Dachshunds Break into Top Five as French Bulldog Popularity Wanes
The American Kennel Club's annual breed rankings, released this week, signal a notable shift in canine preferences across the United States. For the first time in more than twenty years, the distinctive sausage-shaped dachshund has climbed into the top five most prevalent purebred dog breeds. This ascent comes as registrations for French bulldogs, the reigning leaders since 2023, have experienced a significant decline.
Analyzing the Annual Rankings
The AKC's standings, which cover 202 recognised breeds, are compiled from voluntary registrations of puppies and older purebred dogs added to its registry in the previous year. It is crucial to note that this data does not provide a complete picture of the nation's estimated 87 million dogs, as it excludes mixed-breeds and popular hybrids like goldendoodles. Nevertheless, the list remains a closely watched barometer of purebred trends, often sparking pride among enthusiasts and criticism from animal welfare advocates.
The top ten breeds for the latest period are led by French bulldogs, followed by Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and the newly prominent dachshunds. Rounding out the list are poodles, beagles, Rottweilers, German shorthaired pointers, and bulldogs.
The Changing Fortunes of Top Breeds
While French bulldogs retain the number one spot, their registrations fell to approximately 54,000 last year, a stark 50% decrease from 2023. AKC spokesperson Brandi Hunter Munden suggested this drop-off could be attributed to the natural ebb and flow of breed popularity, especially in the social media age, and potential disengagement from some breeders. The breed's health concerns, particularly related to its flat-faced structure, have also fueled public debate.
In contrast, dachshunds have captured the public's imagination. "They're amusing to look at. They're also very expressive dogs—they let you know what they're thinking," said longtime dachshund owner and breeder Trudy Kawami, highlighting their daily comedic value. However, she and experts caution that their unique physique carries an elevated risk of spinal disease, and their determined hunting instincts require proper outlets.
Historical Perspectives and New Contenders
The rankings offer a fascinating historical snapshot. A quarter-century ago, French bulldogs languished at 64th place, while Yorkshire terriers held the sixth spot. Looking back fifty years, Saint Bernards were the seventh most prevalent breed, a position far from their current 63rd ranking. A century ago, the top ten included German shepherds, beagles, and bulldogs—breeds that remain in the elite group today.
Beyond the established names, newer breeds are making rapid gains. The cane corso now sits at 11th place, while the coton de tulear jumped from 92nd to 79th in a single year. The American hairless terrier also saw a notable rise. Conversely, the rarest breeds in the registry include recent additions like the grand basset griffon Vendeen and the Norwegian lundehund.
Ethical Debates and External Criticism
The release of the popular-breeds list consistently reignites ethical debates surrounding purebred dog breeding. The animal rights organisation PETA has filed a lawsuit against the AKC, accusing it of promoting the breeding of dogs with unhealthy physical traits. In anticipation of this year's rankings, PETA released videos featuring comedian Carol Leifer, who highlighted the severe breathing problems afflicting short-snouted breeds and urged the public against purchasing them.
The AKC has defended its practices, stating a commitment to canine health and dismissing the lawsuit as frivolous. Hunter Munden emphasised that the rankings are published solely to satisfy public curiosity and should not be interpreted as an endorsement for buying any specific breed. "No matter how you acquire your dog, do your research and make sure that a dog fits in your lifestyle," she advised, speaking from her experience as an owner of mixed-breed dogs and a West Highland white terrier.
As dachshunds enjoy their moment in the spotlight and the French bulldog craze shows signs of cooling, the annual AKC list continues to reflect the dynamic, and often contentious, relationship between human preference and canine welfare in America.
