Most Popular Dog Breeds In U.S. State tells us a lot about America’s love for pets. From Labradors in Texas to French Bulldogs in New York, each state has its own favorite companions. Whether they are big or small in size, these living companions bring joy, love, laughter, and even a deeper sense of meaning to our lives. But did you know the most popular dog breeds vary dramatically depending on where you live in the U.S.? While many city dwellers focus on compact breeds that can easily adjust in apartments, rural areas tend to favor loyal working dogs built for wide open space.
Here is the visual map that highlights the most popular dog breeds in each U.S. state.
The most popular breeds by state are:
1. Chihuahua Reigns Supreme
The tiny Chihuahua claims top spot in a staggering 14 states, including popular states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Texas.
2. French Bulldog Trends in Style
Urban life lovers—and those who have soft spot for compact and expressive pups go with French Bulldog, which leads in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Arizona.
3. Golden Retriever’s Steady Charm
They are classic, friendly and beloved, this breed is favourite in several northeastern and midwestern states like—Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
4. German Shepherd Holds Ground
This breed is loyal, smart and versatile. German Shepherd leads in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming.
5. Unique Picks and Regional Twists
The other favourites that pop up in specific state are:
- Goldendoodle: Idaho
- Shih Tzu: Iowa, Rhode Island
- Beagle: Kentucky
- Catahoula Leopard Dog: Louisiana
- Yorkshire Terrier: Maryland, New Jersy, Connecticut
- Labrador Retriever: Iowa, Kansas, Maine, New Jersy, etc.
Why the Discrepancies?
Different sources provide us with different data sets that ranges from insurance figure, AKC entries, to breed surveys—so the top picks can vary. For instance:
- Some data sources list Labrador Retrievers as favourite in many states, especially in north and Midwest.
- Other shows Chihuahuas dominating in the south.
- Breed preferences also reflect lifestyle trends like urban areas often lean towards smaller breeds, while rural/Midwest regions opt for retrievers and shepherds.
The Bigger Picture: National Popular Picks
On the national stage, the French Bulldog surged to #1 in AKC registrations—ending over 30 years of Labrador Retriever’s dominance and holding its position for three consecutive years through 2024. The national top five dog breeds include—Labrador, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd.
State-by-State Favourites: Quick highlights
| Region | Popular Breeds |
|---|---|
| South | Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Beagle |
| West coast | French Bulldog, Golden Retriever |
| Midwest/NE | Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever |
| Mountain West | Goldendoodle (e.g. Idaho) |
| Northeast | Golden Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier |
Here, Labrador Retriever appears as the most popular in multiple northern and central states.
Final Thoughts
- Tiny Trendsetters like chihuahuas and French Bulldogs capture hearts across many states.
- Golden Retriever remain beloved across the middle and northeast.
- Labradors still top charts in several datasets, especially in colder states that value working dogs.
- German Shepherd dominates in specific regions that taste for smart and protective breeds.
- Quirky favourites like the Catahoula Leopard Dog, Goldendoodle, and Shih Tzu remind us that breed popularity is a reflection of regional culture, pet, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
End of the Leash
Whether you live in busy cities where French Bulldogs strut down sidewalks, or in a countryside home where Golden Retriever chase tennis ball across acres of grassland, it is clear that every state has its own canine personality.
This state-by-state favourite highlights how dog fits into our daily lives. Chihuahuas thrive with busy owners in warm climates, German Shepherds stand as guard in open wide spaces, and Labradors remain loyal companions.
In the end the “most popular” one may vary, but the real winner is universal: the unbeatable bond between people and their dogs.
Also read: Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the World and Why They Cost So Much
