# US dog breed popularity shift

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-dog-breed-popularity-shift
> Updated: 2026-07-27T01:10:22.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In July 2026 the Labrador Retriever was reported as the most popular dog breed in 28 U.S. states. Two weeks later, new American Kennel Club registration data showed the French Bulldog had become the nation's top‑registered breed, surpassing the Labrador Retriever overall. Analysts attribute the change to the French Bulldog’s compact size and suitability for apartment living. Despite the national lead, the Labrador Retriever remained the preferred breed in many states, including New York, while other regions favored Golden Retrievers or mixed breeds, highlighting ongoing regional variation in canine preferences across the United States.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-27: French Bulldog Becomes America’s Top Dog Breed, Overtaking Labrador Retriever

The French Bulldog now tops U.S. AKC registrations, overtaking the Labrador Retriever, which still leads in most states.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-bulldog-overtakes-labrador-retriever-as-americas-top-dog-breed

### 2026-07-12: Labrador Retrievers Lead as Most Popular Dog Breed in 28 US States

TrustedHousesitters data finds Labrador Retrievers most popular in 28 US states; other states favor breeds like Australian Cattle Dog, German Shepherd, Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Cockapoo,

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/labrador-retrievers-lead-as-most-popular-dog-breed-in-28-us-states

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Cite as: US dog breed popularity shift. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-dog-breed-popularity-shift