America’s Favorite Dogs: How the Dachshund Became a Top-Five Sensation

The Changing Landscape of America’s Most Popular Dog Breeds

Americans have always had strong opinions about their favorite dog breeds, and the latest rankings from the American Kennel Club reveal some fascinating shifts in what types of dogs are capturing the nation’s heart. While French bulldogs, retrievers, and German shepherds continue to hold strong positions, there’s a new contender making waves in the top tier: the lovable, elongated dachshund. For the first time in more than twenty years, these sausage-shaped companions have wiggled their way into the top five most popular dog breeds in America, marking a significant milestone in the breed’s history and reflecting broader trends in pet ownership and social media influence.

The American Kennel Club’s annual rankings, released this week, provide a comprehensive look at 202 recognized breeds based on registration data from the previous year. These rankings include both puppies and older purebred dogs added to the AKC’s registry, which stands as the nation’s oldest. However, it’s important to understand that these numbers represent only a portion of the complete picture of American dog ownership. The registry is voluntary, and the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are over 87 million dogs living in American homes. The AKC rankings don’t account for mixed-breed dogs or the increasingly popular hybrid breeds that have become fixtures of modern pet ownership, such as the goldendoodle (a golden retriever and poodle mix) or the Pomsky (a Pomeranian and husky combination). Despite these limitations, the annual list generates significant interest and emotion among purebred enthusiasts, breeders, and dog lovers across the country, while simultaneously drawing criticism from animal rights organizations concerned about breeding practices and breed health standards.

The Current Top Ten: A Mix of Old Favorites and Rising Stars

French bulldogs continue to reign supreme, holding the number one position since 2023, though their dominance may be wavering. Last year, approximately 54,000 French bulldogs were added to the AKC registry—a significant number, but notably half of what was registered in 2023. These compact, bat-eared companions are celebrated for their confident personalities, suitability for apartment living, and their endlessly entertaining antics that have made them social media darlings. However, the breed has also become the focal point of growing public discourse about the health challenges facing flat-faced dogs, with concerns about breathing difficulties and other medical issues becoming more widely understood even among the breed’s devoted fans.

Following closely behind are Labrador retrievers, which previously set an extraordinary record by claiming the top spot for an impressive 31 consecutive years. Could they reclaim their crown? Only time will tell. Golden retrievers maintain their position as universally beloved family companions, while German shepherds continue to command respect as versatile working dogs and loyal protectors. Rounding out the top five are the dachshunds, whose popularity surge can be partly attributed to their overwhelming presence on social media, particularly during holidays like Halloween when photos of costumed dachshunds flood people’s feeds. The rest of the top ten includes poodles, maintaining relevance despite their peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s; beagles, the only breed to appear in the top ten every single decade since the AKC’s founding in 1884; rottweilers, which have remained in the top ten for nearly fifteen years; German shorthaired pointers, which have made substantial gains over the past quarter-century; and bulldogs, which reached number four a decade ago but have since eased back slightly.

The Dachshund’s Remarkable Rise: Charm, Challenges, and Misconceptions

The dachshund’s ascent to top-five status represents more than just a passing trend—it reflects the breed’s unique appeal and the power of social media in shaping pet preferences. Trudy Kawami, who has been involved with dachshunds since the 1980s through ownership, breeding, dog sports, and even rat hunting, offers valuable insights into what makes these dogs so special. “They’re amusing to look at. They’re also very expressive dogs—they let you know what they’re thinking,” she explains. “They make you laugh every day.” This combination of physical distinctiveness and personality has made dachshunds irresistible to many prospective dog owners looking for a companion with character.

However, Kawami and other breed experts are quick to point out that dachshunds aren’t right for everyone. The breed’s distinctive physical structure—short legs supporting a long back—comes with serious health considerations. Scientific research has identified an elevated risk of spinal disease in dachshunds, a direct consequence of their elongated body shape. Beyond physical health concerns, these dogs possess strong working instincts that stem from their original purpose: being bred to hunt and flush out badgers from their underground burrows. This heritage means dachshunds are driven, determined, and can be extremely vocal. Without appropriate outlets for their hunting instincts through activities like sports or training, they may develop behavioral issues or find inappropriate ways to express their natural drives.

