If you’ve ever wondered about the most popular dog breed in your state, good news: U.S. News & World Report has conducted an in-depth analysis, looking at over 250,000 data points to determine the reigning dog breeds in each state.
The study reveals the most popular dog breeds in America include the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Shih Tzu.
The Chihuahua is the most popular breed in 21 states; the Golden Retriever is the favorite canine in 14, while the French Bulldog is the top breed in three states and makes the top 5 in 24.
So, whether you’re a proud owner or simply curious about four-legged companions, dive into a tail-wagging adventure to discover who’s the top dog in your state.
Learn more about the 10 most popular dog breeds
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a popular breed, especially among Hollywood celebrities.
They are known for their small size and cute appearance but require gentle handling due to their fragile bones.
Chihuahuas are best suited for adults and need moderate exercise to stay healthy.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a popular, adorable breed with unique characteristics and potential health issues.
However, they are loyal and great with children, making them a perfect pet for busy individuals.
Many Frenchies suffer from serious health issues, including digestive and skin disorders, chronic eye problems, and respiratory ailments due to their cute but problematic muzzle.
Approximately 60% have tight nostrils that can cause discomfort.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are sociable, friendly dogs that require proper training, socialization, and exercise.
They struggle with loneliness and may exhibit destructive behaviors if left alone for long periods.
They get along well with families, other pets, and children. However, they are not suitable as guard dogs.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for their looks, courage, speed, intelligence, and strength.
German Shepherds were bred for herding but have become more versatile and are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and physical abilities.
That’s why they often serve as guard dogs and work for law enforcement agencies and the military.
But while German Shepherds are stoic protectors, they can also show love and affection to their families.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, loyal, and cuddly breed favored by Chinese royals and associated with a deity by ancient Tibetans.
They have a lion-like appearance and can be confused with the Lhasa Apso.
Their luxurious coats come in various colors, but the dogs usually have dark hair around the face.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are a popular choice for families due to their mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle traits, making them intelligent, friendly, and low-shedding.
They possess the intelligence and loyalty of Golden Retrievers and the hypoallergenic qualities of Poodles.
Goldendoodles are intelligent and easy to train dogs, making them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners or families with children.
The mixed breed comes in four sizes: standard, medium, mini, and petite, so consider your living situation before choosing a puppy.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are popular due to their small size, adaptability, intelligence, low-maintenance grooming, and hypoallergenic qualities.
They also make great pets because of their ability to form strong bonds with their owners and serve as watchdogs.
Their small size makes them suitable for smaller living spaces, and they require less exercise than other breeds.
Yorkies are known for being enthusiastic and entertaining companions.
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a controversial breed due to misconceptions about their temperament, but the dogs are not inherently aggressive.
Proper training and socialization are essential in shaping their behavior.
The dogs have a strong and athletic build, making them great competitors in dog sports, but what sets them apart is their loyalty to their human companions.
They are fiercely loyal and affectionate dogs who thrive on love and attention.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and highly motivated, making them great for first-time dog owners.
They also encourage a physically active lifestyle and can improve mental health.
Labs are good-natured, tolerant, and hate being alone.
However, they can be nervous or aggressive if not raised and trained properly.
The American Kennel Club officially recognizes three colors of Labrador: yellow, black, and chocolate, and each makes an appearance on the U.S. News & World Report list—black clocks in at #10, yellow at #14, and chocolate at #22.
Maltese
The Maltese is a small toy breed with a long, silky coat and a friendly, lively personality.
They were once status symbols for aristocrats and were highly docile and responsive to training.
However, they can become snappy with young children and are sensitive to unfamiliar noises.
They require moderate exercise, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement in training. Not getting enough exercise can lead to destructive behavior.
