Blog Most Popular Dog Names and Breeds
If you are naming a new puppy, there is a good chance you have already heard a few of the names on the current most-popular list. Luna, Bella, Daisy and Lucy are still favorites for girl dogs, while Max has made his way back to the top for boys.
The American Kennel Club’s latest available rankings give us a pretty good snapshot of what dog owners are choosing right now. The breed rankings are based on AKC registration statistics, so they do not represent every dog in the United States, but they do show which AKC-recognized breeds are being registered most often.
The 10 most popular dog breeds in 2025
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Dachshund
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Rottweiler
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Bulldog
There is one pretty big change from the old list: the Labrador Retriever is no longer sitting at No. 1. After 31 years at the top, the Lab has been No. 2 for the third year in a row. The French Bulldog has held the No. 1 spot for four consecutive years. The Dachshund also moved into the top five in 2025, passing the Poodle.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is another breed worth watching. It moved from No. 10 in 2024 to No. 9 in 2025, while the Bulldog moved in the opposite direction.
Popularity does not tell you which breed is “best.” A Frenchie, Lab and Dachshund have very different personalities, exercise needs and grooming routines. If you are choosing a dog, the better question is whether the breed fits your home and your daily routine.
The most popular dog names in 2025
The AKC’s latest list has a few familiar names, but there are some new faces in the top 10.
Girl dog names
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Lucy
- Ruby
- Willow
- Maggie
- Penny
- Nova
- Sadie
Boy dog names
- Max
- Hank
- Teddy
- Cooper
- Gus
- Bear
- Duke
- Maverick
- Charlie
- Finn
Luna has held the No. 1 spot for girl dogs, while Max returned to No. 1 for boys after being replaced by Milo in 2024. Hank had one of the biggest jumps on the list, going from No. 35 in 2024 to No. 2 in 2025. Ruby also made a big move, climbing from No. 16 to No. 5.
And then there are the names that refuse to disappear. Bella, Daisy, Lucy, Cooper and Charlie have been popular choices for years. Some names simply work.
Does your dog’s breed affect their name?
Sometimes it does. People tend to pick names based on a dog’s appearance, personality or the image they have in mind when they bring the puppy home. A tiny Dachshund named Bear might be funny. A giant dog named Tiny works too.
The breed can also affect the kind of care your dog needs. Coat type, size and temperament all matter when you are choosing activities, grooming routines and dog care.
That is one reason group play matters at Very Important Paws. VIP has six play groups organized by size and temperament, along with indoor and outdoor play areas, enrichment activities and a bone-shaped pool. Dogs can spend the day playing and socializing in a group that fits them instead of being thrown into one giant group of unfamiliar dogs.
For dogs who need a little more structure, VIP also has training programs, including puppy training, group training and private lessons. Professional grooming can also help keep different coat types looking and feeling their best, especially for breeds that require more regular maintenance.
A popular name can be fun, but your dog does not care whether they are No. 1 on a list. They care that you call their name, fill the bowl and know exactly where the treats are kept. And if you are currently trying to name a new puppy, there is a good chance one of those 20 names above is already on your shortlist.