The American Kennel Club just released their 2025 rankings! As a groomer, I see trends in the dogs that come through my door — and these breeds are definitely the ones I work with most. Here's the list plus my grooming tips for each.
#1
French Bulldog
The Frenchie holds the top spot for the third year running! These compact, bat-eared charmers have won America's heart with their big personalities and apartment-friendly size.
Grooming Needs: Low maintenance coat, but those facial wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infections. Weekly wipe-downs are essential. Watch for skin allergies — very common in this breed.
#2
Labrador Retriever
After 31 years at #1, Labs are still America's favorite family dog. Friendly, outgoing, and great with kids — it's easy to see why.
Grooming Needs: Double coat = major shedding! Regular brushing (2-3x weekly) and deshedding treatments help keep the fur tumbleweeds under control. They love water, so baths are usually easy.
#3
The quintessential family dog. Gentle, intelligent, and always happy to see you. Goldens are natural therapy and service dogs.
Grooming Needs: That beautiful flowing coat requires commitment — brushing several times a week, regular trimming of feathers (legs, chest, tail), and watch for ear infections. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks recommended.
See our full Golden Retriever grooming guide →
#4
German Shepherd
Loyal, confident, and incredibly smart. German Shepherds excel as working dogs and devoted family protectors.
Grooming Needs: Heavy shedders, especially during "coat blowing" seasons (spring and fall). Regular brushing is a must. Their dense double coat benefits from professional deshedding treatments.
#5
Poodle
Don't let the fancy haircuts fool you — Poodles are athletic, intelligent dogs that come in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, Toy). They're also the foundation of all those popular "doodle" mixes!
Grooming Needs: HIGH maintenance! That curly, non-shedding coat mats easily and requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Daily brushing at home is essential. The good news? Great for allergy sufferers.
#6
Dachshund
These little "wiener dogs" have big personalities packed into long, low bodies. Brave, curious, and often stubborn!
Grooming Needs: Depends on coat type — smooth coats need minimal grooming, while long-haired and wire-haired varieties need more attention. All Dachshunds benefit from regular nail trims (their low stance makes long nails uncomfortable).
#7
Beagle
Those floppy ears and soulful eyes! Beagles are friendly, curious scent hounds that make great family pets. Just watch your snacks — they'll find them.
Grooming Needs: Moderate shedders with easy-care coats. The main concern? Those ears! Floppy ears trap moisture and need regular cleaning to prevent infections.
#8
Rottweiler
Powerful and protective, Rottweilers are devoted guardians with a surprisingly goofy side. They're big softies with their families.
Grooming Needs: Short, dense coat that's relatively low maintenance. Weekly brushing keeps shedding manageable. They're prone to skin issues, so regular baths with quality shampoo help.
#9
Bulldog
The Bulldog dropped from #7 this year but remains beloved for their calm, courageous nature and unmistakable wrinkly face.
Grooming Needs: Like Frenchies, those wrinkles need daily attention! Clean and dry the folds to prevent bacterial and yeast infections. Also prone to skin allergies and overheating.
#10
German Shorthaired Pointer
An athletic hunting breed that's become a popular choice for active families. High energy and always ready for adventure.
Grooming Needs: Low maintenance coat — occasional brushing and baths as needed. Focus on nail trims and ear cleaning. These active dogs may need more frequent baths if they're always getting into things outdoors!
Notable Trends in 2025
- Cane Corso continues to rise in popularity — these powerful Italian mastiffs are gaining fans
- Mixed breeds (especially doodles) remain hugely popular, even though they don't make the AKC purebred list
- Kerry Blue Terrier jumped 25 spots — possibly due to their hypoallergenic coat
What This Means for Grooming
Every breed on this list has different grooming needs, from the low-maintenance Frenchie to the high-maintenance Poodle. The key is understanding YOUR dog's coat type and keeping up with regular maintenance.
Not sure what your dog needs? Bring them in! I'm happy to assess their coat and create a grooming schedule that works for both of you.
— Venus 🐕