Labs to Frenchies: 10 Years of America’s Top Dog Breeds
n a decade-long shake-up, French Bulldogs dethroned Labrador Retrievers as America’s most popular AKC breed. See the 2014 vs. 2024 Top-10 lists, the biggest risers and fallers, and why urban living, media, and lifestyle shifts fueled the Frenchie surge.
A Historic Shift in America’s Favorite Breed
A French Bulldog has become America’s top dog breed after years of Labrador dominance. Their small size and big charm make them especially popular with urban owners.
Over the past decade, the landscape of popular dog breeds in the United States has shifted dramatically. In 2014, the Labrador Retriever was celebrating its 24th consecutive year as America’s favorite breed. Fast-forward to 2024, and the French Bulldog has taken the crown, ending the Lab’s remarkable 31-year reign at #1.
This ten-year span saw designer dogs rise in demand and some traditional working breeds fall in popularity. Below, we compare the top breeds of 2014 and 2024 and explore the winners, losers, and surprises that shaped America’s dog preferences.
Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds: 2014 vs. 2024 (U.S.)
The American Kennel Club (AKC) registration statistics show how rankings shifted:
2014 Top 10 Breeds
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Bulldog (English Bulldog)
- Beagle
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Poodle
- Boxer
- French Bulldog
- Rottweiler
2024 Top 10 Breeds
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Poodle
- Dachshund
- Beagle
- Rottweiler
- Bulldog (English Bulldog)
- German Shorthaired Pointer
Several differences stand out. In 2014, the Yorkie and Boxer made the top 10, while by 2024 they were replaced by the Dachshund and German Shorthaired Pointer. The Labrador slipped from #1 to #2, while Frenchies skyrocketed from #9 to #1.
French Bulldogs Dethrone Labradors
For over three decades, the Labrador Retriever was America’s most popular dog, prized for its friendly temperament and family-dog reputation. In 2014, it still held the crown by a wide margin.
But by 2022, the French Bulldog had claimed the top spot — a first in AKC history. Frenchies had already shown momentum: ranked #14 in 2012, #9 in 2014, and #1 by 2022. Registrations increased by over 1,000% between 2012 and 2022.
Why the meteoric rise? Frenchies are small and apartment-friendly yet sturdy and playful. Their adaptability makes them especially suited to urban lifestyles. As AKC’s Gina DiNardo noted, Frenchies are “fabulous companions” across living situations.
However, the breed’s boom has raised concerns about overbreeding and health issues, particularly respiratory problems. Still, Frenchies’ ascent marks a symbolic shift in U.S. dog culture: a compact, city-friendly companion has unseated America’s long-standing family favorite.
Winners, Losers, and Surprises in Breed Popularity
Big Winners
- French Bulldogs: From #9 in 2014 to #1 in 2024.
- Dachshunds: Back in the top 10 at #6 after falling out in 2014.
- German Shorthaired Pointer: Newly entered at #10, reflecting interest in active, versatile breeds.
- Cane Corso: Though not in the top 10, it surged from #47 in 2014 to around #14 in 2024 — a 414% rise.
Losing Ground
- Yorkshire Terrier: From #6 in 2014 to out of the top 10 (#11).
- Boxer: From #8 in 2014 to outside the top 10 by 2024.
- German Shepherd Dog: From #2 in 2014 to #4 in 2024.
- Beagle: From #5 to #7.
- Bulldog (English): From #4 to #9.
- Labrador Retriever: Still highly popular, but no longer #1.
Surprises
- Dachshund resurgence: A comeback driven by their compact size and quirky charm.
- Cane Corso boom: Rare just a decade ago, now mainstream thanks to celebrity owners and social media.
- Social media stars: Breeds like Pembroke Welsh Corgis rose just outside the top 10, helped by viral popularity.
Why Did Preferences Change?
Urbanization
More Americans live in cities or smaller homes, making compact breeds like Frenchies and Dachshunds more practical than large working breeds.
Designer Dog Craze
The rise of Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and other Poodle mixes (not included in AKC rankings) shifted demand. Their popularity boosted interest in Poodles themselves, which rose to #5.
Lifestyle Shifts
Families today want dogs that are adaptable, low-maintenance, and good with kids — often favoring small or medium companion breeds over high-energy working dogs.
Media & Pop Culture
Celebrity dogs and viral social media fame boosted certain breeds. Frenchies, Cane Corsos, and Corgis all benefited from media exposure, while breeds out of the spotlight, like Yorkies or Boxers, slipped.
Conclusion: A Decade of Dramatic Doggie Change
From 2014 to 2024, America’s favorite dog breeds underwent one of the biggest shake-ups in AKC history. The French Bulldog dethroned the Labrador Retriever after three decades at the top, while other shifts reflected changing lifestyles, urban living, and media influence.
Despite the changes, Retrievers remain beloved — Labs and Goldens still sit in the top three. But America’s evolving love story with dogs shows no sign of slowing. As our homes, families, and culture change, so do the breeds we welcome into our lives.
Looking ahead, the question is: can Frenchies hold onto their throne, or will another breed rise to surprise us again?
Sources
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Registration Statistics – 2014 & 2024 rankings
- AKC Press Releases – French Bulldog #1 announcement (2023, 2025)
- Associated Press (Mar 2024) – Analysis of breed trends
- Patch News (Feb 2015) – 2014 Top Breeds report
- iHeartRadio News (Mar 2025) – 2024 breed popularity insights