The Ultimate Guide to 2024’s Most Popular Dog Breeds

The top dog breeds of 2024 showcase a blend of beloved favorites and exciting newcomers. Wondering which breeds stole the spotlight this year? Whether you’re looking for your next furry companion or simply love keeping up with canine trends, we’ve got you covered.

We spoke with Caroline Wilkinson, a certified canine behaviorist and founder of Barket Place, to understand why certain breeds rise in popularity. Factors like temperament, trainability, adaptability, and even media appearances all play a role in their widespread appeal.

Here are the most popular dogs of 2024!

1. French Bulldog

This breed’s mix of cuteness and practicality makes it a favorite. Frenchies are easygoing, great with kids, and bond closely with their families. Their small size and relaxed nature make them perfect for apartment living, and they only need a couple of short walks each day.

Frenchies are playful and silly, always keeping you entertained. Plus, their short coats are low-maintenance and easy to care for. Their cute bat-like ears make them even more adorable!

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers have remained a top choice for dog lovers due to their friendly, loyal, and outgoing nature. Labs are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train for obedience, therapy, or service work. Their gentle temperament makes them an excellent fit for families, including homes with children or other pets. This energetic, medium-to-large breed thrives in active households and loves outdoor activities like running, swimming, and playing fetch. Their enthusiasm and love for people make them a truly beloved companion.

3. Poodle

Poodles come in three sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—making them adaptable companions for both cozy apartments and large homes. While they adjust well to different environments, their high energy levels mean they need daily exercise and mental challenges to stay happy and healthy.

According to Wilkinson, “Their popularity is largely due to their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.”

Poodles require regular grooming to keep their curly coats from matting, and many owners embrace stylish cuts that highlight their elegance. Beyond their intelligence and beauty, Poodles are deeply affectionate and form strong bonds with their families, making them loving and loyal companions.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers embody loyalty, intelligence, and an always-cheerful personality. With a moderate energy level, they thrive on outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, and a good game of fetch. Their friendly and social nature makes them instant best friends with people, children, and other pets alike. While their stunning golden double coat adds to their charm, it also means regular shedding—so keeping a vacuum and lint roller handy is a must! Despite the extra grooming, their affectionate and loving nature makes them one of the most cherished family companions.

5. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are admired for their intelligence, bravery, and unmatched versatility. These loyal and highly trainable dogs excel in various roles, including police work, search and rescue, and service assistance. At home, they are affectionate, protective, and eager to please, making them wonderful family companions. Known for their strong bond with their owners, they are great with children and can get along well with other dogs when properly socialized. With their high energy levels, they thrive in active households that can provide plenty of exercise and mental challenges to keep them happy and engaged.

6. Dachshund

With their signature long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds (often called Doxies) come in both standard and miniature sizes.

“The miniature variety is especially popular due to its compact, easy-to-carry size,” says Wilkinson.

Despite their small stature, Dachshunds have bold and lively personalities. While they aren’t built for endurance running or high jumps, they bring enthusiasm and playfulness to everyday life.

Wilkinson also notes, “These dogs tend to be vocal and can become overwhelmed by new people, dogs, or unfamiliar experiences.”

Fortunately, with consistent training methods like desensitization and counter-conditioning, their reactivity can be managed, helping them become well-adjusted companions.

7. English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are adored for their laid-back, affectionate nature and unmistakable wrinkled faces. These sturdy, compact dogs form deep bonds with their families and are known for their gentle, easygoing temperament, making them excellent companions for children and seniors alike.

Despite their muscular build, Bulldogs are true cuddle bugs, often believing they’re lap dogs, happily curling up with their owners. They have moderate exercise needs, thriving on about 30 minutes of gentle activity like leisurely walks or a relaxed game of fetch. Their loving personality and low-maintenance lifestyle make them a perfect fit for many households.

8. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are strong, loyal, and deeply affectionate companions. Known for their natural guarding instincts, they make excellent family protectors while also being loving and playful with those they trust. Despite their imposing appearance, Rotties (as they’re affectionately called) form strong bonds with their families and thrive on companionship.

These intelligent dogs mature slowly, often taking 12 to 18 months to reach full adulthood. They require at least an hour of daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Without proper engagement, their curious nature may lead to mischief—like chewing on furniture! With the right care and training, Rottweilers make devoted and well-mannered family members.

9. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas may be small, but their personalities are anything but! Known for their bold and spirited nature, they have remained one of the most popular dog breeds. These tiny yet fiercely loyal companions form deep bonds with their owners and thrive on affection. Highly adaptable, Chihuahuas are just as comfortable in a bustling city apartment as they are in a spacious country home. Despite their petite size, their alertness and confidence make them excellent watchdogs. Adding to their appeal, they are easy to carry around and require minimal grooming—perfect for pet parents with a busy lifestyle.

10. Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle, a delightful mix of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, combines the best traits of both beloved breeds. Known for their intelligence, friendly demeanor, and low-shedding coats, these affectionate dogs make wonderful companions. Their social nature allows them to get along effortlessly with children, other pets, and even strangers, making them an excellent choice for families.

Goldendoodles are energetic and thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation, making them perfect for active households. With their adorable, teddy bear-like appearance and warm, loving personalities, it’s no wonder they’ve captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.

Conclusion

If you’re still searching for the perfect breed, your options are far from limited. While these are the most popular dogs of 2024, many other incredible breeds offer unique personalities and traits. Whether you’re drawn to the boundless energy of a Border Collie or Siberian Husky or prefer a cuddly companion like a Shih Tzu or Maltese, there’s a dog to fit every lifestyle.

To make the best choice, take time to research each breed’s temperament, care needs, and activity levels. Visiting reputable breed organizations, shelters, or rescue groups can provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect furry companion.