Source: Adobe Stock
Key Findings
The most popular dog breed across all 50 states is the French bulldog.
The most popular name is Bella, with one in every 100 dogs having that name.
The French bulldog is the most popular dog in 12 states, including California, Florida, New York and Texas.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S.
Our study included 311 distinct breeds, ranging from popular favorites such as golden retrievers to less common breeds such as the Finnish spitz. Standing out from the pack is the French bulldog, reigning as the most popular breed in the U.S., constituting 7% of all dogs in our study. Following closely behind are chihuahuas, golden retrievers, labrador retrievers and German shepherds, in descending order of popularity.
Despite their charm and popularity, French bulldogs come with a hefty price tag. This dog is estimated to cost $16,295 over its lifetime, but our research shows that French bulldogs are not the most expensive breed. The golden retriever stands out as the priciest among the top five breeds, which will cost almost $23,000 over its lifetime.
Want a breed that stands out? Explore our list of the most unique breeds. These breeds had the fewest counts in our study, with one each.
Most Popular Dog Breeds by State
The French bulldog is the number one breed overall, but it’s not the most popular breed in every state. In some of the largest states such as California, Texas, Florida and New York, where urban living and limited space are common, French bulldogs reign supreme due to their compact size and adaptability to city life. However, labrador retrievers hold sway in nine states, reflecting their popularity as versatile, friendly companions suitable for various environments.
Tied with labrador retrievers, nine states prefer golden retrievers, eight prefer chihuahuas, six prefer German shepherds and five prefer Yorkshire terriers. Notably, four states, namely Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky and Minnesota, have unique top picks, demonstrating the eclectic range of breeds preferred by residents, from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the goldendoodle.
Most Popular Dog Names
Bella is the most popular dog name in the U.S. with one in every 100 dogs sharing this name. Bella is the most popular dog name in 22 states and Washington D.C. Following closely behind are names such as Luna, Max, Charlie and Coco. Once-traditional names such as Spot, Fido and Rover seem to have fallen out of favor, with only a handful of dogs bearing these classic monikers — 21 Spots, seven Fidos and a mere two Rovers were found in our survey.
How To Find a Breed that’s Right for You and Meet Its Needs
When choosing a dog breed, our team recommends tailoring your decision to fit your lifestyle, abilities and needs. Consider your budget, as well as factors such as the size of your home, climate, local regulations, and whether you have access to a yard or dog park, as these can impact your dog’s comfort and well-being.
Research the exercise needs, dietary requirements, grooming demands and potential health issues specific to your chosen breed. For instance, active breeds such as labradors require plenty of exercise, while certain breeds such as bulldogs may require special attention to respiratory health. Our team also recommends you explore pet insurance options to prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses if your dog gets hurt or sick.
Additionally, consider adopting a rescue dog. Many shelters and rescue organizations offer loving and deserving dogs ready for forever homes. Adoption not only provides a second chance to an animal in need but also often includes benefits such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations and even basic obedience training.
Methodology
To rank the most and least popular dog breeds by state, the MarketWatch Guides research team analyzed 35,000 data points from 2023 collected using PetInsurer, a third-party pet insurance provider. The data included breeds, names and ZIP codes which were matched to the corresponding state or U.S. territory. Dogs reported as “Mixed,” “Designer” or “Other” were excluded from our breed popularity analysis but included in our name popularity analysis. Yearly and lifetime cost data for the top breeds in each state were sourced from PetBudget.
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If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team ateditors@marketwatchguides.com.
Melody KasulisLead Data Analyst
Melody Kasulis is a communications professional and data analyst with over seven years of experience telling stories with data. Her work focuses on data-driven human interest stories at the intersection of money and home.
Tori AddisonEditor
Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
