A Spotlight on the Most Popular Dog Breeds in 2023

For dog parents, knowing about the most popular dog breeds 2023 and choosing the right breed is a big deal. It’s not just about looks; it’s about finding the perfect furry pet that fits into our lifestyles.

It’s no secret that Americans love their dogs. Around 65 million households have at least one, according to the American Pet Products Association. 

Now, with a whopping 360 dog breeds out there, you might be wondering which ones are the crowd favorites.

Living in a city or having a spacious backyard, enjoying the gym, or opting for Netflix marathons—every aspect of your life plays a role in choosing the right furry companion.

So, let’s get to know the most popular dog breeds 2023 in the United States.

The Most Popular Dog Breeds 2023

The most popular dog breeds currently include:

1. French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs, often affectionately called Frenchies, have become incredibly popular recently and are now at the top of the list of favorite dog breeds according to the AKC. 

These dogs are great for families because they are loving, playful, and make adorable sounds, according to Dr. Antonio DeMarco, a chief medical officer at GoodVets.

Frenchies don’t require a lot of exercise, just about an hour a day, as recommended by The Kennel Club. 

However, it’s important to be careful when they’re active, especially in hot or humid weather, because their flat faces can make breathing a bit challenging. 

Despite their moderate shedding, they are generally considered low-maintenance in terms of grooming. Also, French Bulldogs are not big barkers, so they are relatively quiet compared to some other breeds.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are often seen as the perfect family dogs because they’re playful, full of energy, and extremely loyal. 

They’re great in almost any living situation and are easy to train because they love to make their owners happy.

These dogs are smart and have a lot of energy, so they need plenty of space and exercise. The Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day for Labradors. 

Besides physical activity, they also need mental stimulation, which can be achieved through things like puzzle feeders, toys, training sessions, and engaging in sports with them.

Labrador Retrievers have a thick double coat, which means they shed quite a bit. To keep the shedding under control, it’s a good idea to brush them at least once a week. 

3. Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles takes the third spot in popularity. These adorable dogs are a mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, which might make you think they’re just like any other mixed-breed pup. 

But there’s an important difference: mixed-breed dogs have uncertain or varied backgrounds, whereas Goldendoodles are deliberately bred from two specific purebred dogs.

These furry friends are famous for their teddy bear-like fur and friendly nature. 

What’s interesting is that they come in various sizes, ranging from a petite 15 pounds to a substantial 100 pounds. 

So, whether you’re looking for a little buddy or a bigger, cuddly companion, there’s a Goldendoodle size to fit your preference.

4. Mixed-breed Dog

Mixed-breed dogs are one of the popular dogs, and it’s no surprise considering they’re more commonly found in shelters and rescue groups. 

These dogs have a wider range of backgrounds, which actually makes them less likely to face health issues compared to purebred dogs.

The only catch is that it can be a bit difficult to predict a mixed-breed dog’s personality or precisely how big they’ll grow to be as adults. 

It’s a bit like opening a surprise package – you might not know exactly what you’re getting, but you’ll likely end up with a unique and healthy furry friend. 

So, if you’re up for a bit of mystery and want to give a loving home to a pup in need, a mixed-breed dog could be the perfect choice for you.

5. Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers, just like Labs, make fantastic family pets because they are gentle and friendly with a warm and loving attitude.

To keep these smart and lively dogs happy, they need more than two hours of exercise every day, according to The Kennel Club. 

They really enjoy activities like playing fetch and taking a dip in the water. In addition to physical activity, they also benefit from mental stimulation through training sessions.

Golden Retrievers have a plush and long coat, which means they shed quite a bit more than Labradors. 

To keep their fur in check, it’s a good idea to brush them daily or at least twice a week. 

6. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a head-turner, catching the eyes of everyone with its stunning looks. 

They are strikingly beautiful with captivating multi-colored eyes, a thick coat, and features resembling a wolf. It’s the kind of dog that can easily win anyone’s heart.

These dogs thrive on adventure and the great outdoors. So, if you’re someone who loves exploring and being active, a Siberian Husky could be the perfect furry companion for you.

Beyond their breathtaking appearance and love for outdoor activities, it’s interesting to note that Siberian Huskies are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. 

So, owning one of these majestic dogs means you’re connected to a piece of canine history. 

7. Bulldogs

Bulldogs are just about the kindest and most lovable dogs you can find. They’re super friendly and playful, especially with kids—they’ve got a soft spot for them. 

Now, here’s the thing to keep in mind: Bulldogs are not fans of hot or humid weather. 

So, if it’s a sunny day, keep their outdoor time short and make sure they have lots of water, as they can get overheated pretty quickly.

They’re known to be quite the snorers! So, you might want to keep some earplugs handy if you’re sharing a bedroom with your furry friend. 

Those adorable and affectionate qualities more than make up for a bit of nighttime noise. 

8. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd, sometimes called an “Alsation,” is a famous and easily recognizable working dog. 

These pups are not just good-looking; they’re super smart and can learn all sorts of tricks and tasks if you teach them. Also, they’re incredibly loyal and will go to great lengths to protect their owners.

