This dog breed is the most popular in Raleigh NC. Which others made the list?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- American Kennel Club studied dogs registered in Raleigh.
- Golden retrievers dethrone Labs as the city’s No. 1 most popular breed.
- French bulldogs take the top spot nationally and in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Move over, Labrador retrievers.
Golden retrievers now rank as the No. 1 most popular dog breed in Raleigh. The breed took the crown on an American Kennel Club list, ending a decades-long period of dominance for Labs.
“Retrievers have been a staple in Raleigh for many years,” Gina M. DiNardo, president and CEO of the American Kennel Cub, wrote in a Wednesday, March 18 news release. “Both goldens and Labs are excellent dogs for families and for those with an active lifestyle.”
So, which other types of dogs were named the most common? Here are the breeds that rounded out the top five:
- Labs at No. 2
- French bulldogs at No. 3
- Poodles at No. 4
- Beagles at No. 5
It turns out, the Raleigh results included “another shakeup.” Beagles surged from the No. 8 spot they held last year, bumping German shepherds out of the top five.
Why golden retrievers rank No. 1
To determine the top breeds, the American Kennel Club studied 2025 data from owners who registered dogs with Raleigh-area zip codes. Though the club wouldn’t share an exact number of pups in its registry, a spokesperson told The News & Observer there were “hundreds of thousands” as of March 2025.
In Raleigh, Labs had held on to the top spot since at least 2004. But now golden retrievers — known for their friendliness and signature shades of fur — reign supreme.
“They are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work,” the club wrote on its website.
Which other dog breeds are popular?
The American Kennel Club said it recognizes more than 200 dog breeds. Nationwide, French bulldogs have been named the most popular for the fourth year straight, The N&O previously reported.
To see the full list of the most common breeds in the United States, you can visit akc.org/most-popular-breeds. Here are the ones that landed in the top five:
- Labrador retrievers at No. 2
- Golden retrievers at No. 3
- German shepherds at No. 4
- Dachshunds at No. 5
Elsewhere in North Carolina, Charlotte followed the national trend, with French bulldogs ranking No. 1.
