French bulldogs are top dog in Columbus and nationally, per AKC

Columbus shares the nation's penchant for an adorable, playful and compact dog breed: the French Bulldog.

For the fourth year in a row, the French Bulldog was the most popular pooch registered with the American Kennel Club, according to its newly announced 2025 rankings. The breed also took the top spot this year in cities including Columbus; Tuscon, Arizona; and Tampa, Florida.

French Bulldogs are held by their owners in a competition judging ring. The dogs were the most popular breed in Columbus, according to the AKC.

“It is not a surprise that the French Bulldog has kept its coveted spot as top dog four years in a row,” said AKC President and CEO Gina DiNardo in a media release. “They are playful, loyal, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions."

The AKC maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world.

The most popular dog in Columbus overall is likely a humble mutt. Mixed dogs are by far the most popular in Franklin County, according to a a list from the Franklin County Auditor's office of dogs licensed with the county in 2023.

But when it comes to purebred dogs, Columbus' top five breeds registered with the AKC in 2025 were: