Research Reveals Every State’s Favorite Dog Breed. Is Your Pooch on the List?
Americans adore dogs so much that some of us think of them more as human than canine. But as it turns out, some breeds are much more popular in certain states than others.
U.S. News & World Report revealed the top dog breeds in each state. Researchers used over a quarter million data points to determine which breeds residents like best.
Overall, chihuahuas topped the list, with French bulldogs coming in as a close second.
Alabama
Alabama’s favorite dog breed is the chihuahua, and it’s no wonder why. These six-pound, sassy canines are as adorable as they are feisty, making them a wonderful addition to many families.
Alaska
Cold temperatures and a rugged landscape may be why Alaskans prefer bigger breeds than much of the U.S. German shepherds are The Last Frontier’s favorite dog breed, followed closely by golden retrievers.
Arizona
Chihuahuas do well in desert heat, which might be why they’re so popular in Arizona. Arizonans also love French bulldogs and German shepherds.
Arkansas
Perhaps Arkansas residents love chihuahuas for their long lifespan. The expressive little dogs live an average of 12 to 18 years. Whatever the reason, chihuahuas rank the most popular in the Natural State.
California
Californians love their celebrities, which may be why French bulldogs are the favorite dog breed in the Golden State. With famous dogs like Manny the Frenchie taking social media by storm, it’s no wonder California residents can’t get enough of their Frenchies.
Colorado
The top dog breed in Colorado is the golden retriever, according to U.S. News & World Report. Golden retrievers are happy-go-lucky canines known for their love of the great outdoors, which makes them a great fit for many Colorado residents.
Connecticut
Golden retrievers top the list as Connecticut’s most favorite dog breed for good reasons. This family-friendly dog enjoys playing almost as much as it enjoys providing unconditional love.
Delaware
Residents of Delaware love their German shepherds. Large, muscular, and extremely agile German shepherds have a double coat, which makes them resilient to cold Delaware winters.
Florida
In Florida, the favorite dog breed is the French bulldog. Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers follow close behind, implying Floridians prefer their dogs on the smaller side.
Georgia
Chihuahuas are the top dog breed in Georgia. Perhaps Georgians like the fact that they have noble roots as the treasured and perhaps divine pets of the royal Aztecs.
Hawaii
Hawaiians love French Bulldogs, but owners have to be careful in the summer sun. The beloved, short Frenchie snout makes it easy for these pups to overheat.
Idaho
According to U.S. News & World Report, the goldendoodle is Idaho’s favorite breed. A mix of poodle and golden retriever, goldendoodles are known for their playful nature and teddy bear-like looks.
Illinois
Golden retrievers are the most favorite dog breed in Illinois. Residents might be attracted to this breed’s loving personality and how easy it is to train them.
Indiana
In Indiana, chihuahuas are the favorite dog breed. Interestingly, the exact chihuahua lineage is still debated, with the American Kennel Club reporting that some believe chihuahuas originated in Mexico. Others think it was Spain, and a few argue chihuahuas came from China.
Iowa
Iowa is one of the few states where the favorite dog breed is the shih tzu. Perhaps Iowans like the unparalleled independence of this Tibetan breed.
Kansas
Kansas residents like chihuahuas more than any other dog breed. Americans first started adopting chihuahuas in the 1800s, and it seems they never lost their fondness for the tiny pups.
Kentucky
Chihuahuas won American hearts in many hit modern films and shows, like Legally Blond and Sex in The City. It appears Kentuckians weren’t immune to the little dog’s charm, as it ranks as their favorite breed.
Louisiana
Chihuahuas are the number one dog breed in Louisiana, according to U.S. News & World Report. Louisiana residents also love shih tzus and Yorkshire terriers.
Maine
It appears small breeds aren’t suited to the Pine Tree State. Maine residents like golden retrievers best. However, black Labrador retrievers, golden Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds are also on their top five list.
Maryland
Yorkshire terriers are the number one dog breed in Maryland. These adorable little dogs typically weigh no more than seven pounds.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts residents prefer golden retrievers to other dog breeds. Golden retrievers are known for their outgoing personalities and quick learning capabilities, which makes them great therapy dogs.
Michigan
Golden retrievers came from mixing retrievers with water spaniels, which explains their deep love for splashing about. Michigan’s Great Lakes give this breed plenty of places to swim, which may be why golden retrievers are the number one dog breed in Michigan.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, golden retrievers are the favored dog breed. These people-loving dogs make a great addition to many families, but owners should understand that they’re more prone to cancer than other breeds.
Mississippi
Mississippi residents seem to prefer small dogs. Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, and shih tzus top their favorite breeds list.