Perhaps most concerning to longtime breed enthusiasts like Kawami is the gap between social media perception and reality. “The proliferation of cute images on social media now is kind of a pain—because that cute little fluffy, cream-colored, long-haired dog can turn around and kill your pet gerbil really fast,” she warns. This stark reminder highlights how social media’s emphasis on aesthetic appeal can obscure the practical realities of living with a particular breed. While Kawami appreciates that more people are discovering these quirky hounds, she worries about the inevitable consequences of popularity: “The minute a breed becomes popular, the whole market-supply-and-demand mechanism kicks in,” potentially leading to irresponsible breeding practices focused on profit rather than health and temperament.

New Breeds and Hidden Gems in the Rankings

The AKC has significantly expanded its roster of recognized breeds in recent decades, adding more than fifty types of dogs since 2000. Some of these newcomers have rapidly gained recognition and popularity. The cane corso, an Italian mastiff breed known for its protective nature and imposing presence, has become particularly successful, now ranking as the 11th most prevalent breed. Other breeds showing impressive momentum include the coton de tulear, a small, cotton-textured companion dog that jumped from 92nd place in 2024 to 79th last year, and the American hairless terrier, which climbed from number 125 to 108.

At the other end of the spectrum, the rarest breeds tell an interesting story about canine diversity and specialized interests. The grand basset griffon Vendéen, the sloughi, and the Norwegian lundehund occupy the bottom positions in the rankings. All three of these breeds joined the AKC registry within the last fifteen years, which partially explains their rarity—they simply haven’t had as much time to build a following in the United States. However, just ahead of them in the rankings sits the harrier, a breed that has been recognized since 1885, demonstrating that longevity doesn’t necessarily translate to popularity. These lesser-known breeds often appeal to dedicated enthusiasts who appreciate specific traits or working abilities rather than seeking mainstream recognition.

The Controversy: Animal Rights Concerns and Breeding Ethics

The popularity rankings aren’t celebrated by everyone in the animal world. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has taken an aggressive stance against the AKC and purebred dog breeding more broadly, filing a lawsuit last year that accuses the kennel club of promoting “the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs.” The organization’s fundamental concerns center on two main issues: first, that breeding purebred dogs reduces the chances that dogs in shelters and rescue organizations will find homes, and second, that breeding standards perpetuate physical traits that compromise canine health and well-being.

To amplify their message around this year’s popularity rankings, PETA recruited comedian, actor, and writer Carol Leifer to produce videos highlighting the health problems that commonly affect short-snouted (brachycephalic) breeds like French bulldogs and bulldogs. In these clips, Leifer draws attention to the breathing difficulties these dogs often experience as a direct result of their flattened facial structure. “Breeders cash in on the look, and the dogs and their guardians pay for it,” she states in one video, encapsulating PETA’s position that aesthetic preferences are being prioritized over animal welfare. The American Kennel Club has responded to the lawsuit by affirming its commitment to canine health and dismissing the legal action as frivolous, but the controversy has nonetheless sparked important conversations about responsible breeding practices and the ethics of perpetuating certain physical characteristics.

Making Informed Choices About Dog Ownership

AKC spokesperson Brandi Hunter Munden emphasizes that the popularity rankings serve a different purpose than critics might assume. According to Hunter Munden, these annual lists are intended simply to satisfy public curiosity about breed trends rather than to encourage people to purchase specific types of dogs. This distinction is important in understanding the role of such rankings in the broader context of responsible pet ownership. Hunter Munden, who herself owns two mixed-breed dogs alongside a West Highland white terrier, offers advice that applies regardless of breed preference or how someone acquires a dog: “No matter how you acquire your dog, do your research and make sure that a dog fits in your lifestyle.”

This guidance points to a more nuanced approach to dog ownership that goes beyond popularity contests and aesthetic preferences. Prospective dog owners face important questions that should be answered before bringing any dog into their homes: Do they have adequate space? Can they provide sufficient exercise? Are they prepared for grooming requirements? Do they understand breed-specific health concerns? Can they afford veterinary care? Are there children or other pets in the home that need to be considered? For working breeds with strong instincts—whether it’s a dachshund’s hunting drive, a German shepherd’s protective nature, or a beagle’s tracking instinct—are they prepared to provide appropriate outlets for these behaviors?

The story of America’s favorite dogs is ultimately about more than rankings and trends. It’s a reflection of our changing lifestyles, the influence of social media on our preferences, and the ongoing tension between aesthetic appeal and animal welfare. Whether you’re drawn to the comedy of a dachshund, the steadfast loyalty of a Labrador, or the distinctive look of a French bulldog, the most important consideration is finding the right match between a dog’s needs and what you can responsibly provide. As breeds rise and fall in popularity, this fundamental principle of responsible pet ownership remains constant.