List of Top 50 Dog Breeds in America
We have created a list of the top 50 dog breeds in America. To learn more about a particular breed of dog, click on the breed and it will bring you to a page specific to that dog breed.
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Top 50 Dog Breeds in the USA (2024 AKC Rankings)
- French Bulldog: Compact, playful, and adaptable, Frenchie's have held the #1 spot for three years, popular in cities for their low-maintenance needs.
- Labrador Retriever: Versatile, friendly, and great with families, Labs held #1 for 31 years until 2022 and remain a perennial favorite.
- Golden Retriever: Intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, Goldens are ideal for active families and therapy roles.
- German Shepherd: Confident, versatile, and used in police/military work, they’re loved for loyalty and trainability.
- Poodle: Smart, hypoallergenic, and available in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, Toy), Poodles are back in the top 5.
- Dachshund: Bold, curious “wiener dogs” jumped to #6 in 2023, known for their long bodies and spirited nature.
- Beagle: Curious, friendly, and compact, Beagles are great for families but love to follow their noses.
- Rottweiler: Loyal and protective, Rotties are gentle with families when well-trained, moving up to #8.
- Bulldog: Laid-back and goofy, Bulldogs are kid-friendly but need care in hot weather, dropping to #9.
- German Shorthaired Pointer: Energetic and athletic, these gundogs need active owners and hold steady at #10.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Small, smart, and spunky, Corgis are popular for their royal associations and herding skills.
- Yorkshire Terrier: Feisty and portable, Yorkies are a favorite for small-dog lovers.
- Boxer: Playful and loyal, Boxers are energetic and great with kids.
- Cane Corso: Powerful and protective, this breed surged from ~50th to #14 in a decade, valued as a guard dog.
- Siberian Husky: Striking and energetic, Huskies need active owners and thrive in colder climates.
- Australian Shepherd: Intelligent and agile, Aussies excel in dog sports and need mental stimulation.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Gentle and affectionate, these lap dogs are great for families.
- Miniature Schnauzer: Adaptable and spirited, their hypoallergenic coat boosts their appeal.
- Doberman Pinscher: Sleek, loyal, and trainable, Dobermans are excellent guard dogs.
- Shih Tzu: Friendly and low-energy, Shih Tzus are popular in small homes and across generations.
- Boston Terrier: Charming and compact, these “American Gentlemen” suit urban lifestyles.
- Pomeranian: Fluffy and bold, Poms are small but full of personality.
- Havanese: Cheerful and hypoallergenic, Havanese are great for first-time owners.
- Shetland Sheepdog: Smart and loyal, Shelties resemble mini Collies and excel in obedience.
- Bernese Mountain Dog: Gentle giants known for their striking tricolor coat and calm demeanor.
- English Springer Spaniel: Energetic and affectionate, these spaniels love outdoor activities.
- Brittany: Versatile and athletic, Brittanys are great for hunters and active families.
- Chihuahua: Tiny but bold, Chihuahuas are popular for their portability and long lifespans.
- English Cocker Spaniel: Sweet and compact, these spaniels are gaining popularity.
- Border Collie: Brilliant and high-energy, Border Collies need active, engaged owners.
- West Highland White Terrier: Spunky and hypoallergenic, Westies are small but sturdy.
- Mastiff: Massive and gentle, Mastiffs are loyal protectors with calm temperaments.
- Belgian Malinois: Athletic and driven, Malinois are rising due to their use in police/military work.
- Basset Hound: Laid-back with iconic droopy ears, Bassets love leisurely walks.
- Vizsla: Elegant and energetic, Vizslas are loyal hunting dogs needing lots of exercise.
- Maltese: Elegant and affectionate, Maltese are popular lap dogs with silky coats.
- Weimaraner: Sleek and energetic, Weimaraners are great for runners and hunters.
- Collie: Graceful and loyal, Collies are known for their “Lassie” fame and herding skills.
- Newfoundland: Gentle giants with thick coats, Newfies excel in water rescue and family life.
- Rhodesian Ridgeback: Athletic and independent, these dogs are known for their unique ridge.
- Shiba Inu: Agile and cat-like, Shiba Inus are gaining popularity for their quirky charm.
- Great Dane: Majestic and gentle, Danes are giant companions with short lifespans.
- Akita: Dignified and loyal, Akitas are protective and thrive with experienced owners.
- Portuguese Water Dog: Hypoallergenic and athletic, PWDs gained fame as the Obama family’s pet.
- Papillon: Tiny and elegant, Papillons are known for their butterfly-like ears and agility.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Friendly and hypoallergenic, Wheatens are playful and spirited.
- Bullmastiff: Strong and loyal, Bullmastiffs are calm but protective guard dogs.
- Samoyed: Fluffy and friendly, Samoyeds are known for their “Sammy smile” and cold-weather roots.
- Whippet: Sleek and speedy, Whippets are gentle and low-maintenance companions.
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Rugged and versatile, Griffons are rare but loved by hunters.
Notes
Source: The AKC ranking