The 25 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the World (2025 Rankings)
TL;DR
The Labrador Retriever holds its crown as the world's most popular breed, but the French Bulldog continues its dramatic rise to second place. Trending breeds include the Australian Shepherd (social media favourite), the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (internet royalty), and the Bernese Mountain Dog (gentle giant gaining ground). Our rankings combine registration data from major kennel clubs worldwide with search trends and adoption rates.
How We Rank Popularity
Our rankings combine data from multiple sources:
- Kennel club registrations — AKC (USA), The Kennel Club (UK), ANKC (Australia), and FCI (Europe)
- Google search trends — worldwide breed search volume
- Adoption and rescue data — breed-specific rescue intake numbers
- Social media mentions — Instagram hashtag volume and trending content
No single metric tells the whole story, so we blend them for a comprehensive view.
The 25 Most Popular Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has topped popularity charts for over 30 consecutive years — and for good reason. Friendly, versatile, and endlessly willing to please, Labs are the ultimate all-rounder. They excel as family pets, service dogs, therapy dogs, and working companions. Their combination of intelligence, gentle temperament, and adaptability makes them the go-to choice for first-time and experienced owners alike.
Key stats: 25-36 kg | 10-12 years | High energy | Excellent with families
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog's meteoric rise continues. Once a niche breed, Frenchies have become the darling of city dwellers worldwide thanks to their compact size, calm disposition, and minimal exercise needs. Their expressive bat ears and clownish personality make them irresistible on social media, fuelling further demand.
Key stats: 8-14 kg | 10-12 years | Low-moderate energy | Great for apartments
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers remain the quintessential family dog — gentle, patient, and almost magically good with children. They're highly trainable, sociable, and beautiful. Their one downside? They shed enough to knit a second dog every year.
Key stats: 25-34 kg | 10-12 years | High energy | Excellent family dog
4. German Shepherd
Intelligence, loyalty, and versatility keep the German Shepherd firmly in the top five. They're the world's favourite working breed — excelling in police work, search and rescue, and service roles. As family pets, they're protective, devoted, and highly trainable.
Key stats: 22-40 kg | 9-13 years | Very high energy | Loyal guardian
5. Poodle (Standard, Miniature & Toy)
Poodles are arguably the most versatile breed — available in three sizes to suit any lifestyle. Behind the fancy haircuts lies an athletic, intelligent, and hypoallergenic companion. Standard Poodles are popular with active families, while Miniatures and Toys suit apartment dwellers.
Key stats: 2-32 kg (varies by size) | 12-15 years | Moderate-high energy | Low-shedding
6. Bulldog
The English Bulldog's calm, dignified personality continues to attract devoted fans despite well-documented health concerns. They're gentle, adaptable, and famously patient with children. Responsible breeders are working to improve the breed's health profile.
Key stats: 18-23 kg | 8-10 years | Low energy | Calm companion
7. Beagle
Cheerful, curious, and perpetually following their nose, Beagles are a perennial favourite for families. Their manageable size, sturdy build, and friendly disposition make them excellent with children. Just don't leave food unattended.
Key stats: 9-11 kg | 10-15 years | High energy | Family-friendly
8. Rottweiler
Rottweilers have quietly gained popularity as people discover what owners have always known — beneath that powerful exterior is a calm, confident, and deeply loyal companion. With proper training and socialisation, they're gentle family dogs.
Key stats: 36-60 kg | 8-10 years | Moderate energy | Loyal and protective
9. Dachshund
The Dachshund's unique silhouette and bold personality have made them a global favourite. Available in standard and miniature sizes, they're spirited, curious, and surprisingly good watchdogs. Their small size makes them adaptable to most living situations.
Key stats: 5-14 kg | 12-16 years | Moderate energy | Bold and independent
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rising steadily in the rankings, the Cavalier combines royal elegance with genuine warmth. They're the ideal companion breed — gentle enough for seniors, sturdy enough for families, and adaptable enough for apartment life.
Key stats: 5-8 kg | 9-14 years | Moderate energy | Perfect companion
11. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd's rise is powered by social media, where their striking blue merle coats and impressive intelligence generate millions of views. They're the breed of choice for active, outdoorsy owners.
Key stats: 18-29 kg | 12-15 years | Very high energy | Athletic and intelligent
12. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies prove that big personality can come in a tiny package. They're confident, spirited, and fiercely loyal to their owners. Their hypoallergenic coat is a bonus for allergy sufferers.
Key stats: 2-3 kg | 11-15 years | Moderate energy | Bold and spirited
13. Boxer
Boxers are the playful athletes of the dog world — muscular, energetic, and endlessly fun. They form deep bonds with their families and are naturally protective without being aggressive. Their goofy personality makes them a joy to live with.
Key stats: 25-32 kg | 10-12 years | Very high energy | Playful and protective
14. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Thank the internet (and the late Queen Elizabeth) for the Corgi's surge in popularity. Their short legs, fluffy bottoms, and big personalities make them impossible not to love. Beneath the cute exterior is a surprisingly athletic herding dog.
