Breed Tips

Most Popular Dog Breeds by State

We know your dog is the most popular breed in your house, but what does the rest of America think? If your dog happens to be a Labrador retriever, you’re in luck. Labs, according to the American Kennel Club, have been voted the most popular dog breed in the United States for a whooping 31 years in a row. They are closely followed by German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.  You’ll see that almost all 50 states hold these dogs in their top three.

Some breeds are popular because they are hypoallergenic dog breeds. Others because they make great service dogs or are great with kids. Or they are just too darn cute! Whether you are thinking of a puppy or a dog, continue reading to find out what dog breeds are the most popular in your state! 

Alabama: Chihuahua, German shepherd, Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu their small size and low energy levels make them well-suited for apartment living, which is becoming increasingly common in Alabama's cities.

Beagle

Alaska: French Bulldog, German shepherd, Golden retriever

German Shepherds thrive in Alaska's harsh climate thanks to their thick double coat that insulates them against the biting cold. Their protective fur stands up to snow and ice, keeping them toasty warm even during the toughest Alaskan winters.

Labrador Retrievers

 Arizona: Chihuahua, German shepherd, Golden retriever

Chihuahuas short coats make them perfectly suited to the hot, dry climate. Plus, their compact size makes them ideal apartment companions for the state's growing urban population.

American Pitbull Terrier

Arkansas: Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Goldendoodle

The friendly, playful nature of Goldendoodles charms Arkansas families, blending the gentle soul of Golden Retrievers with the low-shedding, allergy-friendly coat of Poodles - perfect for outdoor adventures and cozy nights in.

German Shepherd

California: French bulldog, German shepherd, Chihuahua

French bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in some of the major cities in California like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.

French Bulldog

Colorado: Golden Retriever, German shepherd, Goldendoodle

Golden Retrievers perfectly match Colorado's active spirit, thriving on hikes, runs, and snow romps, fueled by their endless energy and love for the outdoors.

Connecticut: Yorkshire Terrier ,German shepherd, Golden retriever

Connecticut's mix of bustling cities and quiet suburbs makes the adaptable Yorkie a perfect fit. Their small size thrives in apartments and condos, while their adventurous spirit loves exploring charming coastal towns and leafy hiking trails.

Australian Shepherds

Delaware: German shepherd, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever

Delaware named the golden retriever as their official state dog in 2016, despite coming in third for their most popular dog breeds.  

Golden Retriever

Florida: French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier 

Yorkies' compact size and adaptability make them ideal companions for Florida's diverse urban and coastal living. They happily trot alongside their owners on kayak trips, lounge by resort pools, and explore trendy city boutiques, always ready for a splash of adventure.

Georgia: Shih Tzu, German shepherd, Goldendoodle

Although Georgia’s favorite dog breeds are Shih Tzus, German Shepherds, and Goldendoodles, the state also loves their bulldogs and even proposed that a bulldog be their official state dog in 2016. This was likely proposed to honor the bulldog mascot of the University of Georgia.  

Hawaii: French bulldog, Pomeranian, Golden Retriever

Hawaii’s picks stray a little from the norm, with Frenchies being their favorite dog breed followed by Pomeranians and Golden Retrievers.

Rottweiler

Idaho: Goldendoodle, Golden retriever, German shepherd

Their low-shedding, allergy-friendly coats are ideal for Idaho's outdoor lifestyle. Golden Doodles can join their humans on mountain adventures without leaving a trail of fur on cozy cabins or campfire blankets.

Border Collie

Illinois: Golden retriever, Goldendoodle, Shih Tzu

Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles, and Shih Tzu are the top three most popular breeds in Illinois, but that may change in the years to come. The popularity of Frenchies, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, and Doberman Pinschers are all on the rise in this state. 

Doberman

Indiana: Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier

Surprisingly, Labs are not the favorite pick in the Hoosier state! Chihuahuas German were picked first, then German Shepherds, and then Yorkshire Terriers for Indiana. 

Iowa: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

According to the AKC, Iowa has Labs, German shepherds, and goldens as their top three dog breeds. 

Kansas: Labs, German shepherds, bulldogs 

Although they didn’t quite make it into the top three, the people of Kansas love their Cairn terriers, the dog breed in the original Wizard of Oz film.  

Kentucky: Beagle 

Kentucky only had one breed listed for their pick: beagle.  

Louisiana: Catahoula leopard dog 

The Catahoula leopard dog has been Louisiana’s official state dog since 1979 and is believed to be the first breed developed in North America. It’s no wonder they are Louisiana’s favorite breed! 

Catahoula Leopard

Maine: Labs, Golden retrievers, German shepherds 

Although Maine is more of a cat state, they also enjoy their Labs, goldens, and German shepherds. 

Maryland: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Maryland was the first state to announce an official state dog. They chose the Chesapeake Bay retriever in 1964. Although this breed didn’t make it into the top three, people from Maryland are very loyal to the breed.  

Massachusetts: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Although Massachusetts has similar picks to many other states, they also love their Boston terriers, the first purebred dog in the United States.  

