Understanding Breed Popularity Rankings
↓ Skip directly to Popular BreedsThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is the registry for American purebred dogs and currently has 201 breeds recognized. The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognizes 187 breeds.
The most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club's 2024 Breed Popularity List are listed below with images and stats, or if you prefer click to see the complete list at a glance. These rankings reflect current registration statistics rather than qualitative assessments of breed value.
The CKC only offers rankings of the Top 10 Dog Breeds (2024)
What Popularity Means:
Higher-ranked breeds like the French Bulldog (#1) and Labrador Retriever (#2) typically have more dedicated breeders than less common breeds such as the Bergamasco Sheepdog (#200) or American Foxhound (#201). This availability difference doesn't indicate superior quality—only current demand trends.
Global Perspective:
Many newly recognized breeds in North America may already be well-established favorites in their countries of origin. Popularity varies significantly
by region and culture.
The Right Breed for You:
There's no universal "best" breed. The ideal dog is the one whose temperament, energy level, and care requirements align perfectly with your
lifestyle and capabilities.
Popular Breeds #1 - #20:
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
French Bulldog
Origin: France
Purpose: Companion
Height: 11-13"
Weight: 16-28 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #1
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Labrador Retriever
Origin: Canada
Purpose: Retrieving fishing nets & game
Height: 21.5-24.5"
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #2
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Golden Retriever
Origin: Scotland
Purpose:Retrieving waterfowl
Height: 21.5-24"
Weight: 55-75 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #3
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German Shepherd
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Herding, protection
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 50-90 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #4
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Poodle
Toy | Miniature | Standard
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Water retrieving
Height: <10 | 10-15 | >15"
Weight: 4-6 | 10-15 | 40-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #5
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Dachshund
Miniature | Standard
Smooth | Wire-haired | Long-haired
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Hunt Badgers
Height: 5-6" | 8-9"
Weight: >11 | 16-32 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #6
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Beagle
Two Sizes
Purpose: Hunt small game
Origin: England
Height: under 13" & 13-17"
Weight: under 20 & 20-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #7
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Rottweiler
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Cattle drover & guard dog
Height: 22-27"
Weight: 80-100; 95-135 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #8
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Bulldog
Origin: England
Purpose: Bull-baiting
Height: 14-15"
Weight: 40-50 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #9
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German Short-haired Pointer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Versatile hunting dog
Height: 21-25"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #10
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Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Ratting
Height: 7-8"
Weight: 4-7 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #11
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Australian Shepherd
Origin: United States
Purpose: Herding cattle/sheep
Height: 18-23"
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #12
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Companion
Height: 12-13"
Weight: 13-18 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #13
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Cane Corso
Origin: Italy
Purpose: Property guardian
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 90-110 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #14
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 24-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #15
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Doberman Pinscher
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Personal protection
Height: 24-28"
Weight: 60-100 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #16
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Boxer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Bull-baiting & guarding
Height: 21.5-25"
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #17
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Miniature Schnauzer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Ratting, guarding
Height: 12-14"
Weight: 11-20 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #18
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Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin: Switzerland
Purpose: Draft & farm work
Height: 23-27.5"
Weight: 70-95; 80-115 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #19
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Shih Tzu
Origin: China
Purpose: Companion
Height: 9-10.5"
Weight: 9-16 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #20
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