The Most Popular Dog Breed in Every U.S. State

Dogs are family members — at least that’s how most owners see them.

Unlike with our human family members, though, we aren’t shy about picking favorites.

U.S. News & World Report recently released an analysis of the most popular dog breeds. They looked at more than 800,000 data points provided by a third-party pet insurance group in late 2023 to compile their list of winners.

A variety of breeds hit the top 10, but only two were the most popular in more than 10 U.S. states. Is your pet one of them? Let’s take a look.

Yorkshire terrier

States in which this dog breed ranks No. 1 for popularity: 1 (Maryland) plus Washington, D.C.

How this dog breed ranks nationally for popularity: No. 7

Typically measuring between 7 and 10 inches tall, the Yorkshire Terrier — or “Yorkie” — is one of the smallest dog breeds. That makes them ideal dogs for those who live in apartments and other small homes.

Yorkies are also ideal for people who are allergic to dog dander or don’t want a dog that sheds a lot. The breed made our list in “20 Dog Breeds That Won’t Shed All Over the Place.”

Goldendoodle

States in which this dog breed ranks No. 1 for popularity: 2 (Idaho and Utah)

How this dog breed ranks nationally for popularity: No. 6

Goldendoodles are a relatively new “designer” breed that came about in the 1990s. This golden retriever-poodle mix can be a nice alternative for those who are sensitive or allergic to dogs because they don’t shed a lot. Goldendoodles are also good outdoor companions since they’re energetic and athletic.

French bulldog

States in which this dog breed ranks No. 1 for popularity: 3 (California, Florida and Hawaii)

How this dog breed ranks nationally for popularity: No. 2

Contrary to their name, the French bulldog actually originated in England. However, it quickly became popular as a lap dog among middle- and upper-class people in Paris, which led to the breed’s moniker.

Shih Tzu

States in which this dog breed ranks No. 1 for popularity: 4 (Iowa, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island)

How this dog breed ranks nationally for popularity: No. 5

This breed has been around for at least 1,000 years. Shih Tzus originate from the Tibet region of Asia, and it’s believed they were sent to Chinese royalty as gifts.

Shih Tzus are known to be playful, outgoing and affectionate.

German shepherd

States in which this dog breed ranks No. 1 for popularity: 5 (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, Pennsylvania, Wyoming)

How this dog breed ranks nationally for popularity: No. 4

One of the most famous dogs in history — Rin Tin Tin — was a German shepherd. An American soldier fighting in World War I discovered the famous pooch in France and brought him home, where he became a movie star.

These dogs are among the smartest and fastest of them all.

Golden retriever

States in which this dog breed ranks No. 1 for popularity: 14 (Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin)

How this dog breed ranks nationally for popularity: No. 3

Golden retrievers have a keen sense of smell and are good trackers. That has made them a favorite of search-and-rescue teams. They star in many TV shows and movies because they are friendly and easy to train.

Two presidents — Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan — kept golden retrievers while in office.

Chihuahua

States in which this dog breed ranks No. 1 for popularity: 21 (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia)

How this dog breed ranks nationally for popularity: No. 1

Quick learners and eager to please, Chihuahuas caught the attention of American dog breeders and rose in popularity in the 19th century. They were well-revered long before that, though. Chihuahuas were favorites of the Aztec Empire of Mexico and Central America. When Aztec nobles died, their Chihuahuas were often buried or cremated with them. Today, the dog breed shares its name with a state in Mexico.