Meet the Most Popular Dog Breeds Across the US–Is Yours Listed?
Do you have a popular pooch or more of a rare breed? The folks at U.S. News & World Report analyzed more than 800,000 data points from a third-party pet insurance industry company to determine the most popular dog breeds in the country and each state.
Curious? Keep reading to learn more about the most popular dog breed in each state.
The Significance of Dogs in American Households
Dogs are the most popular pets in the United States, with about 65.1 million American households having a dog. 97% of pet owners consider their pets a part of their family. In fact, 51% of pet owners say they consider their pets to be as much a part of their family as human members.
Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds
Let’s learn more about the 10 most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
Chihuahua
Among the smallest breeds, Chihuahuas top out at about 6 pounds. Their small bodies hold huge personalities, though, which is likely one reason Chihuahuas are the most popular dog breed in the United States.
Thanks to their small size, Chihuahuas have an average life expectancy of 14-16 years, although they may live even longer on a high-quality raw diet. In January of 2023, a 23-year-old Chihuahua named Spike became the world’s oldest living dog.
French Bulldog
Another small dog breed that has been increasing in popularity over the last few years is the French Bulldog, which currently ranks as the second-most-popular dog breed in the country.
While adorable and fun-loving, French Bulldogs are sadly prone to numerous health issues due to backyard breeders trying to capitalize on the breed’s popularity without any concern for the dogs’ welfare. One study found that nearly 3 out of every 4 (72.4%) French Bulldogs had at least one health problem.
Golden Retriever
Coming in at number 3 is the glorious Golden Retriever. This boisterous breed comes in at an adult weight in the range of 55-75 pounds.
Goldens need quite a bit of physical and mental stimulation, but they’re extremely eager to please, making them easy to train. Their coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles from forming into painful knots, especially behind their ears, their butt, and the backs of their legs.
German Shepherd
Looking for a dog who’s more of a protector? With males weighing up to 90 pounds or more and an innate need to protect their herd (family), German Shepherds can make excellent guard dogs for families.
Sadly, German Shepherds are highly prone to hip dysplasia and other health problems, leaving them with an average life expectancy of only 7-10 years.
Shih Tzu
With an average life expectancy of 10-18 years, Shih Tzus are a toy breed developed specifically to be companion dogs, making them an excellent choice for people who live in apartments or don’t have a lot of time or energy for a working breed like a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever.
These beautiful dogs’ coats need daily brushing as well as professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, so be sure to keep those costs in mind before you bring home a Shih Tzu.
Goldendoodle
A hybrid between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, Goldendoodles have taken over the country as one of the most popular breeds, partly because they come in a variety of sizes depending on what size Poodles are in their lineage.
Goldendoodles’ coats can be quite difficult to keep brushed out, and they need regular (often expensive) professional grooming. Additionally, Goldendoodles may be prone to health issues since they are more frequently bred for their popularity rather than their health.
Yorkshire Terrier
Bred to kill rats in mills and mines, the Yorkshire Terrier is not your typical lap dog. These spunky dogs are described by the American Kennel Club as “tomboyish” and are occasionally nicknamed “Yorkshire Terrors” for their attitudes.
Their fine hair needs frequent brushing and trimming to keep it free of tangles, but at least it won’t shed and cover your belongings.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Weighing anywhere from 30 to 85 pounds as adults, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a devoted family dog with an impressive lifespan for their size: an average of 12-16 years.
When bull baiting was outlawed in 1835, the descendants of today’s American Pit Bull Terrier were put to work as farm dogs before being moved into the house to act as “nanny dogs” thanks to their gentle disposition.
Pit Bull
The Pit Bull is not a specific breed. Rather, it’s a term that describes a group of dogs with a similar history and look, including the Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and others.
Since there is no single Pit Bull Breed, their size and average lifespan vary greatly. What remains is a dog that tends to be friendly, although they may be neglected, abused, or trained for a life of violence.
Labrador Retriever (Black)
All 3 common colors of the Labrador Retriever (black, yellow, and chocolate) can be born to the same mother and are not distinct breeds, so Labs as a whole are likely higher on this list than the 10th place position acquired by the black variety alone.
That said, the Labrador Retriever was long the most popular breed in the United States and remains a family favorite due to their easy trainability, friendliness, and eagerness to please.
Highlights from Across the U.S.
Chihuahuas are the most popular dog breed in 21 states, Golden Retrievers are the most popular breed in 14 states, and the French Bulldog tops the list in 3 states. Interestingly, Goldendoodles top the list in Utah and Idaho, while Shih Tzus are the most popular dogs in Iowa, New York, and New Jersey.
