleges and universities in America.

They're the cartoonist's dream because of that expression - it's that kind of sour expression but they're the furthest thing from being sour.

Bulldogs are great, fun family dogs.

Their temperament, size, and energy level make them well-suited for apartment living.

You don't need to go for a run with a bulldog - you can just go for a walk.

The Yorkshire Terrier has been a consistent favorite in the U.S. due to its unique characteristics.

Its "long, luxurious" coat is one of its most distinctive features. In recent years, the breed has held its own in popularity rankings, slipping only slightly from No. 7 to No. 9 in 2016.

The AKC's shift towards larger dogs hasn't deterred fans of the small breed Yorkie. It's stayed at No. 9 in 2017, a testament to its enduring appeal.

Its brave, determined, investigative, and energetic nature makes it a beloved companion.

Siberian huskies are always ready for a run or hike, making them great adventurers.

They're beautiful but willful, which means they're tough to train.

Their love of exercise can make them "monsters" without enough of it.

They bore easily, so they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Huskies are great with kids and can be entertaining companions.

They're so entertaining that one owner jokes they're her favorite children now that her boys are teens.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant, known for being affectionate and eager to please. They're a popular breed, especially in Switzerland where you'll often see them on postcards and souvenirs.

These dogs are hardy and strong, making them well-suited for the rugged Swiss terrain.

The middle tier breeds are a diverse group of dogs that often get overlooked, but they're definitely worth considering. They typically rank between 26th and 51st in popularity, according to the American Kennel Club.

The Beagle, for example, is a friendly and curious breed that's great with families. It's relatively small, with adults weighing around 18-30 pounds.

The Cocker Spaniel is another popular breed in this tier, known for its gentle and affectionate nature. It requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but it's a great choice for those who enjoy spending time with their dogs.

These breeds may not be as flashy as some of the top-tier breeds, but they offer a lot of value and companionship.

The Beagle is a wonderful family pet, known for its cheerful personality and love of the outdoors.

Beagles are small, compact, and hardy dogs, used primarily for hunting rabbits to larger hares.

They're scent hounds, and their breed was officially recognized in 1885 by the AKC.

Beagles have made the top 10 every decade since, and they're moving up in the rankings, having moved up a spot from last year's rankings.

Their spunky nature makes them a great companion, and AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson said that "this year clearly belongs to the Beagle".

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The Cavalier Spaniel is a beloved breed for many reasons. They have sweet, "lap-loving personalities" that make them a joy to be around.

One of the things that sets Cavalier Spaniels apart is their versatility. They're happy to do dog sports, go on a hike, or just be a couch potato with you. Whatever you want to do, they're game.

Their small size makes them great travelers, which is perfect for people who love taking their dogs on trips with them.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Cavalier Dog Breed Lifespan

The Doberman Pinscher is a breed that's often misunderstood. They're protective, but also fun-loving and athletic.

Their intelligence shines through in their fearlessness and loyalty. This makes them great companions, but also means they need proper socialization and training.

With the right upbringing, Doberman Pinschers can thrive and make wonderful pets.