America Has a New Favorite Dog Breed — for the First Time in 31 Years

America has a new king of the kennel.

For the first time in 31 years, the nation’s top pooch is not the Labrador retriever. Instead, a new hound has taken the crown, according to the annual American Kennel Club rankings. The rankings are based on the number of AKC registrations received for each breed.

Following are the top breeds for 2022.

French bulldog

This dog breed’s popularity ranking: No. 1 in 2022 (up from No. 2 the prior year)

For years, the French bulldog has been rising in the rankings. After finishing 14th in 2012, it has steadily climbed to No. 1.

Registrations for French bulldogs have rising 1,000% over that span. In a summary of the latest rankings, Gina DiNardo, American Kennel Club executive secretary, says:

“The French Bulldog has seen a surge in popularity over the years, and for good reason. Frenchies are playful, adaptable, loyal and outgoing.”

Labrador retriever

This dog breed’s popularity ranking: No. 2 in 2022 (down from No. 1 the prior year)

The American Kennel Club describes the Labrador retriever as “sweet-faced” and “lovable.”

This breed is known for being friendly and outgoing. Labrador retrievers are considered to be great family dogs.

Golden retriever

This dog breed’s popularity ranking: No. 3 in 2022 (same as the prior year)

Golden retrievers are versatile. They are “serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue,” according to the American Kennel Club.

Another great family dog, the AKC notes that the golden retriever is “outgoing, trustworthy and eager-to-please.”

The rest of the top 10

Here are the rest of the most popular breeds in 2022, starting with No. 4:

• German shepherd
• Poodle
• Bulldog
• Rottweiler
• Beagle
• Dachshund
• German shorthaired pointer