Most Popular Dog Breeds by State
For the top 5 most popular dog breeds in each state, check out the original article here. Below is a chart of the single most popular dog breed in each state.
Responsible Ownership and Breed Popularity
Unfortunately, when dog breeds become popular, you often have an influx of backyard breeders and puppy mills trying to meet the demand for cute puppies without doing any genetic testing on the parents first. This ultimately results in many unhealthy dogs passing along common genetic problems.
If you want to get a popular dog breed, one great place to start is by checking your local animal shelter and rescue groups. Sadly, the most popular dog breeds are also frequently the most common dog breeds in shelters and rescues. Sometimes, even puppies are available.
For those who choose a puppy and who don’t want to adopt from a shelter or a rescue, make sure you do your research to find a responsible breeder who is concerned about the welfare of the breed as a whole rather than making a quick buck on a popular breed. Responsible breeders typically have waiting lists of people who want puppies before litters are even born, and they will usually allow you to visit both the puppy and its mother on-site.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States?
The five most popular dog breeds in the U.S. are Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Shih Tzus.
Can you tell me which dog breeds are the favorite in each state?
Below are the most popular dog breed in each state. You can find the top 5 most popular breeds for each state in this article.
•Alabama: Chihuahua
•Alaska: German Shepherd
•Arizona: Chihuahua
•Arkansas: Chihuahua
•California: French Bulldog
•Colorado: Golden Retriever
•Connecticut: Golden Retriever
•Delaware: German Shepherd
•Florida: French Bulldog
•Georgia: Chihuahua
•Hawaii: French Bulldog
•Idaho: Goldendoodle
•Illinois: Golden Retriever
•Indiana: Chihuahua
•Iowa: Shih Tzu
•Kansas: Chihuahua
•Kentucky: Chihuahua
•Louisiana: Chihuahua
•Maine: Golden Retriever
•Maryland: Yorkshire Terrier
•Massachusetts: Golden Retriever
•Michigan: Golden Retriever
•Minnesota: Golden Retriever
•Mississippi: Chihuahua
•Missouri: Chihuahua
•Montana: German Shepherd
•Nebraska: Golden Retriever
•Nevada: Chihuahua
•New Hampshire: Golden Retriever
•New Jersey: Shih Tzu
•New Mexico: Chihuahua
•New York: Shih Tzu
•North Carolina: Chihuahua
•North Dakota: Golden Retriever
•Ohio: Golden Retriever
•Oklahoma: Chihuahua
•Oregon: Chihuahua
•Pennsylvania: German Shepherd
•Rhode Island: Shih Tzu
•South Carolina: Chihuahua
•South Dakota: Chihuahua
•Tennessee: Chihuahua
•Texas: Chihuahua
•Utah: Goldendoodle
•Vermont: Golden Retriever
•Virginia: Golden Retriever
•Washington: Chihuahua
•Washington, D.C.: Yorkshire Terrier
•West Virginia: Chihuahua
•Wisconsin: Golden Retriever
•Wyoming: German Shepherd
What are the most popular dog breeds in America?
The most popular dog breeds in America include the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Shih Tzu, Goldendoodle, Yorkshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, and Black Labrador Retriever.
What dog breeds are the most popular in the US?
The most popular dog breeds in the US include the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Shih Tzu.
Are the most popular dog breeds in the US also popular globally?
The most popular dog breeds in the world are also fairly popular in the United States. According to one study based on Google Trends, the 10 most popular dog breeds in the world are:
•(English) Bulldog
•German Shepherd
•Labrador Retriever
•Golden Retriever
•Siberian Husky
•Poodle
•French Bulldog
•Chihuahua
•Pomeranian
•Pug
Where can I find a list of the most popular dog breeds in the US?
You can find a list of the most popular dog breeds in the US here.
What is the favorite dog breed in the USA?
The diminutive Chihuahua is the favorite dog breed in the USA.
How popular are small dog breeds in the US?
Four of the ten most popular dog breeds in the US are small breeds, including the two most popular: Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs.
Which small dog breeds are the most popular?
The most popular small dog breeds in the U.S. are Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers.
What are the top 10 most popular dog breeds?
The top 10 most popular dog breeds are:
•Chihuahua
•French Bulldog
•Golden Retriever
•German Shepherd
•Shih Tzu
•Goldendoodle
•Yorkshire Terrier
•American Pit Bull Terrier
•Pit Bull
•Black Labrador Retriever
What are the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.?
The most popular dog breeds in the U.S. include the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, and Golden Retriever.
Best Food for All Breeds: We Feed Raw
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