Good Dog’s 2025 dog breed trends

2025 was the year of the Dachshund, the Harrier, and the rare Spaniels. As the year comes to a close, we reviewed the Good Dog data that defined it, the top breeds, the preservation breeders finding great homes for their puppies, and other shifts shaping the dog world.

Here’s a look at what stood out.

The most popular breeds of the year

There were familiar faces on top again this year. The little badger hunter from Germany unsurprisingly claimed the lead spot. The classic retrievers, Goldens and Labradors, and lapdog darlings like the Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier rounded out the top ten.

Maybe it’s their low-to-the-ground stature, maybe it’s their colossal personalities. Whatever the reason, Dachshunds were still the dog in everyone’s hearts in 2025. As canine specialist Carolyn Coile put it, “Dachshunds make you smile. They’re funny, brash and fearless to a fault, that best buddy who’s always pushing the boundaries. And who doesn’t love that?"

The rarest breeds that went home

You're unlikely to stumble across breeds like the Harrier or Clumber Spaniel, even if you’re looking hard. In 2025, preservation breeders on Good Dog found loving homes for these rare breeds, helping keep their legacy and the traditions that surround them alive.

Good Dog breeder Lori of Darkfire Harriers raises her puppies in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. With an estimated 2,000 Harriers left in the world, her work is more than a labor of love, it’s essential to ensure a healthy future for this ancient English pack hound. “Harriers are so rare,” said Lori. “Protecting and preserving rare breeds is a serious responsibility. Partnering with Good Dog has been a game changer for finding great homes for my puppies.”

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More about the breeds

Clumber Spaniel: For centuries, the Clumber Spaniel was bred by British nobility to hunt game through dense rhododendron forests. As traditional hunting declined, preservation breeders have worked to protect the history of this rare spaniel, known best for its regal yet goofy demeanor.

Field Spaniel: Affectionately called the “Fieldie,” this English hunting spaniel is among the rarest in the world. Once popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, today’s Fieldies trace back to just a handful of dogs after nearly disappearing by mid-century.

Harrier: The Harrier is an English scent hound older than the Foxhound, bred for hunting hares at a pace suited to hunters on foot rather than horseback. Between a Beagle and an American Foxhound in size, the breed is incredibly scarce today and is best known for its strong scenting ability and the unique "grumbling" sounds it tends to make.

Cesky Terrier: Known as one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, the Cesky Terrier is a Czech breed originally bred to navigate fox dens and hunt other small game. They were developed out of a desire to create the perfect combination of hunter and companion.

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Breeds on the rise

There was also growing interest in breeds that are still under the radar. It was a big year for Belgian herding breeds, with the Laekenois and Sheepdog jumping significantly in popularity. England’s regal and goofy Clumber Spaniel topped the list despite being a rare breed. Japan’s athletic, fox-like Shikoku and the English Cocker Spaniel, not to be confused with the American, rounded out the breeds on the rise.

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More about the breeds

Clumber Spaniel: Originally from France and refined in England, the Clumber Spaniel charmed aristocrats with its regal demeanor and penchant for mischief. Today, their droopy faces and quirky personalities are helping spark new interest in the breed, thanks in part to preservation breeders.

Belgian Laekenois: The Belgian Laekenois, one of four Belgian Shepherds, was first used to herd sheep and guard drying laundry in open fields. Later serving as messenger and utility dogs in both World Wars, the breed declined sharply afterward, with preservation breeders working to restore their numbers.

Shikoku: The Shikoku, one of Japan’s six native breeds, is the larger cousin of the Shiba Inu and was developed on Shikoku Island to hunt wild boar and deer. Though still rare outside Japan, their bold, athletic nature and unique temperament are leading to growing awareness.

Belgian Sheepdog: The Belgian Sheepdog is known for its intelligence and versatility, excelling in herding, guarding, and service work. They played key roles during World War I and beyond, serving as messenger, ambulance, and guide dogs.

English Cocker Spaniel: Small but mighty, the English Cocker Spaniel was developed to hunt woodcocks under dense brush. More robust than the American Cocker, they’ve charmed hunters and royals alike with their cheerful temperament.

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The most memorable puppy names

Part of planning a litter for a Good Dog breeder often means coming up with a theme, and themes can lead to creative puppy names. Most notably this year were Roasted Turkey from the Thanksgiving litter, joined by his siblings Biscuit and Cranberry, and Mr. Perfect, who earned his name because he was, well, perfect. Other standouts from 2025 included Hot Lips Hula Hoop and Bus.

Where Good Dog dogs live

Careful puppy placements are happening from the windy streets of Illinois to the peach-tree-lined towns of Georgia. But which cities have the most dog lovers? In 2025, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, and Houston led the way, bringing home more Good Dog puppies than any other city in the U.S.

Ready to find your dog?

As for what 2026 holds, the Dachshund may continue its reign, or an unlikely contender like the English Cocker Spaniel may keep rising. Either way, if you’re looking for a specific breed, it’s important to do your research, ask your breeder the right questions, and make sure you find the right fit for you.

Whether you’ve got your heart set on a tried and true popular breed or you’re interested in exploring rarer breeds from a preservation breeder, Good Dog makes it safe and simple to connect with responsible, vetted breeders, shelters, and rescues across the country. When you’re ready, start your search and feel confident about finding the right dog for you.