Most Popular Dog and Cat Breeds in America

What are the most popular dog cat breeds in America? The short answer: French Bulldogs still rule, Maine Coons just reclaimed the top cat spot, and the Dachshund is having a moment. Here is the full picture, based on official 2025 registration data from the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).

These rankings reflect purebred registrations, not total pet ownership. Millions of mixed-breed dogs and shelter cats never appear in these numbers. But registration data is the most consistent signal we have for tracking breed preferences over time.

America’s Most Popular Dog Breeds (2025)

The AKC registers purebred dogs and publishes an annual ranking based on those numbers. Here are the top 10 for 2025.

French Bulldog - The French Bulldog has held the #1 spot for four consecutive years, overtaking the Labrador Retriever in 2022 after a 31-year reign. Compact size and a personality that suits apartment living have driven explosive demand.
Labrador Retriever - Still the most beloved family dog in the country, the Labrador Retriever held the top spot longer than any other breed in AKC history. Friendly, versatile, and easy to train, it remains the go-to for first-time dog owners.
Golden Retriever - A fixture in American households for decades, the Golden Retriever is prized for its patience with children, trainability, and steady temperament. It also consistently ranks as one of the best service dog breeds.
German Shepherd Dog - The German Shepherd Dog balances intelligence with versatility, excelling in roles from police and military work to family guarding. Its loyalty and trainability keep it near the top of the rankings year after year.
Dachshund - The Dachshund climbed back into the top 5 in 2025, displacing the Poodle from that spot. Their distinctive shape, bold personality, and compact size make them a perennial favorite.
Poodle - Whether in Standard, Miniature, or Toy size, Poodles consistently rank among the most intelligent breeds. Their hypoallergenic coat also makes them a practical choice for owners with allergies.
Beagle - The Beagle’s excellent nose and cheerful disposition have kept it in the top 10 for years. Originally bred for rabbit hunting, it now divides its time between families and detection work.
Rottweiler - Strong and steady, the Rottweiler has a devoted following. Early socialization brings out its loyal and confident nature, making it an effective family guardian.
German Shorthaired Pointer - This athletic breed moved into the top 10 in recent years, driven by growth in outdoor recreation and active lifestyles. Hunters and hikers have helped push its numbers up.
Bulldog - The Bulldog’s calm demeanor and recognizable face have secured its spot in the top 10. Despite its stocky build, it adapts well to city living and requires minimal exercise.

America’s Most Popular Cat Breeds (2025)

The CFA tracks purebred cat registrations to compile its annual list. Here are the top 10 for 2025.

Maine Coon Cat - The Maine Coon reclaimed the #1 spot in 2025, ending the Ragdoll’s brief run at the top. Known as “gentle giants,” these cats are large, social, and often described as dog-like in their behavior.
Ragdoll - The Ragdoll’s docile temperament and striking blue eyes made it a top contender for years. Its name comes from the way it goes limp when picked up, a trait that endears it to many owners.
Persian - The Persian has been a fixture in cat rankings for decades. Its long, flowing coat and calm disposition define the classic house cat look, though the breed requires regular grooming.
Exotic - The Exotic Shorthair is essentially a Persian with a short coat, offering the same sweet face and laid-back personality with less maintenance. That trade-off has made it increasingly popular.
Devon Rex - The Devon Rex stands out for its elf-like ears, large eyes, and mischievous personality. These cats are highly social and often described as seeking out human company.
British Shorthair - Calm and undemanding, the British Shorthair is the definition of an easygoing house cat. Its dense coat and round face give it a teddy bear look that appeals to many.
Abyssinian - One of the oldest known cat breeds, the Abyssinian is active, curious, and loves to climb. Its ticked coat gives it a wild look without any of the attitude.
Siberian - The Siberian cat has gained ground in recent years, driven partly by interest in hypoallergenic breeds. Its thick triple coat is built for cold climates, and its personality is playful and affectionate.
Sphynx - The hairless Sphynx is a conversation starter. These cats crave warmth, often seeking out laps and blankets, and their lack of fur makes them a practical choice for people with cat allergies.
Russian Blue - The Russian Blue’s silvery-blue coat and emerald eyes make it one of the most distinctive-looking breeds. It tends to be quiet and reserved, forming strong bonds with its owners.

What the Rankings Tell Us

A few patterns stand out in the 2025 data.

The French Bulldog’s grip on the #1 dog spot is remarkable. Before 2022, the Labrador Retriever held the top position for 31 consecutive years. The French Bulldog’s rapid rise reflects a shift toward city-friendly, lower-exercise breeds among younger dog owners. It’s also worth noting that mixed-breed dogs almost certainly outnumber purebreds in actual households, but organized registration data for mixed breeds simply does not exist.

On the cat side, the Maine Coon’s return to #1 ends a short Ragdoll streak and reinforces that size and sociability matter to cat buyers. The Devon Rex and Sphynx appearing in the top 10 signals growing interest in breeds with unusual appearances and personalities, not just the traditional Persians and Maine Coons.

The Dachshund’s return to the dog top 5 is one of the more notable movers. After years outside the top 5, its compact size and big personality are resonating again with urban buyers.

Registration numbers tell us about purebred preference, not total pet ownership. Millions of Americans share their homes with mixed-breed dogs, shelter adoption, and cat breeds that never appear in CFA data. Those choices matter just as much.

For full AKC breed information and registration details, visit the American Kennel Club. For CFA breed rankings and cat care resources, check the Cat Fanciers’ Association.