Each year, the American Kennel Club releases a list of the most popular dog breeds in the US. The lists are compiled using the registration statistics for the previous year. This is the most current list gathered in 2024, with a short summary for each dog breed. Please note: The AKC only lists purebred dogs on their list, which is why you won’t spot mixed breeds on here.
1. French Bulldog
The adorable Frenchie reaches heights between 11–13″ and weighs under 28 pounds. Life expectancy is 10–12 years. Bred to be companions, the French Bulldog yearns to be with his family. Affectionate, dedicated, and laid-back sum him up perfectly. If you’re more of a couch potato kind of family, the Frenchie will likely fit right in. While he does enjoy playing and a good walk, his ideal sport is hanging around with his humans and snuggling. His appearance is very similar to his cousin, the bulldog, and he’s known for his conspicuous, erect bat ears. Weekly brushing should keep his coat looking good, and his facial wrinkles and folds should always be kept clean and dry.
2. Labrador Retriever
This popular breed had the top spot for 31 years in a row, according to the AKC, until the Frenchie moved up to #1 in 2022. Here’s a little about the Labrador: They reach heights between 21.5–24.5 ” to the shoulder and weigh between 55–80 pounds. Life expectancy is 10–12 years. Labs are known to be loyal, loving, easy-going, protective, and super intelligent. If you’re looking for a family-friendly dog who’s easy to train, the Lab might be the dog for you! Plus, according to animalplanet.com, “They are the breed of choice for search and rescue work, guide dogs, assisted living dogs, and contraband detection work.” Grooming needs are minimal. They do shed, so the more frequently you brush them, the less hair will be on the floor.
3. Golden Retriever
The Golden reaches heights between 21.5–24″ at the shoulder and weighs between 55–75 pounds. Life expectancy is 10–12 years. According to the AKC, the Golden ranks #3 in breed popularity … and for good reason. They’re affectionate, patient, loyal, intelligent, easy to train, full of energy, and love to play. They’ll require at least an hour of exercise a day, so get your leash out and your walking shoes on! Like the Labrador and German Shepherd, they make good workers and partners. So, it may not come as a surprise that they’re often used in service. They can be found assisting the disabled and working in law enforcement. As far as grooming needs go – they’re low maintenance.
4. German Shepherd
These gorgeous pups reach heights between 24–26″ (male) and 22–24″ (female). They weigh between 50–90 pounds and have a life expectancy of 7–10 years. The German Shepherd is known to be extremely strong, confident, loyal, loving, hardworking, and smart. This breed can be trained to go above and beyond. They are often seen as guide dogs for the blind, police dogs, drug task force dogs, war dogs, etc. They also make loyal family dogs and protectors, but, like any dog, proper training is a must.
5. Poodle
If you decide the poodle is the dog for you, you have some choices. Poodles come in 3 sizes:
- Toy Poodle height is up to 10″ at the shoulder and they weigh between 4–6 pounds. Life expectancy is 14–16 years.
- Miniatures are up to 15″ at the shoulder and weigh between 15–18 pounds. Life expectancy is 14–16 years.
- Standards are greater than 15″ at the shoulder and weigh between 40–70 pounds. Life expectancy is 12–15 years.
Some quick facts:
- They have lots of energy and are always eager to play.
- All three sizes are extremely smart and easily trained.
- Poodles are a good choice for families with allergies, as they are considered a hypoallergenic breed.
This is a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Plan on going to the groomer every 4–6 weeks and busting out the brushes daily (to keep nasty tangles and mats at bay). Other than the obvious necessary haircut (including shaving their face, feet, and tail), poodles require ear care. They have long, floppy ears with hair growing on the inner flap and into the canal. That hair must be picked and cleaned out. Your groomer should know how to take care of this.
6. Dachshund
The feisty little cuties are easily recognized by their hallmark long body and short, little legs. They come in two sizes: standards with a height of 8–9″, weighing from 16–32 pounds, and miniatures with a height of 5–6″, topping the scale at 11 pounds. They were originally bred to be hunters and have a life expectancy between 12–16 years. While tiny, these guys are mighty. They offer up big personalities and make great watchdogs!
7. Beagle
The AKC classifies beagles into two size categories. Under 13″ to the shoulder, weighing approximately 20 pounds. And 13–15″ to the shoulder, weighing 20–30 pounds. Life expectancy is 10–15 years. Playful, lively, and energetic, the beagle usually does well in families with kids. But this is not a dog who’s content just hanging around on the couch all day. Originally bred as a hunting dog, the beagle needs to release energy in a positive manner or can become destructive in the house when too bored. Get this: Known for their keen sense of smell, a beagle can distinguish and remember up to 50 scents. So, taking him on long walks will allow him to sniff a smorgasbord of scents … as nature had intended for him. A fenced yard is great, but the beagle should not be left unattended. The desire to track a transient critter or animal can be enough temptation for your pooch to attempt the great escape! Beagles can be on the stubborn side, so it’s important to start training early. This way, he’ll know just what’s expected of him and who’s in charge. Grooming maintenance for the beagle is minimal.
8. Rottweiler
This big, muscular dog can weigh up to 135 pounds and reach heights between 22–25″ to the shoulder for a female and 24–27″ inches for a male. Life expectancy is 8–10 years. The Rottweiler is a courageous, attentive, and loyal breed. At times, they get a bad rap and can be misunderstood. As a result, the Rottie can be subject to housing restrictions in some communities or housing complexes. Early positive training and socialization are imperative. With the right training, Rottweilers can be wonderful family dogs and companions. These courageous dogs are also often seen working together with law enforcement, such as police, customs inspectors, or working as security guard dogs. Additionally, they make excellent service and therapy dogs.
