Atlanta’s Top Dog? The Labrador Retriever

It’s a dog eat dog world out there, but in Atlanta, it’s a Lab’s world, as in Labrador Retriever! The breed once again took Atlanta’s top woof in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) 2024 ranking of the most popular dog breeds in the country.

 The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was knocked out of the city’s top five, but joined the Yorkshire Terriers, Boxers and Rottweilers in the top 10.

“The Labrador Retriever held strongly to the number one spot in Atlanta,” AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo said in a statement. “But the Bulldog is certainly pawing its way up the ranks, landing only one place behind its cousin, the French Bulldog.”

For 2023 (the latest full AKC city-specific ranking available, released in March 2024), Atlanta’s top breeds mirrored the national shift where the French Bulldog overtook the Labrador Retriever. In Atlanta specifically:
  1. French Bulldog – This compact, playful breed has surged to #1, reflecting its appeal in urban settings like Atlanta’s bustling neighborhoods.
  2. Labrador Retriever – A longtime favorite, Labs slid to #2 but remain beloved for their friendly, family-oriented nature.
  3. Golden Retriever – Steady at #3, Goldens thrive in Atlanta’s suburban and park-rich areas like Piedmont Park.
  4. Poodle – Ranking high (around #4 in Atlanta), Poodles (all sizes) are prized for their intelligence and low-shedding coats.
  5. German Shepherd Dog – Often #5 locally, these loyal, versatile dogs are popular beyond the city’s urban core.
Looking ahead to 2025, the AKC hasn’t released the official 2024 data yet (expected later this month), but early indicators suggest the French Bulldog will likely hold its lead in Atlanta, given its 98,500 registrations nationally in 2023 and continued urban popularity.
Labs and Goldens are expected to stay strong contenders, while breeds like the Dachshund (up nationally to #6 in 2023) and Rottweiler (down to #8) might shift Atlanta’s lower top-10 ranks.
Locally, Atlanta’s pet-friendly culture—think BeltLine trails and spots like Skiptown—boosts breeds suited to city life or outdoor fun.
A 2019 Rover report once pegged the American Pit Bull Terrier as Atlanta’s top pick, but AKC data focuses on purebred registrations, where pits rank lower (e.g., #16 nationally then). Today, mixes like Goldendoodles also pop up in Atlanta conversations, though they don’t crack AKC’s purebred list.

Last Woof

Don’t just watch TV or read about the city, get out and explore Atlanta. Buckhead offers diverse things to do, including dining options, from fine dining to trendy cafes, and some of the city’s best rooftop bars with skyline views.

Boutique shops, unique galleries, and retail options add to Midtown Atlanta’s charm for those looking to shop local or find unique items.

Downtown Atlanta is a hub for tech companies, startups, and corporate offices, giving it an energetic, innovative vibe.

Tee Johnson: Tee Johnson is the co-founder of AtlantaFi.com and as an unofficial ambassador of the city, she's a lover of all things Atlanta. She writes about Travel News, Events, Business, Hair Care (Wigs!) and Money.