Rankings by state
Alabama
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
Alaska
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- Yorkshire Terrier
Arizona
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Shih Tzu
- Golden Retriever
Arkansas
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- German Shepherd
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
California
- French Bulldog
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Yorkshire Terrier
Colorado
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
- French Bulldog
Connecticut
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Goldendoodle
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
Delaware
- German Shepherd
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
Florida
- French Bulldog
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
Georgia
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
Hawaii
- French Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Pomeranian
Idaho
- Goldendoodle
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
Illinois
- Golden Retriever
- Goldendoodle
- Shih Tzu
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
Indiana
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Goldendoodle
- Golden Retriever
Iowa
- Shih Tzu
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Goldendoodle
Kansas
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Goldendoodle
- Shih Tzu
- French Bulldog
Kentucky
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
Louisiana
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
Maine
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever (Black)
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever (Yellow)
- Goldendoodle
Maryland
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- French Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- Goldendoodle
Massachusetts
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
- Shih Tzu
Michigan
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
Minnesota
- Golden Retriever
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
- Shih Tzu
- Chihuahua
Mississippi
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- German Shepherd
- Pit Bull
Missouri
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Goldendoodle
Montana
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Labrador Retriever (Black)
Nebraska
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
- French Bulldog
Nevada
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
New Hampshire
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever (Black)
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever (Yellow)
New Jersey
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Goldendoodle
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
New Mexico
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- French Bulldog
New York
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- French Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- Goldendoodle
North Carolina
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
North Dakota
- Golden Retriever
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd
- Chihuahua
Ohio
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Chihuahua
- Goldendoodle
- Yorkshire Terrier
Oklahoma
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- German Shepherd
- French Bulldog
- Yorkshire Terrier
Oregon
- Chihuahua
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Goldendoodle
Pennsylvania
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Goldendoodle
- Shih Tzu
- Chihuahua
Rhode Island
- Shih Tzu
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
- Chihuahua
- Goldendoodle
South Carolina
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Golden Retriever
- Goldendoodle
South Dakota
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Goldendoodle
Tennessee
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Goldendoodle
- Shih Tzu
- German Shepherd
Texas
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
Utah
- Goldendoodle
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
Vermont
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever (Yellow)
- Chihuahua
- Labrador Retriever (Black)
Virginia
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
Washington
- Chihuahua
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- French Bulldog
- Goldendoodle
Washington, D.C.
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Goldendoodle
- Golden Retriever
West Virginia
- Chihuahua
- German Shepherd
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
Wisconsin
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Goldendoodle
- Shih Tzu
- Chihuahua
Wyoming
- German Shepherd
- Chihuahua
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever (Black)
Choosing the right dog for you
Selecting the right dog is a crucial decision you shouldn’t take lightly.
Don’t get swept up by popularity. Researching and finding a breed that fits your lifestyle and personality is vital.
Size
The dog’s size is often one of the first things people consider when looking for a new pet. Do you live in a small apartment or have a big backyard?
Can you handle a large breed, or would you prefer a smaller lapdog?
Remember that larger breeds may require more space and exercise, while smaller dogs are generally easier to manage.
Activity level
Some breeds are more energetic and need exercise and mental stimulation.
If you lead an active lifestyle with many outdoor activities, an energetic breed like a Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd might be a good fit.
However, a low-energy breed like a Basset Hound or Bulldog might be more suitable if you prefer lazy weekends at home.
Grooming needs
Different dog breeds have different grooming requirements.
Some have short hair that requires minimal brushing, while others need frequent trips to the groomers for haircuts and maintenance.
Consider how much time and effort you will put into grooming before deciding.
Temperament
A dog’s temperament can vary greatly depending on its breed and individual personality traits.
Researching the typical characteristics of different breeds helps you determine the ones that meet your preferences and lifestyle.
For example, some breeds are known for being friendly and outgoing, while others are more reserved or prone to aggression.
Allergies
If anyone in your household has allergies, choosing a hypoallergenic breed or one with minimal shedding is crucial.
Training and socialization
Dogs need training and socialization.
However, some breeds are more stubborn or independent, making training more challenging.
Choose a breed that matches your experience with dog training.
Final thoughts on popular dog breeds
Each state has its top dog breed, from loyal Labrador Retrievers to playful French Bulldogs.
Whether you’re a fan of big or small breeds or energetic or laid-back personalities, there is a furry companion for everyone.
So, when considering adding a four-legged friend to your family, consider the most popular dog breeds in your state to see if they would make the perfect addition to your home.
Sara B. Hansen has spent 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She’s also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She decided to create her dream job by launching DogsBestLife.com in 2011. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Nutmeg, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can reach Sara @ editor@dogsbestlife.com.