NEW YORK — While Americans continue to love French bulldogs, retrievers and German shepherds, wiener dogs are becoming the new favorites across the nation.
The American Kennel Club announced Wednesday that dachshunds have entered the top five most popular dog breeds for the first time in more than 20 years. The organization’s annual rankings examine 202 breeds based on purebred puppies and adult dogs registered with the AKC during the previous year.
The rankings don’t represent the complete picture of America’s dog population, which veterinary medical experts estimate exceeds 87 million animals. Mixed breeds and popular designer dogs like goldendoodles and Pomskies aren’t included in the kennel club’s voluntary registration system.
Nevertheless, the yearly rankings generate excitement and sometimes worry among purebred dog enthusiasts.
Animal welfare organizations like PETA have criticized the list, with the group currently pursuing legal action against the AKC regarding breed standards for French bulldogs, dachshunds and other breeds they claim promote unhealthy physical characteristics.
The current top 10 breakdown shows some interesting trends:
French bulldogs continue leading the pack since claiming the top spot in 2023, though their dominance may be weakening. Last year’s registrations totaled approximately 54,000 Frenchies, representing a 50% decrease from 2023 numbers. While these dogs are celebrated for their confident personalities, apartment-suitable size and entertaining nature, growing concerns about flat-faced breed health issues have sparked public debate. AKC representative Brandi Hunter Munden suggests the decline might reflect natural breed popularity cycles and varying breeder participation rather than health concerns alone.
Labrador retrievers, which dominated the rankings for a record-breaking 31 years, maintain their runner-up position and could potentially reclaim their crown.
Golden retrievers hold steady in third place with their universal appeal, followed by German shepherds in fourth, earning widespread respect from dog lovers.
Dachshunds round out the top five, gaining significant social media attention, particularly during Halloween season when costume photos go viral.
The remaining top 10 includes poodles, beagles, Rottweilers, German shorthaired pointers, and bulldogs. Notably, beagles represent the only breed appearing in every decade’s top 10 since the AKC’s 1884 founding.
Historical perspective shows dramatic shifts in breed preferences. Yorkshire terriers ranked sixth 25 years ago while French bulldogs sat at 64th place. Saint Bernards held seventh position 50 years ago but dropped to 63rd last year. Looking back a century, German shepherds, beagles and bulldogs from the 1920s top 10 remain popular today.
Regarding dachshunds’ surge in popularity, longtime breeder and owner Trudy Kawami, who has worked with the breed since the 1980s, explained their appeal: “They’re amusing to look at. They’re also very expressive dogs — they let you know what they’re thinking. They make you laugh every day.”
However, Kawami warns potential owners about breed-specific challenges. Research indicates these short-legged, elongated dogs face higher risks of spinal problems. Originally developed for badger hunting, dachshunds possess strong prey drives and vocal tendencies, requiring appropriate outlets for their instincts through hunting activities or dog sports.
Kawami expressed mixed feelings about social media’s role in the breed’s popularity: “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 worries that increased popularity triggers problematic breeding practices driven by market demand.
The AKC has recognized over 50 new breeds since 2000, with some achieving rapid popularity. The cane corso now ranks 11th overall, while the coton de tulear jumped from 92nd to 79th place, and the American hairless terrier climbed from 125th to 108th position.
The rarest registered breeds include recent additions like the grand basset griffon Vendeen, sloughi, and Norwegian lundehund, all recognized within the past 15 years. Surprisingly, the harrier breed, despite AKC recognition since 1885, ranks among the least common.
PETA maintains that purebred breeding reduces shelter dog adoption chances and perpetuates harmful genetic traits. Their 2023 lawsuit alleges the AKC promotes “the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs,” which the kennel club dismisses as frivolous while emphasizing their health commitment.
Supporting their campaign, PETA released videos featuring comedian Carol Leifer highlighting breathing difficulties in flat-faced breeds. “Breeders cash in on the look, and the dogs and their guardians pay for it,” Leifer states.
Hunter Munden clarified that the rankings serve public interest rather than purchase encouragement. “No matter how you acquire your dog, do your research and make sure that a dog fits in your lifestyle,” advised the spokesperson, who owns two mixed-breed dogs and a West Highland white terrier.