Key stats: 10-14 kg | 12-13 years | High energy | Smart and spirited
15. Siberian Husky
Huskies captivate with their wolf-like appearance and striking blue eyes. They're athletic, independent, and built for endurance. Best suited to active owners who can provide the significant exercise these dogs need.
Key stats: 16-27 kg | 12-14 years | Very high energy | Independent and athletic
16. Doberman Pinscher
Sleek, powerful, and fiercely intelligent, Dobermans are among the most elegant of all breeds. They're highly trainable, loyal, and make excellent family protectors. Modern Dobermans are more even-tempered than their reputation suggests.
Key stats: 27-45 kg | 10-12 years | High energy | Intelligent guardian
17. Great Dane
Despite being one of the world's tallest breeds, Great Danes are gentle giants who think they're lap dogs. Their calm, friendly nature makes them surprisingly good apartment dogs (if you have the space). They're patient with children and sociable with other pets.
Key stats: 50-79 kg | 7-10 years | Moderate energy | Gentle giant
18. Miniature Schnauzer
Alert, spirited, and hypoallergenic, the Miniature Schnauzer is a popular choice for families and apartment dwellers. They're robust, trainable, and have a distinctive bearded look that owners adore.
Key stats: 5-9 kg | 12-15 years | Moderate energy | Alert and friendly
19. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog's combination of striking tri-colour coat, gentle temperament, and large size makes them increasingly popular. They're patient with children, calm in the home, and beautiful to look at.
Key stats: 36-50 kg | 7-10 years | Moderate energy | Gentle and loyal
20. Border Collie
Widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed, Border Collies are the choice of active owners who want a dog that can do it all — from frisbee to agility to hiking. They're not for everyone, but for the right owner, they're unbeatable.
Key stats: 14-20 kg | 12-15 years | Very high energy | Most intelligent breed
21. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu remains a steadfast favourite for those seeking a gentle, low-maintenance companion. Bred as Chinese palace dogs, they're content to sit on your lap and be adored. Their adaptable nature makes them suitable for virtually any living situation.
Key stats: 4-7 kg | 10-18 years | Low-moderate energy | Gentle companion
22. Cocker Spaniel
Happy, gentle, and beautiful, the Cocker Spaniel is a versatile family dog. Whether English or American, they combine sporting instinct with companion-dog affection. Their silky coat and soulful eyes make them perennial favourites.
Key stats: 12-16 kg | 12-15 years | Moderate-high energy | Happy and gentle
23. Havanese
Cuba's national dog is gaining global popularity thanks to their playful, sociable nature. Havanese are hypoallergenic, adaptable, and form incredibly strong bonds with their families. They're natural entertainers who love making people laugh.
Key stats: 4-7 kg | 14-16 years | Moderate energy | Playful and sociable
24. Pomeranian
Tiny, fluffy, and full of personality, Pomeranians punch well above their weight in terms of charisma. They're confident, alert, and surprisingly intelligent. Their teddy-bear appearance and bold personality make them social media favourites.
Key stats: 1.5-3 kg | 12-16 years | Moderate energy | Bold and confident
25. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Especially popular in the UK and Australia, the Staffie is a muscular, affectionate breed that's earned the nickname "nanny dog" for their exceptional patience with children. They're loyal, courageous, and one of the most loving breeds you'll find.
Key stats: 11-17 kg | 12-14 years | High energy | Affectionate and loyal
Trending Breeds to Watch
Several breeds are climbing the rankings faster than others:
- Bernese Mountain Dog — up 5 positions in 3 years
- Australian Shepherd — social media is driving unprecedented demand
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — steady rise as a premium companion breed
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi — internet fame translating to real-world adoption
Declining in Popularity
- German Shepherd — still top 5 but slowly declining from its peak
- Yorkshire Terrier — facing competition from newer small breeds
- Bulldog — health concerns are causing some buyers to reconsider
Explore Breed Guides
Want detailed care information for any of these breeds? Check out our comprehensive breed guides with health information, compatibility ratings, and care tips for 80+ breeds.
FAQ
What is the most popular dog breed in the world?
The Labrador Retriever remains the most popular breed globally, a position it has held for over 30 years. The French Bulldog is a close second and may eventually take the top spot.
What is the fastest-rising dog breed in 2025?
The Australian Shepherd has seen the fastest growth in recent years, driven largely by social media popularity and the trend towards active, outdoor lifestyles.
Are popular breeds always the best choice?
No. Popularity doesn't equal suitability. A Siberian Husky might be beautiful, but they need significant exercise and can be challenging for first-time owners. Always choose a breed based on your lifestyle, not trends.
Why are French Bulldogs so popular?
Their compact size, low exercise needs, calm temperament, and expressive personalities make them ideal for urban and apartment living — which is how an increasing proportion of the world lives.
What factors should I consider beyond popularity?
Consider your living space, activity level, time for grooming and training, family composition (especially children), and budget for potential health costs. The right breed for you may not be the most popular one.