Raleigh's Golden Era has begun with the Golden Retriever taking over the top spot as Raleigh's most popular dog breed according to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2025 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.
The Golden Retriever took the top spot in Raleigh, Seattle and Austin, Texas.
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President and CEO of the AKC Gina M. Dinardo says, "Retrievers have been staples in Raleigh for many years, both Goldens and Labs are excellent dog for families and for those with active lifestyles." The AKC encourages doing your research before selecting a dog and not to make the selection based off of popularity.
The American Kennel Club also announced its nationwide rankings on March 18, and the French Bulldog claimed the top spot nationwide. It is America’s most popular breed for the fourth year in a row, according to AKC registration statistics.
Raleigh’s top 5 breeds for 2025:
1. Golden Retriever
2. Labrador Retriever
3. French Bulldog
4. Poodle
5. Beagle
2025 most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
1. French Bulldog
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Dachshund
