The American Kennel Club(AKC) recently released its annual list of the mostpopular dog breeds, and this year’s results are largely similar to 2022.

The French Bulldogmaintained the title of the most popular dog breed in the U.S. In fact, the topfive dog breeds are the same, though there was some shuffling in the back halfof this list. The Rottweiler, for instance, moved to number nine from its previousposition at seven, with the Dachshund gaining popularity in 2023.

What other dog breeds were deemed the mostpopular in the country? We’ve got a rundown of the results, and what you canexpect from each if you’re looking to add one of these sought-after breeds toyour home.

1. French Bulldog

They enjoy short walks, fetch, andgames of tug-of-war. Their smaller size is ideal for any type of home, whichhas no doubt contributed to their popularity. French Bulldogs are prone to a handfulof health issues, though, including brachycephalic airway syndrome, ear infections, and backinjuries.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers areknown for their affectionate nature toward everyone they meet—evenstrangers—and they do exceptionally well with children andother dogs. This breed loves the water and makes a great companion for familieswho spend a lot of time outdoors.  

Labrador Retrievers love to play and areknown to be highly energetic throughout most of their lives. They’re a generally healthy breed, but commonhealth issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, andexercise-induced collapse.

3. Golden Retriever

Another one of the most popular breeds isthe Golden Retriever. They’reconsidered an intelligent, loyal,easy-to-train, and very affectionate breed. Like Labs, Golden Retrievers makewonderful family dogs because they’re great with young children and otherpups.   

Goldens enjoy a wide variety of activities,including running, long walks,retrieving, and swimming. They alsomake excellent therapy dogs and guide dogs for people with impaired vision.Golden Retrievers are usually healthy dogs, but due to poor breeding, some mayhave allergies, heart disease, eye issues, and hip dysplasia.   

4. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are large yetagile, muscular, highly intelligent, and loyal dogs. They’re a breed known fortheir confidence, loyalty, and bravery. These pups love having a job to do, andGerman Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs in the military and policefor patrolling, bomb sniffing, and search and rescue.   

Although they have a long life expectancy for alarge breed dog, they are prone to health issues such as gastric dilation and volvulus (whichcan be life-threatening), as well as cancer, allergies,and heart disease. 

5. Poodle

As an athletic, smart, and good-naturedbreed, the Poodle rounds out the topfive most popular dog breeds. Their recognizable curly coat gives them theirreputation as “hypoallergenic” dogs andrequires regular and consistent grooming by a professional to stay healthy andtangle-free.   

Poodles generally have a kind and friendlypersonality, but they’re very energetic and do best with regular exercise andtraining. A few health issues to keep an eye on include hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, and Von Willebrand disease.

6. Dachshund

Dachshunds arecommonly called “Doxies,” or “wiener dogs,” and they’re known for their longsilhouette, short and muscular legs, brave and energetic personality, and alertnature. They’re also known for being willful, headstrong, playful, andmischievous.   

Although they’re down for anything theirfavorite humans are doing, these pups aren’t built for extensive running,jumping, or swimming—all these activities can make them susceptible to injuringtheir long back. Instead, try activities like scent tracking, nose work,and puzzle toys.   

7. Bulldog

Another identifiable breed—thanks to theirwide stance, muscular low profile, and flat and wrinkled face with anunderbite—Bulldogs oftendisplay a friendly temperament.   

Though they have a reputation for laziness,but the breed does enjoy and benefit from daily moderate exercise. Exercisecould include brisk walks and backyard games of tug-of-war, but keep allexercise out of the sun—thanks to their smooshed-in face,Bulldogs can easily overheat. Bulldogsalso commonly have skin and ear issues, most often due to allergies or moisturegetting trapped in their adorable wrinkles.   

8. Beagle

Beagles arefamously led by their nose. This makes them a curious breed, but they’re alsoloving, affectionate, and active. Their sense of smell keeps their nose to theground, and they love wagging their tails.   

Beagles are also very smart, but they canbe willful and have a short attention span when it comes to training. Theyrespond best when you tap into their food-motivated nature! Common healthissues that can afflict Beagles include ear infections, obesity, allergies,and cherry eye.

9. Rottweiler

Moving up a spot on the most popular dogbreed list, Rottweilers are loyal dogsthat are eager to please their humans. They’re intelligent and respond well topositive reinforcement training, but if they grow bored they can developunwanted behaviors to entertain themselves.   

Providing mental stimulation is importantfor Rottweilers. They’re fans of running, hiking, dock diving, andtracking. Despite how active they are, the breed is prone to health problemsincluding obesity and bone cancer.

10. German Shorthaired Pointer 

German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPfor short) are known for their speed, agility, and endurance. They’re oftentrained as hunting dogs andwill point and signal when they’re trailing a game scent by stopping andstanding with their nose pointing in the direction of the scent.   

Despite their need for adventure, they’retypically a low-maintenance breed. Running, fetching, or agility games aregreat ways to spend time with them. But be on the lookout for health issuessuch as bloat, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia.