For the first time in more than 20 years, dachshunds have landed in the top five most popular dog breeds in the United States.
According to the American Kennel Club, the current top five breeds are:
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French Bulldog
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Labrador Retriever
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Golden Retriever
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German Shepherd
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Dachshund
The rankings are based on AKC registration data across more than 200 recognized purebred breeds and are widely used to track national dog ownership trends.
Dachshunds making this jump is significant. They’ve hovered just outside the top five in recent years, but their rise reflects a broader shift toward smaller, adaptable dogs that fit more easily into modern lifestyles — especially in apartments or urban settings. Their personality also plays a role: they’re known for being bold, loyal, and surprisingly energetic despite their size.
At the top, French bulldogs continue their streak at No. 1, a position they’ve held for multiple years now, ending the Labrador retriever’s decades-long run as America’s most popular breed, according to the American Kennel Club.
The rankings also highlight how the dog landscape is evolving. The AKC has added dozens of new breeds since 2000, and while some gain traction quickly, long-standing favorites still dominate the top tier.
At the same time, not everyone views the rankings as purely positive. As reported by the Associated Press, groups like PETA have raised concerns that increased demand for certain breeds can lead to overbreeding and health issues — particularly for dogs like dachshunds, which are prone to spinal problems because of their long bodies.
Still, for fans of the breed, this moment is simple: the dachshund is officially back in a big way.
