Most owned dog breeds in the US

Finding the perfect dog is exciting, but with over 200 recognized dog breeds worldwide, it's rarely straightforward. While every pup has a unique personality, analyzing real-world trends can help guide your search.

We’ve analyzed our community data to uncover the most popular dog breeds across US states and cities, as well as the breeds attracting the most house sitting applications, to give you a snapshot of America’s most-loved companions and how they fit into our daily lives.

America’s most owned dog breed by state 

We’ve done the research to find out which dog breeds are most commonly listed at TrustedHousesitters across each US state. 

Labradors are America’s clear favorite

When it comes to America's favorite dog breed, there's one clear winner. The Labrador Retriever ranks as the most listed breed in 28 US states.

Their friendly, outgoing and affectionate personality has won the hearts of states across the country, including Florida, Texas, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia and many more, with their popularity extending from coast to coast. 

Labs are happiest when they're on the move and spending time with their people, making them the perfect companion for those who love an active lifestyle. With countless trails, beaches, parks, and open spaces to explore across different states, it's easy to see why they feel right at home across so much of America.

Golden Retrievers secure second place

Golden Retrievers ranked as the second most-owned breed across 8 different US states, including California, Washington and Idaho, proving particularly popular in western and northern states.

Much like the Labrador, the Golden Retriever shares a friendly, intelligent and even-tempered nature, thriving in homes where outdoor time and family life are part of the everyday routine. 

Arizona and Utah stand apart with Chihuahuas 

While most states lean towards the larger breeds, both Arizona and Utah favor one of the smallest dog breeds. Known for their bold, loyal, and intelligent personalities, Chihuahuas pack in plenty of character despite their small frame. 

Their compact size and lower exercise needs make them a natural fit for the warm, sunny weather enjoyed across the Southwest. Whether relaxing at home during the hottest parts of the day or joining their pet parents on shorter outdoor adventures, Chihuahuas are well suited to regions where temperatures are frequently high.

Some states have unique breeds

Interestingly, some states have distinct favorites when it comes to dog breeds. 

Known for their endurance and adventurous spirit, the Australian Cattle Dog takes the top spot in Alaska. These hardworking dogs are always ready for the outdoors, so with Alaska’s snowy winters and vast, rugged landscapes, it's easy to see why they've become a popular choice. 

In Oklahoma, the athletic and fiercely loyal German Shepard takes top spot, as the state’s wide-open countryside is a perfect fit for the breed’s highly active lifestyle.

While traditional pedigree breeds dominate much of the country, the Cockapoo has won over North Dakota. This Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross is a loving, friendly, and active dog breed, making them a perfect addition for many households. 

The most owned dog breeds in the US’s biggest cities

We’ve broken our analysis down even further to see how dog ownership plays out at a city level.

Classic family breeds remain the top choice

Labradors are the most-owned breed in 22 of the US’s biggest cities, including Florida’s Tampa, Nevada’s Boulder City, and New Hampshire’s Contoocook. It’s safe to say they’re a go-to choice for households across the country. 

Golden Retrievers follow closely behind in second place, suggesting classic, family-friendly breeds are most popular overall. These breeds are most popular in more suburban or rural cities like Montana’s Belt and South Carolina’s Awendaw, where access to outdoor space and active lifestyles make them a natural fit.

Doodle breeds are everywhere

Goldendoodles, Labradoodles and Cockapoos continue to appear across cities nationwide, reflecting the growing popularity of crossbreeds in today’s homes. 

While Doodle breeds are renowned for their teddy bear coats, each brings its own unique characteristics. From the friendly, people-loving nature of the Goldendoodle and the intelligence of the Labradoodle to the affectionate and playful personality of the Cockapoo.

A clear trend between climates and dog ownership

Our data has shown that small dogs are particularly popular in warm or urban cities where their size and lower exercise needs are a natural lifestyle fit. Chihuahuas take the top spot in cities like Phoenix and Altamonte Springs; meanwhile, Dachshunds have found popularity in the likes of Albuquerque and Miami.  

Other smaller breeds like French Bulldogs also have a strong presence in urban cities like Atlanta and Baltimore, reinforcing the appeal of smaller breeds for pet parents with a busy city life, where access to large outdoor spaces may be more limited. 

At the other end of the scale, outdoorsy cities surrounded by nature often favor larger dogs with higher exercise needs. In places like Bellowfalls, Vermont and Azalea, Oregon, with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees come out on top. 

Not every city has a clear favorite 

While some cities show strong preferences, others have more mixed patterns. For instance, Vermont’s Brattleboro has five leading breeds, while North Dakota’s Bismarck has four, suggesting a wider variety of lifestyle and behavioral preferences in these locations. 

The dog breeds with the most pet sitting applications 

We also wanted to find out which dog breeds attract the most sitter applications, offering insight into the pets people are most curious to care for.

Icelandic Sheep Dogs attract the most demand

The Icelandic Sheep Dog tops the ranking, with just over 14 average applications per sit. Known for being affectionate, inquisitive and full of energy, the breed is perfect for anyone looking to introduce a highly active and loving member to their family. Their thick coat, bushy tail and fox-like appearance only add to their charm. 

Rare breeds have high sitter interest

With Borzois earning second place and Sloughis also securing a spot on the podium in third, there’s a clear interest in lesser-known breeds. Both tall, slender and elegant sight hounds, Borzois are known for their gentle and intelligent nature, while Sloughis are renowned for their sensitivity and strong sense of loyalty. 

Long stays and high demand overlap 

Some of the most popular breeds also have longer average sits, giving pet sitters more time to experience life with these dogs.

Breeds including the Borzoi, Berger Picard, Bracco Italiano, Belgian Tervuren and Icelandic Sheepdog stand out for attracting lots of sitter applications and having longer than average sits.

The bigger picture

While dog popularity tells an interesting story, it doesn’t tell the whole one. From Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers to Borzois and Icelandic Sheepdogs, dog lovers are drawn to all kinds of breeds for many different reasons. Some of the most commonly owned dogs aren't necessarily the ones attracting the most sitter interest, while regional trends show just how much preferences can vary from place to place.

Ultimately, there's no substitute for quality time with a dog in a real home environment. Caring for different dogs can give you a much better sense of their personalities, routines and quirks that photos, social media or breed guides simply can’t. 

Whether you're considering bringing a dog into your life in the future or simply enjoy traveling and spending time with pets, house sitting gives travelers the chance to live like a local, meet adorable pets, and experience places off the beaten path.

Methodology 

TrustedHousesitters analyzed all dog listings in the US on their site to discover the most owned dog breed in every state. This was then broken down further by city, with the three biggest cities we had data for, in each state, being chosen in our report. For average sit length and applications in the US, we analyzed historical data over the past five years.