You might have seen German Shepherds in action with the police or military, sniffing out drugs or helping with various tasks. 

These dogs also work as guide and therapy dogs, showing off their softer side. Beyond their impressive work skills, German Shepherds are awesome companions. 

They love hanging out with their humans, becoming fast friends and eager activity partners.

9. Poodles

Poodles are not just stylish, they’re also brainy and friendly companions. But they require some serious attention. 

First off, Poodles are like the Einstein of the dog world. They’re super smart, so they need both physical exercise and mental challenges to stay happy. 

They come in different sizes—standard, miniature, and toy—and regardless of size, they’re generally proud, playful, and friendly. 

Also, they get along well with other pets, strangers, and kids, which makes them quite versatile.

Poodles don’t shed a lot, but their hair tends to get tangled. So, you’ll need to brush them every other day and schedule a pro grooming session about every six weeks to keep them looking sharp.

10. Rottweilers

Rottweilers fall into the working group of dog breeds, meaning they’re happiest when they have a job to do. 

With their protective instincts, they excel as watch or guard dogs. Surprisingly, underneath their tough exterior, Rottweilers are loving and loyal, especially when trained and socialized properly.

These dogs are no lightweights, both in size and activity level. Standing between 22 to 27 inches and weighing 80 to 135 pounds, they’re big, sturdy companions.

Rottweilers are energetic and love to join you on jogs, long walks, and games.

You won’t hear them barking constantly; they save their vocal talents for safeguarding their territory and loved ones.

11. Beagles

Beagles are small hound dogs that are all about happiness and fun. 

These little guys are bursting with energy and need their daily dose of exercise, or your living room might become their playground.

What’s exceptional about Beagles is that they have a special talent. They are often seen in airports around the world. 

They can sniff out contraband as people pass through, all without being intimidating. It’s like having a furry detective on the case!

So, if you’re looking for a cheerful, active buddy who can keep up with your daily adventures and maybe even help out with some sniffing detective work, a Beagle could be the perfect fit for your home.

12. Daschund

Dachshunds, often nicknamed “weiner dogs” because of their long bodies and short legs, are a funny and curious bunch with tons of energy. 

But, as Dr. DeMarco notes, they can be a bit feisty, especially when it comes to protecting their turf. 

These little guys are vocal, and they’ll use their loud bark and bold personalities to let you know what’s on their minds.

The amount of fur care a dachshund needs depends on their coat type. Short-haired dachshunds are low-maintenance in the brushing department. 

On the other hand, long-haired dachshunds need daily brushing to prevent their hair from turning into a tangled mess. 

13. Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are loved for their small size, playful personalities, and cute hairstyles. 

Surprisingly, they’re not high-energy pups; a few walks a day are enough to keep them happy. 

These dogs are perfect for snuggling on your lap, and they’re known for being really affectionate.

Shih Tzus has a bit of a vocal side, like many small dogs. It’s a good idea to address barking early on to keep it in check.

Shih Tzus are low-shedders, so you won’t find too much hair around. However, they do need some pampering. A professional grooming session every four to six weeks will keep them looking their best. 

14. Boxers

With their muscular build, they’ve got a protective streak and need some training and lots of playtime. 

Now, here’s the thing; because they’re so protective, it’s essential to get them socialized early on to avoid any overly guarded behavior or too much barking at perceived threats.

But, don’t let that tough exterior fool you. Boxers are also known for being a bit of a comedian. They’re full of energy, loyal to the core, and love goofing around. 

When it comes to family, they’re great with kids and usually get along well with other pets. 

Just keep an eye on the kiddos because Boxers are speedy movers, and there’s a chance they might accidentally knock over little ones during their playful antics.

15. Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds are known for their non-stop energy and stunning coats. These guys are not just loyal and tough; they’re also pretty smart. And you can’t have a lazy day with an Aussie. 

They need a job to do and some training to keep them happy. So, if you’re someone who likes to stay active, Aussies could be your ideal companions.

Now, a lot of Aussie owners involve them in farm work or dog sports like agility, treibball, and flyball to keep them engaged. 

In the fashion department, Aussies rock a medium-length coat with average shedding. 

To keep them looking sharp, a good brushing once or twice a week should do the trick.

16. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are awesome family pets because they’re super loyal and love being close to their humans. 

Even though they’re pint-sized, they’re great travel buddies and will tag along on all your outings. But, fair warning, they can be a bit sassy and might bark at other people and dogs.

Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas are full of energy, so they need lots of playtime and walks to stay happy and healthy. When they feel threatened, they won’t hesitate to let out a bark, forgetting just how little they are.

Chihuahuas are moderate shedders. Whether your furry friend has long or short hair, their coat care is pretty manageable. The real focus should be on their teeth; daily brushing is a must to keep those pearly whites healthy.

If you’re ready for a pocket-sized, lively companion who’s big on love, a Chihuahua might be the perfect fit for your family. 

As we celebrate the unique qualities and characteristics of each breed, it’s clear that the connection between people and dogs keeps growing stronger. 

It does not matter whether you’re thinking about getting a new furry friend or just curious about the most popular dog breeds 2023, there are plenty of fantastic options for every dog lover out there.