The most photographed dog breeds in the world

Words by Georgina Groom-Rietschy

Wherever you live in the world, one thing all pet parents have in common is that our camera rolls are filled with photos of our precious pups. Curious about which breeds are the most photographed, our data science team analysed the dogs that featured most in Popsa users’ camera rolls in 2025.

We analysed millions of customer photos using a privacy-first, data-led methodology. Comparing the findings with our 2024 rankings, the poodle retained the top spot, followed by retrievers and hounds. Further down the list, bulldogs dropped out of the top ten, while setters climbed three places to make the cut, likely reflecting a growing preference for family companions with fewer health concerns associated with flat-faced breeds. 

To learn how the data was analysed and how the photo index scores were calculated, see the methodology at the end of this article.

1. Poodle

Photo index score: 100

Despite its reputation as a French icon, the poodle actually originated in Germany, where it was bred as a working water retriever. Their curly coats help protect them in cold rivers and lakes, while a springy stride reflects their surprising athleticism. Highly intelligent and eager to learn, poodles thrive on training, games and human interaction. The breed comes in three sizes – standard, miniature and toy – and they’re ideal for families, couples and older adults. Their low-shedding coat needs regular grooming to keep curls looking their best, while frequent exercise (standard poodles need two brisk 45-minute walks per day) and mental stimulation help make them loyal companions. 

2. Retriever 

Photo index score: 54

Originally bred to retrieve game for hunters on land and in water, retrievers are loved for their stamina, intelligence and gentle nature. Many of the best-known retriever breeds have origins in the UK, where they served as working gundogs. Today, they are among the world’s most popular family pets, thanks to their calm temperament, eagerness to please and boundless enthusiasm. Whether it’s labradors, golden retrievers or the rarer flat-coated, curly-coated or Chesapeake Bay retriever, the breed loves swimming, playing fetch, learning tricks and ferrying things. Their thick, water-resistant coats suit cooler climates and outdoor adventures, helping them thrive in the UK, Scandinavia and the US.

3. Hound

Photo index score: 48

Hounds are among the oldest dog types in the world, developed across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa to track, chase and catch game. The group divides broadly into two types: scent hounds, which follow trails using their powerful noses, and sight hounds, which rely on speed and sharp vision to pursue prey over open terrain. From keen-nosed beagles and bloodhounds to the graceful greyhound and whippet, they all share the same instinct to explore. Their short, fine coats are relatively easy to maintain, and despite their hunting heritage, most hounds make gentle, affectionate companions who are just as happy curled up at home as they are out on adventures.

4. Schnauzer 

Photo index score: 46

Even if you don’t own a schnauzer, you’ll recognise them instantly – that distinctive beard, those bushy eyebrows and an unmistakably confident stance. Originally bred as working farm dogs in Germany, they were used to guard property, herd livestock and keep barns free of rats and mice. Their wiry, dense coat and sturdy build made them well suited to the varied conditions of rural life, and those traits have carried through to the modern breed. Schnauzers come in three sizes – miniature, standard and giant – each with its own character, but all sharing the same alert, spirited temperament. It’s this combination of adaptability, loyalty and striking looks that has seen their popularity grow steadily across Europe and North America in recent years.

5. Spaniel 

Photo index score: 37 

Spaniels have long been admired for their affectionate nature and lively personalities – and their royal connections haven’t hurt either. The late Lupo, the much-loved cocker spaniel belonging to the Prince and Princess of Wales, helped keep the breed firmly in the public eye. Originally developed as hunting dogs, spaniels were used to flush and retrieve game from dense undergrowth, which accounts for their intelligence, agility and seemingly tireless energy. The group spans a wide range of breeds, from the athletic springer spaniel to the gentle Cavalier King Charles spaniel, but all share a love of human company and an eagerness to please. It’s these qualities that have made them a firm favourite with families – particularly those with an active lifestyle.

6. Terrier 

Photo index score: 26

Bred across Britain and Ireland to hunt vermin, terriers have since become known for something rather different: an outsized personality packed into a compact frame. The group is extraordinarily diverse, ranging from the fearless Jack Russell – developed in the early 19th century by Devon clergyman John Russell as a fox-hunting companion – to the silky coated Yorkshire terrier, which began life as a working ratter in the textile mills of northern England. Despite their varied origins, most terriers share the same hallmarks: sharp intelligence, boundless energy and a stubborn streak that keeps their owners on their toes. Adaptable to both city living and country life, they suit a wide range of households – and with many breeds regularly living to 15 years or beyond, they tend to be rewarding, long-term companions.

7. German shepherd 

Photo index score: 26 

Developed in late 19th-century Germany to herd and guard sheep, this breed quickly proved its capabilities extended far beyond the farm. Today, German shepherds are among the most widely used working dogs in the world, valued by police, military and search-and-rescue teams for their ability to learn complex commands, remain focused under pressure and build strong bonds with their handlers. At home, those same qualities translate into deep loyalty and a natural protective instinct towards their family. They are best suited to active households that can provide plenty of exercise, consistent training and mental stimulation. Their thick double coat means they are most comfortable in cool to moderate climates, and their medium-to-large size means they are happiest with space to move.

8. Beagle 

Photo index score: 24

Loved for their floppy ears, expressive eyes and cheerful personalities, it’s little surprise that beagles feature among the most photogenic breeds. Originally developed in England to hunt hare by scent, these small but sturdy hounds are known for their exceptional noses, boundless curiosity and quiet determination. Their friendly, gentle nature makes them a popular choice for families, while their playful energy suits owners who enjoy regular outdoor exercise. A short, dense coat helps them adapt to a range of environments, though they tend to thrive in cooler conditions. Their unmistakable charm has won them celebrity fans too, including Frank Sinatra, Miley Cyrus and Adam Levine, who have all been devoted beagle owners.

9. Bichon frisé

Photo index score: 21

Recognised for their fluffy white coats, dark eyes and cheerful personalities, bichon frisés are a popular choice among first-time dog owners and city dwellers. Descended from Mediterranean water dogs, the breed rose to prominence across Europe, particularly in France, where they became favourites of the nobility thanks to their affectionate nature and elegant appearance. Small, sociable and adaptable, they’re well suited to apartment living and thrive on human company, though their soft, curly coats do require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Comfortable indoors and in warmer climates, these toy-sized dogs are loved across the world, especially in China, France and Spain.

10. Setter

Photo index score: 18

Climbing the rankings and nudging the bulldog out of the top ten, setters are winning admirers for their elegant appearance and gentle nature. The Irish setter is celebrated for its rich mahogany and chestnut-red coat, while the English Setter is instantly recognisable by its distinctive speckled markings – and both turn heads wherever they go thanks to their flowing fur and graceful stride. Known for their affectionate temperament and patience around children, setters make wonderful family companions, particularly in active households that can offer them the regular exercise they need to thrive.

Methodology 

To determine the world’s most photographed dog breeds, Popsa’s data science team analysed millions of customer photos taken across 2024 and 2025. Photos were never viewed by the team. Instead, dogs were identified entirely on-device, with each breed ranked by total photo volume.

Popsa’s app uses on-device machine learning to recognise general features within each photo – including whether a dog is present and which breed it most closely matches. Only these labels, never the photos themselves, are aggregated for analysis. Each breed was assigned a photo index score reflecting its frequency relative to all other breeds in the dataset. Scores were then normalised on a scale of 0 to 100, with the most photographed breed set as the benchmark.