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32 years straight for Labrador Retriever atop CKC list
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) has released its official list of the Top 10 most popular CKC-registered purebred dog breeds in Canada for 2025.
The annual rankings, based on national registration data, highlight the breeds Canadians continue to welcome into their homes year after year.
This year’s rankings highlight a remarkable milestone: the Labrador Retriever has now been Canada’s most popular dog breed for 32 consecutive years, a testament to the breed’s versatility and its long-standing place in Canadian homes.
Known for its friendly nature, intelligence and versatility, the Labrador Retriever continues to excel as a family companion, guide dog, working partner and sporting dog. Its adaptability and dependable temperament have helped secure its place at the top of the rankings for more than three decades.
The Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Dog follow closely behind, continuing their strong presence in Canadian households.
This year, the Poodle unseated the French Bulldog and reclaimed the fourth spot, a place traditionally held by this breed for many years.
“The Top 10 rankings reflect the diverse roles purebred dogs play in the lives of Canadians,” said Bob Whitney, Chair of the Board, Canadian Kennel Club. “From sporting and herding breeds to devoted companions, these dogs are valued for their temperament, purpose and partnership.”
Canada’s Top 10 Most Popular Breeds of 2025 (click on dog name for more info about that breed)
Labrador Retriever- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Poodle
- French Bulldog
- Australian Shepherd
- Havanese
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Shetland Sheepdog
“There’s a reason Labs never leave the top spot. They are smart, kind, endlessly adaptable, and always ready to be part of the family,” said Lola Nichol, who has been involved in Labrador Retrievers for over 40 years. “With three recognized colour choices of Black, Yellow and Chocolate, there are lots of choices for families. Canadians know a great dog when they see one, and Labradors keep proving it year after year.”
The Labrador Retriever is actually the only ‘Original Canadian dog breed’ in the top 10 list.
The Labrador descended from dogs taken to Newfoundland by explorers, fishermen and settlers. Excellent retrievers of fish and game, they often sailed with fishermen.
The list reflects a balance between athletic working breeds and companion dogs. Sporting and herding breeds remain strong, while smaller companion breeds continue to maintain steady popularity nationwide.
While popularity offers insight into national trends, the CKC encourages prospective dog owners to research thoroughly before choosing a breed. Each breed has distinct exercise, grooming and training needs, and selecting the right match helps ensure a successful lifelong partnership.
Founded in 1888, the Canadian Kennel Club, a non-profit organization with 20,000 members, is the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada and currently recognizes 193 breeds. The Club registers purebred dogs, regulates over 4000 dog shows and performance events involving more than a half million people, and speaks out on major issues concerning dog ownership and the health and well-being of dogs across Canada.
Canadian Kennel Club photos
Canadian Kennel Club
