Ok, I know what you are thinking, how is the Boston Terrier not #1 every year in the rankings?
For everything in one place, see The Complete Boston Terrier Guide.
It is true that there are other breeds in the world and some are more popular than our beloved Boston. I’m saddened by the fact Frenchie’s are more popular than a Boston most years.
You know all about the Frenchie…It is the dog everyone confuses your Boston with.
All kidding aside. Boston Terriers are great family dogs. That is why Emily and I bought Bella our Boston…Emily, however, did want to get a French Bulldog, but that is neither here nor there.
Here is the popularity of the Boston Terrier over time according to the American Kennel Club…
Boston Terrier Popularity Over Time
The American Kennel Club bases the popularity of dog breeds on the number of new registrations it receives each year. So this number could be misleading because it obviously does not count unregistered dogs being bought every day from breeders around the United States. However, this is the best record we have to judge popularity versus taking a national vote.
Also, the way AKC counts the registrations is important to note. The most popular dog in 2021 is from the counting of the registered dogs in 2020. AKC will tally all the registrations from the prior year and release those numbers typically in the spring of the following year.
Here is the rank of Boston Terriers over the years…
| Year | Popularity Rank |
| 2021 | # 23 |
| 2020 | # 21 |
| 2019 | #21 |
| 2018 | # 21 |
| 2017 | # 21 |
| 2016 | # 21 |
| 2015 | # 22 |
| 2014 | # 23 |
| 2013 | # 23 |
| 2012 | # 23 |
| 2011 | # 22 |
Final thoughts…
No matter the breed of dog you need to choose a dog that fits your family’s needs as well as your personality. Never buy a dog based on the popularity of a given year.
If you want to learn more about Boston Terriers to see if this breed would be a good fit for you check out this video I made.
Additionally, you can learn more about Boston Terriers by checking out these articles I wrote.
Curious about the breed’s quirks and day-to-day care? I wrote that up in my book.