Boston Terrier

Michigan: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Michigan can get quite cold in the winter, which is why Siberian Huskies are in the top five of their popularity list behind Labs, German shepherds, and goldens.  

Siberian Husky

Minnesota: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Minnesota picked the top three breeds, but they also enjoy English springer spaniels and German shorthaired pointers.  You may also be interested in the Tibetan Spaniel.

Mississippi: Labs, beagles, German shepherds 

In Mississippi, beagles are more popular than German shepherds. This state also loves Newfoundlands because they are natural search and rescue dogs.  

Newfoundland

Missouri: Labs, German shepherds, French bulldogs 

Here Frenchies make the top three and Australian cattle dogs get an honorary mention.  

Australian Cattle Dog

Montana: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

The top three picks for Montana make sense, as all three breeds love the outdoors! 

Nebraska: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Unsurprisingly, Nebraska voted Labs, German shepherds, and Golden retrievers as their top three dog breeds. 

Nevada: Labs, bulldogs, German shepherds 

In Nevada, while Labs come in first, bulldogs follow closely behind in second place and goldens don’t even crack the top three! 

Bulldog

New Hampshire: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

New Hampshire’s state dog is the Chinook, a type of sled dog, but their top three voted dog breeds were the usual picks.  

Chinook Dog

New Jersey: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Besides their top three, New Jersey also loves their Yorkshire terriers, boxers, poodles, bulldogs, and Rottweilers, who all made it in their top ten.  

Poodle

New Mexico: Labs, Golden retrievers, bulldogs 

When it came to choosing a state dog, New Mexico went with the Chihuahua. However, their most popular breeds are Labs, goldens, and bulldogs. 

Chihuahua

New York: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

If it were up to New York City, Frenchies would be the top pick. However, the state as a whole chose Labs, German shepherds, and goldens for their favorite breeds. 

North Carolina: Labs, German shepherds, beagles 

Although their state dog is the Plott Hound, a breed that is not well-known, North Carolina’s picks for favorite dog breeds are some of the classic, very well-known breeds.  

Plot Hound

North Dakota: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

There’s a reason Labs, German shepherds, and goldens keep making the top three – you can’t help but love them! North Dakota follows suit with many other states in their top breed picks. 

Ohio: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Although Ohio named Labs, German shepherds, and goldens as their top three, this state is also a huge fan of mixed breeds. 

Oklahoma: Labs, German shepherds, bulldogs 

Oklahoma loves their bulldogs, but not quite as much as their Labs and German shepherds.  

Oregon: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Oregon is beginning to adopt more and more mixed breeds. Labradoodles are becoming very popular in this state. As for purebreds, Oregon voted Labs, German shepherds, and goldens as their top three. 

Labradoodle

Pennsylvania: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

The state dog in Pennsylvania is the Great Dane, a large breed that can grow to stand at almost three feet tall.  

Common Health Problems in Great Danes

Rhode Island: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

According to the AKC, Rhode Island favors their Labs, German shepherds, and goldens 

South Carolina: Labs, German shepherds, beagles 

South Carolina is a fan of active dogs, voting Labs, German shepherds, and beagles as their top three.  

South Dakota: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

South Dakota is starting to pick up on the border collie trend, like many other ranch-heavy states. However, for this year they still chose Labs, German shepherds, and goldens as their top three choices. 

Tennessee: Labs, German shepherds, beagles 

Tennessee didn’t want to branch out from the other states and kept the trend going with Labs, German shepherds and beagles as their top picks.  

Texas: Labs, German shepherds, bulldogs 

The official state dog in Texas is the Blue Lacy, but their top breeds are Labs, German shepherds, and bulldogs. 

BLue Lacy

Utah: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Per the AKC, Utah’s favorite breeds are Labs, German shepherds, and goldens. 

Vermont: Labs, beagles, Golden retrievers 

In a surprising twist, Vermont voted beagles as their number two over the usual pick of German shepherd or golden retriever.  

Virginia: Labs, German shepherds, beagles 

Virginia’s state dog, the American foxhound, is one of the rarest of America’s native dog breeds. This breed is very friendly and was originally bred for foxhunting. However, AKC states that their most popular breeds are Labs, German shepherds, and beagles. 

American Foxhound

Washington: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Although Labs, German shepherds, and goldens were voted as the three favorite breeds in Washington, they also love their Siberian huskies.  

West Virginia: German shepherds, beagles, Labs 

West Virginia is one of the five states with the most dog owners per capita. This state voted German shepherds as their number one breed, followed by beagles, and then Labs.  

Wisconsin: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

Labs, German shepherds, and goldens are the top three breeds in the cheese state! 

Wyoming: Labs, German shepherds, Golden retrievers 

For Wyoming’s rankings, Labs, German shepherds, and goldens all make their top three. However, they are also beginning to pick up on the border collie trend as their popularity there has been rising significantly over the past few years.  

Although all dog breeds are great in their own unique ways, it seems like there are a few specific breeds that have captured America’s hearts. Labs, German shepherds, golden retrievers, beagles, and bulldogs consistently made the top three picks throughout all 50 states!

As much as we all love dogs, don’t forget to spay or neuter your dogs to help every dog find a home.

Sources

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