America: land of the free and home of the brave… people and dogs alike!
63.4 million American households own at least one dog. All told, over 89 million canines call the USA home.
We’ve broken down every state’s most popular dog breed using survey data from Franchise Opportunities.
One thing’s for sure: Americans love their dogs, and they love us too!
Table: Dog Breeds by State
The below table is a quick overview of dog breeds by state. Some quick stats to consider:
By raw U.S. population numbers, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed; however, by State, it’s only the most popular dog breed in one – Maine. This was very curious to me.
The Doberman Pinscher, on the other hand, is the most popular dog breed in seven States.
| Breed | States |
|---|---|
| Doberman Pinscher (7 States) | IN, KS, KY, NC, OH, TN, TX |
| French Bulldog (5 States) | FL, IL, MA, NY, RI |
| Rottweiler (3 States) | OK, PA, MO |
| Golden Retriever (2 States) | NH, VT |
| English Cocker Spaniel (2 States) | SC, UT |
| Bullmastiff (2 States) | MD, OR |
| Maltese (2 States) | CA, NJ |
| Siberian Huskey (2 States) | CT, WA |
| Bichon Frise (2 States) | IA, VA |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | CO |
| Cane Corso | DE |
| Dachshund | AL |
| Akita | AK |
| Pug | AZ |
| Poodle | AR |
| Bulldog | GA |
| Shiba Inu | HI |
| Border Collie | ID |
| St. Bernard | LA |
| Labrador | ME |
| Newfoundland | MI |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | MN |
| Yorkshire Terrier | MS |
| Australian Shepard | MT |
| Soft-coated Wheaton Terrier | NE |
| Pomeranian | NV |
| Chihuahua | NM |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | ND |
| Shetland Sheepdog | SD |
| German Shepherd | WV |
| Great Dane | WI |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | WY |
| 32 Breeds | 50 States |
The Most Popular Dog Breeds by State
Alabama: Dachshund
With so many hunters calling Alabama home, it makes sense that hunting breeds like dachshunds are so beloved in the state.
Dachshunds may not look like hunting dogs, but that’s actually what they were bred for! Whether they’re out in the woods or playing in the yard, they’re beloved by Alabamans.
Alaska: Akita
Alaska’s state dog is the Alaskan Malamute. This ancient dog is thought to have been around for over 4,500 years.
But the most popular breed in Alaska isn’t the Malamute, but rather the closely-related Akita.
The Akita is a hardy dog whose thick coat is perfect for enduring Arctic winters. And its hunting abilities surely prove beneficial up north, where many families subsist on hunted game.
Arizona: Pug
The scorching desert can be a dangerous place for these short-snouted dogs, who can’t breathe well in hot weather. But that doesn’t stop Arizonans from giving pugs the number one spot in their hearts.
Arkansas: Poodle
Prim and proper as a southern debutante, the poodle takes first place in Arkansas. It’s considered the second smartest dog breed, excelling at everything from hunting to agility to companionship.
California and New Jersey: Maltese
At just seven pounds and with a strong independent streak, the Maltese is well-suited to city life.
Perhaps that’s why the urban sprawls of New Jersey and California are home to so many Maltese dogs.
Colorado: Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of the best tracking breeds, making it a great companion for outings in Colorado’s glorious Rocky Mountains.
Connecticut and Washington: Siberian Husky
Connecticut and Washington never get too cold for Siberian Huskies, who can withstand temperatures of as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit!
Delaware: Cane Corso
This tiny state loves its big dogs! Cane Corsos can weigh over 100 pounds and stand over two feet at the shoulder.
Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island: French Bulldog
From New England to the Midwest to the Florida peninsula, French Bulldogs are the reigning champions. And they’re the fourth most popular breed in the country as a whole!
Georgia: Bulldog
Bulky and brave, the country’s fifth most popular dog is number one in Georgia’s heart. Georgians love this breed so much that the University of Georgia’s football team is known as the Bulldogs.
