Once Again, French Bulldog Sweeps Through the Windy City For #1

Nationally, French Bulldog Holds On To The Top Spot

NEW YORK, March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the fifth year in a row, the French Bulldog took Chicago’s top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC^®) 2025 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.

The French Bulldog was also recognized as the #1 pup in Atlanta, GA and Boston, MA.

Though Chicago’s top five dog breeds remained the same, the city’s top 20 saw some movement, with the Australian Shepherd jumping from #23 in 2024 to #11 in 2025 and the Dalmatian leaping from #69 in 2024 to #19 in 2025.

“The French Bulldog is a popular choice for singles, couples, and families alike,” said Gina M. DiNardo, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club. “Their alert nature, affectionate personality, and adaptability make them especially well-suited for city living.”

A breed's popularity does not mean it is the right breed for you. The AKC encourages dog lovers to do their research and find the right breed for your lifestyle to begin your journey of responsible dog ownership.

Chicago’s top 5 breeds for 2025:

1. French Bulldog
2. Golden Retriever
3. Bulldog
4. Labrador Retriever
5. German Shepherd Dog

* Registration data pulled from Chicago zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

The American Kennel Club also announced its nationwide rankings today, and the French Bulldog continues to warm hearts in the United States! The beloved French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the fourth year in a row, according to AKC registration statistics.

While the playful and adaptable French Bulldog’s popularity has cemented itself in the U.S., the iconic Dachshund has shaken up the rankings, landing at number five for the first time since 2003. In its wake, the Poodle drops down to sixth place. The Poodle had been holding steady at number five from 2021 to 2024.

Get social with the AKC! Join us on Facebook and Instagram.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Interviews on the most popular dogs in the U.S. or in your city can be arranged by contacting Jessica D’Amato at Jessica.damato@akc.org or 212-696-8346. Photos are available to members of the media upon request.] 

About the American Kennel Club

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 4,900 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, scent work, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.

Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @americankennelclub

Contact: Kalila Sample
Phone: (212) 696 8343
Email: kalila.sample@akc.org

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.