Missouri
Missouri citizens prefer chihuahuas to other breeds. This adaptable breed can thrive anywhere, from the urban center of St. Louis to the rural Ozark Mountains.
Montana
Montana’s vast wilderness seems to call for bigger dog breeds. Residents of the Big Sky Country like German shepherds best, and golden retrievers come in second place.
Nebraska
Golden retrievers weren’t recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club until 1932, but they’ve been popular since their arrival in the States sometime in the 1920s. They’re especially popular in Nebraska, where U.S News & World Report found they were the top breed.
Nevada
Nevada is prone to temperature extremes, with hot summers and frigid winters, depending on where you are in the state. That may be why chihuahuas are the top breed in the Silver State. These uniquely adaptable dogs can handle the heat and enjoy snuggling up with their owners in the cold.
New Hampshire
In recent decades, golden retrievers have had more than their fair share of the limelight. From Full House to Air Bud, these lovable dogs won over millennials everywhere, and perhaps especially in New Hampshire, where they’re the most favorite breed.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, shih tzus are the favorite dog breed. Their name, which means “little lion,” aptly captures the spirit of this lively breed. It’s easy to envision their vibrant personalities resonating with New Jersey residents.
New Mexico
Chihuahuas likely came from Mexico. At the very least, the Mexican state of Chihuahua lent these dogs their name. It’s only fitting that chihuahuas would be the favorite breed in New Mexico, too.
New York
New Yorkers need dogs that can keep up with their pace without taking up too much space. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that shih tzus are the top breed in the Empire State.
North Carolina
North Carolina residents prefer chihuahuas to other dog breeds, perhaps for good reasons. In 2020, a North Carolina chihuahua saved his owner by getting help when he had a stroke.
North Dakota
A North Dakota girl battling cancer found solace in the ‘Air Buddies’ film, which feature golden retriever pups. Touched by her story, the film’s producer gifted her a 16-week-old puppy named Rose Bud, who became her loyal companion. Stories like this are just some of the reasons that golden retrievers are North Dakota’s favorite dog breed.
Ohio
Golden retrievers top the favorite dog breed list in Ohio. German shepherds are close behind, but lest you think Ohio residents only like big breeds, take note that chihuahuas come in at number three.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma residents prefer chihuahuas, according to U.S. News & World Report. Chihuahuas were officially recognized as a breed in 1904, three years before Oklahoma became a state.
Oregon
Despite their small size, chihuahuas are intelligent and athletic. Their agility skills may help them keep up with Oregonians, who enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. That and their undeniable charm may be why Oregon residents favor chihuahuas.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents prefer German shepherds over other dog breeds. German shepherds enjoy working and are easy to train, making them one of the top breeds for police dogs.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the favorite breed is the shih tzu. As one of the 13 original colonies, Rhode Island is amongst the oldest U.S. states, but it has nothing on the shih tzu breed, which has been around for over 1,000 years.
South Carolina
South Carolina seems to prefer small dog breeds over large ones. Their top three picks are chihuahuas, shih tzus, and Yorkshire terriers.
South Dakota
There are two official types of chihuahuas: long coat and smooth coat. Both are popular in South Dakota, where chihuahuas are the favored dog breed.
Tennessee
Chihuahuas are Tennessee’s most favorite breed. Yorkshire terriers and goldendoodles follow close behind.
Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas except their favorite dogs. The Lone Star State likes chihuahuas best, and Yorkshire terriers come in second.
Utah
In Utah, families have more children on average than in other U.S. states, and every family needs a good family dog. Perhaps that’s why playful goldendoodles are the favorite breed in Utah.
Vermont
According to U.S. News & World Report, golden retrievers are the top breed in Vermont. German shepherds and yellow Labrador retrievers come in second and third place.
Virginia
In Virginia, the top breed is the golden retriever. It seems they’re so popular in the Green Mountain State that it can be hard to tell whose dog is whose, as one family found out when they took home the wrong golden from daycare.
Washington
Washingtonians love their dogs, as any Seattleite will tell you. The city is famous for having more dogs than children, and chihuahuas are the favorite breed.
West Virginia
Chihuahuas are the preferred dog breed in West Virginia. German shepherds are second, and shih tzus are third.
Wisconsin
Golden retrievers are often prized members of search and rescue teams thanks to a keen sense of smell and unique tracking capabilities. Wisconsin residents love them for more than just those features, which is why they’re the favorite breed in the Badger State.
Wyoming
Wyoming’s rugged and expansive outdoor spaces make it a state where bigger dog breeds can thrive. Perhaps that’s why Wyoming residents prefer German shepherds, who often weigh 80 pounds or more, to other breeds.
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