Hawaii: Shiba Inu
Say aloha to Hawaii’s most popular dog breed! Hailing from Japan, the Shiba Inu is thought to be around 10,000 years old, making it one of the most ancient dog breeds in America’s youngest state.
Idaho: Border Collie
Over two million cattle call Idaho home, and many of them are herded by Border Collies. The state’s most popular dog breed is known for its herding abilities and regal good looks.
Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas: Doberman Pinscher
No breed takes first place in more states than the strong, smart, energetic Doberman Pinscher. At up to 80 pounds, it’s a formidable breed that’s often used in K-9 units and as a home guard dog.
Iowa and Virginia: Bichon Frise
French in both origin and appearance, the Bichon Frise is beloved in Iowa and Virginia as well. The name translates to “curly lap dog” — how fitting!
Louisiana: St. Bernard
New Orleans does it big, and so does the rest of the state if its favorite dog is any indication! Maxing out at 180 pounds, the St. Bernard is a true gentle giant whose size is topped only by its lovability.
Maine: Labrador
America’s number one dog breed is Maine’s as well. Sporty, friendly and loyal, it’s no wonder Labradors are so loved.
Maryland and Oregon: Bullmastiff
East coast, west coast, wherever: Bullmastiffs are unbeatable. Maryland and Oregon both consider these big dogs their favorite breed.
Michigan: Newfoundland
Huge in both size and sweetness, the Newfoundland is Michigan’s most popular breed. Its thick coat keeps both dog and owner cozy during those frigid Great Lakes winters.
Minnesota: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
From the royal palace of Britain to the chilly Twin Cities of Minnesota, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is tough to beat. At under 20 pounds, its tiny body holds a ton of personality.
Mississippi: Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie’s silky hair and royal attitude fit right in, in Mississippi. These tiny belles of the ball weigh no more than seven pounds when full-grown!
Missouri, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania: Rottweiler
Whether it’s hunting, working or guarding, the 100+ pound Rottweiler is a great fit for these rural states.
Montana: Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd isn’t actually too far from home in Montana! Its origins can be traced back to Western America in the 1840s, when it was bred as a herding dog.
Nebraska: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
This little-known pup originates from Ireland, but Nebraskans love it the best. It excels at everything from herding to tracking to cuddling.
Nevada: Pomeranian
Unpredictable and entertaining, the Pomeranian is a perfect fit for Nevada. Weighing as little as three pounds, these tiny fluffballs make us feel lucky to have dogs!
New Hampshire and Vermont: Golden Retriever
Northern New England’s favorite breed is the golden retriever. Its thick coat keeps it warm in the winter, and its loving personality warms its owners’ hearts too!
New Mexico: Chihuahua
Chihuahuas originated in Mexico over 1,000 years ago. Today, they continue their legacy in New Mexico, where they’re the most popular breed.
North Dakota: German Shorthaired Pointer
This distinctive hunting dog is North Dakota’s top breed. German Shorthaired Pointers excel at sporting and guarding, so they’re perfect for rural life.
South Carolina and Utah: English Cocker Spaniel
At 30 pounds and with a long, silky coat, English Cocker Spaniels are easy to care for and easier to love. South Carolina and Utah both consider these dogs the best breed.
South Dakota: Shetland Sheepdog
More commonly known as the Sheltie, the Shetland Sheepdog lives up to its name: it excels at herding sheep. That’s probably why South Dakota, the nation’s fifth-largest lamb, and wool producer, loves this breed so much.
West Virginia: German Shepherd
Germans settled West Virginia in the 1720s, and it’s thought that the German Shepherd may have come with them. Today, the breed’s legacy persists as the state’s most popular dog.
Wisconsin: Great Dane
Zeus, a Great Dane who set the record for World’s Tallest Dog at 3 feet 8 inches, lived in Michigan. But the neighboring state of Wisconsin remains the Great Dane’s number-one fan.
Wyoming: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis are known for their adorable appearance and royal heritage, but they’re also excellent herding dogs. In Wyoming, they’re the most popular dog breed — they’re equally good at working on the farm and cuddling in your arms!