9. Bulldog
Bulldogs are definitely bigger than their French cousins. They reach about 15″ high and weigh up to 50 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 8–10 years. While bulldogs get a reputation for being couch potatoes, they do need moderate exercise. A brisk walk on a cool morning is perfect for these pups.
10. Pointers (German Shorthaired)
The German shorthaired pointer ranges from 21-25″ high and weighs between 45-70 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 10-12 years. The AKC describes this popular dog breed in just a few words: friendly, smart, and willing to please! Bred to work long days in the field or the lake, this powerful and agile breed requires lots of exercise. They love running, swimming, and other activities. So, if you’re the active type and looking for a pup who can keep up, the German shorthaired pointer may be for you! They also make great family pups and thrive when trained.
11. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie is just 7–8″ high and weighs in at a whopping 7 pounds! This small yet hardy breed has a lifespan of 12–15 years. While they may be small enough to fit inside a purse, Yorkies have an air of confidence about them, as if they were king of the mountain. These beauties — if kept in a full coat — strut long flowing silky hair to the ground. Although it’s quite common to see them sport a short haircut. As with other dogs, the shorter the hair, the less grooming maintenance. But, expect to book quite a few grooming appointments with this pooch. They are considered a hypoallergenic breed.
12. Australian Shepherd
These four-legged athletes come in at 18-23″ high and between 40-65 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. The Australian Shepherd, nicknamed the Aussie, was bred to herd livestock for farmers and ranchers. So, as you can probably imagine, this breed is energetic and agile. If you love hiking and live an active lifestyle, then this dog is a great partner for you! They acclimate easily to the hot and the cold, don’t like to be too far away from their human, and are mentally sharp and alert.
13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier reaches heights between 12–13″ at the shoulder and weighs between 13–18 pounds. Life expectancy is 12–15 years. If you’re looking for a best buddy to chill out with, consider the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed was bred to be a royal companion lap dog, and his greatest pleasure in life is to be with his human. This dog loves everyone! With big, round, adoring eyes, one look can make you melt. They have a beautiful, silky coat, which comes in four color varieties. To keep it looking its finest, they’ll need frequent brushing. Regular visits to the groomer will keep the Cavalier looking like royalty.
14. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large, strong, powerful, and protective dog. These dogs are approximately 28″ to the shoulder and weigh between 80-100 pounds. Life expectancy is 10-12 years. They are loyal, loving, intelligent, and learn quickly. But they can be willful and insistent. The Corsi should have an experienced owner who will be able to provide the kind of training a dog of this size and strength needs.
15. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Just watching a Corgi strut around with those short little legs and long body is bound to put a smile on your face! They’re about 10-12″ high and weigh up to 30 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12-13 years. While on the smaller side, the Corgi is one of the world’s most popular herding breeds. Their muscular and powerful legs are built for a long day’s work. Loyal, protective, and fun, these adorable dogs make wonderful family pets.
16. Doberman Pinscher
If you love big dogs, you’ll love the Doberman! Here are some quick facts from the AKC:
- Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
- Weight: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Doberman is regal, loyal, courageous, protective, energetic, and super intelligent. This breed learns quickly and will do best with a strong, experienced owner to guide, socialize, and obedience-train him. He’s a great family dog. According to the Doberman Pinscher Club Of America (dpca.org), “They are highly intelligent and require things to do and a family to interact with—being loose in a house all day, or locked in a dog kennel all day will only lead to bad habits and destructive tendencies.”
17. Boxer
The Boxer is a loving, protective, and loyal companion. They are medium-sized dogs. Males reach 23-25″ to the shoulder and weigh between 65-80 pounds. Females are 21-23″ to the shoulder and weigh between 55-70 pounds. Boxers are intelligent and, with positive, consistent training, they learn quickly. These dogs are great with the family, and their playful, easy-going nature makes them a good fit for children.
18. Miniature Schnauzer
There are three Schnauzer breeds, and, as you can probably guess by the name, the Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest! They come in at 12-14″ high and weigh 11-20 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. The Mini Schnauzer is affectionate, alert, loyal, energetic, smart, and very eager to please. They’re easily trained and make great family companions. According to the American Miniature Schnauzer Club, “Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and learn quickly. Many have excelled in formal obedience trials and in agility competitions.” An added bonus for allergy sufferers … they don’t shed much and are considered a hypoallergenic breed.
19. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy canine who can stand over 27 inches at the shoulder. A hardy dog who thrives in cold weather, these dogs were bred to be working dogs. They could often be found guarding property and herding cattle for farmers. Bernese are smart, muscular, have tons of energy, are friendly, and are faithful. While Berners get along with the entire family and are particularly gentle with children, they will often become more attached to one lucky human.
20. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu reaches heights between 9–10.5 ” to the shoulder and weighs between 9–16 pounds. Life expectancy is 10–18 years. These dogs make great companions. They are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a flat head, short nose, and are prone to respiratory difficulties. This dog is not athletic, should not be heavily exercised, and should be kept from getting overheated in the hotter months. Considered a hypoallergenic breed, they are a good choice if your kids suffer from pet allergies. Shih Tzu’s have long, silky, flowing hair and need daily brushing to prevent matting. Plan on making trips to the groomer to keep this beauty in tip-top condition. It’s easy to minimize grooming needs by having your groomer give your pooch a short haircut.
