For more than a century, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in America. In fact, it has topped the list 31 times! This time around, however, there is some competition for the top spot. According to the American Kennel Club’s latest registration data, other breeds are gaining in popularity. The Poodle and German Shepherd Dog have both moved back into the top five this year. So what else is changing?

It’s no surprise that dog breeds vary considerably in this era when there are more households with dogs than children. Some breeds, on the other hand, have seen a rise in popularity as a result of television programs and films. The pandemic has been an excellent time for people who want to adopt a puppy to do so.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that nearly 1 in 5 American households adopted a pet during the pandemic. This surge in pet ownership has had an impact on the most popular dog breeds list. Breeds that are known for being good with children and other pets, as well as being low-maintenance, have seen the biggest increase in popularity.

Most Popular Dog Breeds

The report was compiled using data from the American Kennel Club’s most recent registration statistics.

1. Retrievers (Labrador) Dogs – best known for their even temperament and train-ability
2. French Bulldogs – best known for their affectionate nature and easy-going personality
3. Golden Retrievers – best known for their trainability, obedience, and loyalty
4. German Shepherds – best known for their courage, loyalty, and obedience
5. Poodles – best known for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats
6. Bulldogs – best known for being gentle, loving, and loyal companions
7. Beagles – best known for their curious and happy nature
8. Rottweilers – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and guard dog ability
9. Pointers (German Short-haired) – best known for their intelligence, athleticism, and hunting ability
10. Dachshunds – best known for being loyal, loving, and playful companions
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgis – best known for being intelligent, active, and eager to please
12. Australian Shepherds – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and herding ability
13. Yorkshire Terriers – best known for their feisty personality and hypoallergenic coats
14. Boxers – best known for being patient, playful, and devoted to their families
15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – best known for their affectionate nature and easy-going personality
16. Doberman Pinschers – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and guard dog ability
17. Great Danes – best known for their large size, gentle nature, and loyal personality
18. Miniature Schnauzers – best known for being intelligent, active, and eager to please
19. Siberian Huskies – best known for their striking appearance, athletic build, and working dog abilities
20. Bernese Mountain Dogs – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and gentle nature
21. Cane Corso – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and guard dog ability
22. Shih Tzu – best known for their affectionate nature and easy-going personality
23. Boston Terriers – best known for being gentle, affectionate, and intelligent
24. Pomeranians – best known for being feisty, energetic, and loving companions
25. Havanese – best known for their affectionate nature and easy-going personality
26. Spaniels (English Springer) – best known for their hunting ability, intelligence, and athleticism
27. Brittanys – best known for their athleticism, obedience, and hunting ability
28. Shetland Sheepdogs – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and herding ability
29. Cocker Spaniels – best known for being good-natured, playful, and affectionate dogs
30. Miniature American Shepherds – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and herding ability
31. Border Collies – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and herding ability
32. Vizslas – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and hunting ability
33. Pugs – best known for being good-natured, playful, and affectionate dogs
34. Basset Hounds – best known for being good-natured, patient, and loving companions
35. Mastiffs – best known for their large size, gentle nature, and loyal personality
36. Belgian Malinois – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and guard dog ability
37. Chihuahuas – best known for being feisty, energetic, and loving companions
38. Collies – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and herding ability
39. Maltese – best known for their affectionate nature and easy-going personality
40. Weimaraners – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and hunting ability
41. Rhodesian Ridgebacks – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and guard dog ability
42. Shiba Inu – best known for their loyalty, courage, and sassiness
43. Spaniels (English Cocker) – best known for being good-natured, playful, and affectionate dogs
44. Portuguese Water Dogs – best known for their intelligence, athleticism, and working dog abilities
45. Newfoundlands – best known for their large size, gentle nature, and loyal personality
46. West Highland White Terriers – best known for their feisty personality and hypoallergenic coats
47. Bichons Fries – best known for their affectionate nature and easy-going personality
48. Retrievers (Chesapeake Bay) – best known for their loyalty, obedience, and hunting ability
49. Dalmatians – best known for their loyalty, athleticism, and easy-going personality
50. Bloodhounds – best known for their hunting ability, gentle nature, and easy-going personality

The pandemic has been hard on everyone, but it seems that our furry friends have benefited from all the extra time we’ve been spending at home. According to the American Kennel Club, these are the 50 most popular dog breeds that were adopted during the pandemic.

Our HQ adopted a toy poodle named Charlie back in November 2020, and he’s been a bright spot during these dark times. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, we highly recommend it! Just make sure to do your research so you can find the perfect pup for your lifestyle.

You may also want to consider pet insurance for your dog. We’ve had to make a few trips to the vet already and it’s been nice to not have to worry about the cost.