The most demanded dog breed varies by location, but currently, Cavoodles (Cavapoos) are extremely popular in Australia, topping many lists for their friendly, low-shedding traits, while the French Bulldog holds the top spot in the US (for the third year in a row) due to its compact size and charming personality. Other consistently popular choices globally include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Dachshunds, and Border Collies, often appearing in top 10 lists for their loyalty, intelligence, and family-friendly nature.
Popular Dog Breeds in 2025: What's Trending Among Pet Owners
The Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S.
The most popular dog breed in the U.S. is the Labrador retriever.
Australia's most popular dog breed is consistently the Cavoodle (a Poodle-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross), often followed by the beloved Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, though French Bulldogs are also extremely popular, with "oodle" (Poodle-mix) breeds dominating recent lists alongside traditional family favorites.
Every year the American Kennel Club releases our ranking of the most popular dog breeds based on AKC registration statistics for the previous year. The French Bulldog continues to top the rankings at the No. 1 spot for the third year in a row.
Read on to find out why some of our four-legged friends are more likely to end up in shelters.
American Kennel Club has named the Labrador retriever, the French bulldog and the golden retriever as the three most popular dog breeds of 2025. "I think, one, they're adorable … but also, I think as we do smaller living, and more people live in apartments, they're highly adaptable.
The Least Popular Dog Breeds in America
The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and Shih Tzu, all known for their laid-back, affectionate, and easygoing temperaments, thriving on companionship over high activity.
A new survey found that Aussies find the kelpie the most beautiful dog. The Project they are amongst many beautiful dogs. They are smart and crazy, devoted to stubborn, loyal to driving you nuts… that's a kelpie! My girl is absolutely the most beautiful kelpie on the planet.
Here are some of the smartest dogs by breed and the features that make them so clever.
18 Friendliest Dog Breeds
Introduction
1. French Bulldog. The French Bulldog has been climbing the ranks in popularity over the last 10 years, according to the AKC. They were first named the most popular dog breed in 2022 and still hold that title today.
There's no single "number 1" laziest dog, but the English Bulldog is consistently ranked at or near the top for its low energy, love of naps, and tendency to be a couch potato, followed closely by breeds like the Basset Hound, Great Dane, and Shih Tzu, all known for being relaxed companions. These breeds prefer lounging and short strolls over strenuous activity, making them ideal for laid-back owners.
Most Intelligent Dog Breeds That Are Easy to Train
9 Calm Dog Breeds
When looking for your new 'man's best friend' why not consider one of the following dog breeds:
French bulldog, bulldog or a pug
These are Simpson-Vernon's top pick for dogs he'd never own. “Basically any flat-faced dog,” says Ben the Vet. “Society has normalized the fact that these dogs snorting means that they can't breathe very well.”
The 12 Most Abandoned Dog Breeds: These Pups Are Most Likely To Be Found In Shelters
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While there's no single "number one," the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever consistently rank as top friendly dogs due to their gentle, outgoing, and loyal temperaments, making them excellent family pets good with kids and other animals, though they need plenty of exercise. Other top contenders for friendliness include Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Pugs, known for their playful, affectionate, and people-loving natures.
The #1 smartest dog breed, consistently ranked by experts like Dr. Stanley Coren, is the Border Collie, known for its exceptional ability to learn commands quickly (sometimes in under five repetitions) and obey them consistently, excelling in problem-solving and demanding mental stimulation. Other top contenders for intelligence often include the Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Shetland Sheepdog, recognized for their trainability and eagerness to please.
Here is the top 10 dogs best suited for indoor living, ideal for people living in apartments: