Are you looking for the ideal dog breed to join your home, or simply curious to know which furry friends are popular in 2025? You’ve come to the right place. Overall, the passion of the French for their canine companions continues to grow. According to the latest figures from the Société Centrale Canine (SCC), there have been more than 2.7 million registrations in the LOF (French Book of Origins) since the past decade. And no joke, some breeds really stand out.
In this article, we reveal the top 10 favorite dog breeds in 2025, with recent statistics, practical advice, and little anecdotes. Whether you are a fan of large protective dogs, mini breeds that fit in a bag, or tireless athletes, you will surely find your happiness. So, hold on tight, here we go!
1. Australian Shepherd
In 2025, the Australian Shepherd confirms its status as a star in French households. The 2025 SCC data shows more than 43,000 LOF registrations for this breed, an increase of 12% compared to 2023. This means that the Aussie – as it is affectionately called – is clearly on the rise.
- Characteristics: Hyperactive, playful, intelligent (provided you offer enough mental and physical stimulation). Its merle coat (blue or red) and heterochromia eyes attract all eyes.
- Why such success: Its “sporty plush toy” look combined with great intelligence makes it a particularly Instagrammable dog. Jokes aside, it truly appeals to sporty families thanks to its sociability and ease of learning.
- Practical advice: Make sure to give it at least 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise (agility, hikes, canicross…). Otherwise, it may pace around and take its frustrations out… on your couch.
2. Belgian Malinois Shepherd
Another hyperactive shepherd dog experiencing renewed interest: the Malinois. The 2025 LOF statistics report about 40,000 registrations, a 15% increase compared to 2022. Cherry on top, it is often featured as a working dog (police, security), which has made it very media-friendly.
- Characteristics: It is often described as a “learning machine” because it learns quickly. Protective of its family, it nevertheless requires firm (but positive) training and sustained physical exercise.
- Why such success: Its image as an elite dog, its presence, and versatility appeal to owners looking for a sporty and obedient companion. It is also very agile and always ready for new adventures.
- Practical advice: Overall, it is preferable to join a dog club or have experience in training, because a Malinois that is poorly channeled can cause sparks (figuratively speaking, of course).
3. Labrador Retriever
In other words, the Labrador remains an unshakable top 3 in 2025, with an estimated 38,000 LOF registrations this year. It is still the perfect companion for family life, a super gentle dog with children.
- Characteristics: It should be noted that the Labrador is naturally affectionate, easy to train (although sometimes a bit stubborn), and a big eater. Result: monitoring its weight is essential.
- Why such success: Its reputation as a “big cuddly teddy bear” is well established. It is also very popular as a guide dog for the blind or assistance dog.
- Practical advice: Respect its need for outings, water games (it loves swimming), and split its meals well to avoid overweight.
4. Golden Retriever
Overall, the Golden Retriever closely follows its cousin the Labrador, with 36,500 LOF registrations in 2025. It stands out for its golden coat and legendary calmness.
- Characteristics: Naturally gentle and joyful, it has excellent contact with children and is patient. It is also an ideal dog for animal-assisted therapy.
- Why such success: Its “friendly dog” look charms many families. Its learning abilities and sensitivity regularly place it among the top list of “cuddly” dogs.
- Practical advice: Ensure regular grooming, as its longer coat requires some maintenance.
5. Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie)
Surprising to some, the Staffie has been climbing the rankings since 2020 and remains in the top 5 with approximately 29,000 LOF registrations. Provided you offer him proper socialization, he is known to be an adorable “Nanny Dog.”
- Characteristics: Small build but powerful musculature, he is very playful, clingy, and protective. He is especially suitable for active families.
- Why such success: His “mini-molossus” look and gentle qualities towards children are appealing. Good to know, he also attracts owners looking for a sporty dog that is not cumbersome.
- Practical advice: Do not neglect the obligation of early socialization (other dogs, children) so that he remains cool in all circumstances.
6. Cavalier King Charles
Joking aside, his little aristocrat look did not prevent the Cavalier King Charles from reaching 25,000 LOF registrations in 2025. He remains a safe choice for those who want a small, calm, and very affectionate dog.
- Characteristics: Long ears, silky coat, gentle character, it is always pleasant to cuddle with him on the couch. However, he may develop heart problems (MVD) with age.
- Why such success: It is true that he adapts very well to apartment living and loves human company, an ideal companion for less sporty people.
- Practical advice: Regular veterinary follow-up (especially cardiac) is recommended, as well as attention to his weight, because he exercises less than a larger dog.
7. French Bulldog
In other words, the “Frenchie” continues to be trendy, supported by approximately 22,000 LOF registrations this year. He still has that brachycephalic charm that makes people fall for him, despite the respiratory health challenges he may face.
- Characteristics: Small size, bat ears, flat muzzle. His funny side and closeness to his owners are great, but his sensitivity to heat requires caution in summer.
- Why such success: It is “city-friendly” for many urban families. Influencers and celebrities have also propelled it into the spotlight (Instapet, etc.).
- Practical advice: Beware of snoring (some find it cute, others less so). In other words, monitor its weight and limit extreme heat.
8. Chihuahua
Still in the top 10, the Chihuahua maintains 18,000 LOF registrations in 2025, proof of its “mini-format” success.
- Characteristics: The smallest dog in the world, certainly, but with a sometimes strong-willed character. It can bark at anything and everything if not trained, but is ultra-loyal to its owner.
- Why such success: Easy to carry, takes up little space, it adapts well to apartment living and gains fans on social media.
- Practical advice: Early socialization and training are essential to prevent it from becoming a little dictator.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
With 15,000 LOF registrations, the Jack Russell maintains its rank among favorite dogs, despite its reputation for boundless energy.
- Characteristics: A compact, lively, and very intelligent terrier, capable of jumping high and running fast. It can be stubborn, so positive training is recommended.
- Why such success: Its small size + great vitality = a mix that appeals to sporty owners or fans of short hikes. Good to know, it requires significant daily exercise.
- Practical advice: If you prefer the couch to running, it’s better to choose a calmer dog, as the Jack Russell can climb the walls to burn off energy.
10. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd still totals 12,000 LOF registrations (2025 estimate) in France, even if it is a bit less “trendy” than in the 90s.
- Characteristics: Versatile, used in police, security, but also a wonderful family dog if properly socialized. It protects its home and remains a reliable companion.
- Why such success: Its look of a great shepherd inspires confidence, and its intelligence allows it to take on multiple roles (guardian, herding dog, search dog).
- Practical advice: Check the origin (serious breeding) to limit hip dysplasia, which is common in this breed.
Conclusion: a Top 10 that reflects the French love for dynamic and human-oriented dogs
To summarize, this 2025 ranking shows strong trends: sporty breeds (Australian Shepherd, Malinois) continue to climb thanks to their intelligence and “active” image, while reliable favorites like the Labrador, Golden Retriever, or German Shepherd remain close to the hearts of the French. Small sizes (Staffie, Chihuahua, French Bulldog) are not left behind, proving that in France, all dog sizes find their audience.
It is true that choosing a dog must be done taking into account your lifestyle: available time, space, budget, aspirations (sports, city life, etc.). To summarize, a Belgian Malinois Shepherd will not suit a person who is not very sporty, just as a French Bulldog will have more difficulty with canicross… which means you need to be well informed before falling in love. Good to know, a crush on a look is not enough: make sure you can meet the real needs of the selected breed.
It is always appreciated to consult passionate breeders, to exchange with owners on forums, or even to meet associations to make an informed decision. Cherry on the cake, don’t forget the many mixed-breed or non-pedigree dogs that make excellent companions. The main thing is to give a loving and suitable home to these bundles of fur, whether they are in the top 10… or not!
FAQ
What is the most important criterion for choosing a breed? It should be noted that you must first analyze your own lifestyle (sporty, homebody, presence or absence of children, available space…). The breed’s needs (exercise, training, grooming…) must match your daily life. Are LOF statistics reliable for ranking favorite breeds? In other words, they provide a good indicator of official registrations, but some non-LOF breeds or mixed dogs are not counted. That said, it is the best current barometer of official popularity. What precautions should be taken before adopting a working dog (Malinois, German Shepherd) if you don’t want to do intensive sports? It is always appreciated to get information from dog clubs. If you don’t have the soul of a jogger, plan mental exercises and playful activities, without necessarily running 10 km a day. The main thing remains to meet the dog’s instincts and needs. Can you adopt a Chihuahua if you have young children? Although it is possible, it is true that the Chihuahua remains fragile (back, legs) and can be irritable if handled roughly. With education (from parents AND children), it can work, but it is better to be vigilant.
