Dachshunds Surge in Popularity, Overtaking French Bulldogs in US Rankings

The sausage-shaped hounds make a surprise appearance in the top 5 most prevalent dog breeds for the first time in over 20 years.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:45pm

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For the first time in over two decades, dachshunds have broken into the top 5 most prevalent dog breeds in the US, according to the latest rankings from the American Kennel Club. While French bulldogs, retrievers, and German shepherds remain popular, the rise of the quirky, expressive dachshund has surprised many. Animal rights groups have also raised concerns about the health impacts of breeding trends for certain dog breeds.

Why it matters

The annual AKC rankings provide insight into shifting pet ownership trends in the US, which can have implications for breeders, shelters, and the overall dog industry. The growing popularity of dachshunds, often driven by social media exposure, highlights how quickly breed preferences can change. However, this also raises concerns from animal welfare advocates about potential health issues associated with certain dog breeds.

The details

The AKC registry added around 54,000 French bulldogs last year, down significantly from the previous year. Meanwhile, dachshunds broke into the top 5 most prevalent breeds for the first time since the 1990s. Dachshund owners praise the breed's amusing and expressive nature, but the breed is also known to have an elevated risk of spinal issues due to their long backs and short legs. Animal rights groups like PETA have criticized the AKC for promoting the breeding of dogs with potential health problems.

  • The AKC rankings are released annually, with the latest data covering 2025.
  • Dachshunds last appeared in the top 5 most prevalent breeds over 20 years ago.

The players

American Kennel Club

The nation's oldest registry for purebred dogs, which tracks and publishes annual rankings of the most popular breeds in the United States.

PETA

An animal rights organization that has criticized the AKC for promoting the breeding of dogs with potential health issues, such as flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs.

Trudy Kawami

A long-time dachshund owner, breeder, and enthusiast who has experience with the breed in dog sports and hunting.

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What they’re saying

“They're amusing to look at. They're also very expressive dogs — they let you know what they're thinking. They make you laugh every day.”

— Trudy Kawami, Dachshund owner and enthusiast

“The proliferation of cute images on social media now is kind of a pain — because that cute little fluffy, cream-colored, long-haired dog can turn around and kill your pet gerbil really fast.”

— Trudy Kawami, Dachshund owner and enthusiast

“Breeders cash in on the look, and the dogs and their guardians pay for it.”

— Carol Leifer, Comedian, actor, and writer

What’s next

The AKC plans to continue monitoring trends in dog breed popularity, which can shift quickly due to factors like social media exposure and changing consumer preferences.

The takeaway

The rise of dachshunds in the AKC rankings highlights how quickly dog ownership trends can change, driven by factors like social media. However, this also raises concerns about potential health issues associated with certain breeds, underscoring the need for responsible breeding and consumer education when acquiring a new pet.