America’s Favorite Pets
Hey guys, if you are a dog lover and you live in the United States, you are not alone. Dogs are by far the most popular pet in this country. Roughly 38.4% of households in the United States have a dog living in them. That’s approximately 48,255,413 homes. Quite a few homes. So in this video, I’m going to talk about the AKC’s most recent list of the 10 most popular dog breeds in America. I’m going to also look back to see what the breed was ranked in 2024 to see if there’s been any movement with the popularity of each breed. Additionally, I’m going to give you some dog inventory TV analysis and commentary on whether each breed is ranked too high, too low, or ranked just right and which most popular dog breeds in America.
10. Dachshund: A Popular Small Dog Breed
Dachshund
At number 10, the Dachshund. The Dachshund was originally bred to be a small hunting dog, but today the breed makes for a great companion. In 2024, the Dachshund was ranked 10th on this list. So there hasn’t been much movement for this breed in the past decade. You guys know I’m not a small dog person, but I do love Dachshunds. They have a lot of personality, a lot of spunk, and they are very manageable as companions.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer: A Top Hunting Dog
Number nine on the AKC’s most recent popularity list is a German Shorthaired Pointer. We’re just two dogs into this top 10 popularity list, and already we have two German dog breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer is an amazing gun dog. And I think the consensus is that this would be a top three, definitely a top five, hunting animal. I’m confident that most of the dogs on this popularity list are there because they make excellent family companions. Being a medium-sized dog with great versatility, athleticism, and a solid temperament, I think the German Shorthaired Pointer is a wonderful family companion and is well-suited for its position at number nine. In 2024, the breed was ranked 13th, so there has been some upward movement for the breed in the past decade.
8. Rottweiler: A Powerful Guard Dog Breed
Rottweiler
At number eight on the AKC’s most recent popularity list is the Rottweiler. This is an American list, but right now, Germany is batting three for three in terms of breed popularity. The Rottweiler is an amazing dog breed, but not everyone can handle this protective, powerful, and very determined dog. In 2024, the Rottweiler ranked ninth on this list, indicating that the breed’s position hasn’t changed much over the past decade.
7. Beagle: An Easily Managed Family Dog
The number seven breed on this list is the Beagle. The Beagle is a relatively small dog that is very cute, has been very much popularized by TV and film. They are definitely great family companions and very easily managed. In 2024, the Beagle ranked fourth on this list, indicating a decline for the breed.
6. Poodle: Intelligent and Hypoallergenic Dog
Poodle
Next, at number six, is the Poodle, which comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. This is another breed whose popularity is probably due to a great deal of positive press. In addition to being an extremely photogenic breed, the Poodle is a highly intelligent dog as well. In 2024, the breed was ranked at number eight, so there has been a slight uptick in the breed’s popularity. Due to its high intelligence, hypoallergenic nature, and ease of ownership, I believe the Poodle deserves the number six spot on the list.
5. English Bulldog: Low-Energy Companion Dog
Next up on the list is the English Bulldog. The English Bulldog, known for being a cute and cuddly couch potato, is perfect for low-energy dog owners. In 2024, the breed was also ranked number five on the popularity list, so its popularity has remained stable. And while the English Bulldog’s low energy, low drive may seem perfect for today’s American lifestyle, I do believe that the health issues that come along with this breed are the reason why it’s not ranked higher on the list.
4. Golden Retriever: Top Family Dog Choice
The number four breed on the list is the Golden Retriever. Now this came as quite a surprise to me. Just based on its ubiquitous presence everywhere, I would have thought that the Golden Retriever would have been higher on the list. Ease of ownership and a lively personality are probably the two reasons why this breed is so high on the list. In 2024, the breed was ranked number three, so the breed’s popularity seems to be pretty stable.
3. German Shepherd: Versatile Working Dog
Number three on the list is the German Shepherd. All right guys, now this is the fifth German breed on the most popular breeds in America. The German Shepherd is not only a great family companion but also known for its work in military and police roles across the United States. In 2024, it was ranked number two on the list, indicating a slight decrease in popularity. Given its versatility as both a family pet and a working dog, I would personally rank the German Shepherd higher, placing it in my top one or two spots.
2. French Bulldog: Popular Small Dog Breed
The number two breed on this list is the French Bulldog. Frenchies are cute, cuddly, and small enough to fit in a bag, making them easy to take anywhere with you. In 2024, Frenchies were number 11 on this list, so the breed has seen a recent boom in its popularity.
For me, the dog doesn’t serve a practical purpose, so I wouldn’t rank the Frenchie so high. Somewhere in the mid-50s seems more appropriate to me.
1. Labrador Retriever: America’s Most Popular Dog
All right guys, the number one breed on the list comes as no surprise. It’s the Labrador Retriever. Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent and extremely versatile dogs. Besides being excellent retrievers and hunting dogs, they also serve as guide dogs and emotional support animals. Additionally, the breed is known to work in military and police roles. In 2024, the breed was ranked number one, and I’m almost certain that for like the past 50 or 60 years, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in America. This is exactly where the dog breed belongs, in the number one spot.
