Every US State Has a Favorite Dog Breed - and a Few States Have Very Surprising Taste
Americans own more than 56 million dogs, but there's no single breed the whole country agrees on. Not even close.
A new analysis by Voronoi, an infographics app by Visual Capitalist, of more than 1.2 million dog insurance records collected by U.S. News & World Report between 2022 and 2025 mapped the most popular dog breed in every state.
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Looking at the results, eight different breeds finish first somewhere in the country. The results reveal as much about regional culture as they do about dogs.
The Breed That Wins, but Not as Dominant as You Would Think
According to the data, the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog in 16 states. The number sounds amazing at first glance, but look closer, and that is less than a third of the country.
The next most popular dog is the Chihuahua, leading in 14 states. American pit bull terriers lead with seven, golden retrievers with five, and German shepherds with four. French bulldogs claim the top spot in two states. Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus each win one.
That's eight breeds across 50 states, which reflects how genuinely different American pet parents are from one another depending on where they live.
There is a reason why labs dominate. Up until a few years ago, the Labrador retriever had topped the American Kennel Club's list of most popular dog breeds for years. However, owning a Lab is not as simple as you think, as they can be stubborn, need a lot of exercise, and shed year-round.
The Geographic Patterns Are Hard to Ignore
If we look at the map of where each dog dominates, we can understand the logic. Look at the map, and labs lead in the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic. Their reputation for adaptability in different climates and family settings plays a role.
Chihuahuas dominate the Southwest, with regions like Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, where the breed has deep cultural roots. But we also have to look at the practical fit. People living in smaller living spaces and warmer climates are perfect for the Chihuahua.
Related: 7 of the Prettiest Small Dog Breeds You Can't Help But Love, According to Experts
The Surprising State Pick That Stands Out
Among the familiar names on the map, New Jersey's favorite stands out. The Garden State chose the Shih Tzu.
This small companion, praised for its flowing coat, expressive eyes, and affectionate personality, managed to beat some of the most popular dog breeds. Here is a fun fact: the Shih Tzu is No. 21 on the American Kennel Club's list of most popular dog breeds. But in New Jersey, this dog stands out.
For people living in apartments, smaller breeds like the Shih Tzu can be appealing because they often adapt well to indoor living and close companionship.
America's Love for Dogs
America's favorite dogs are not all the same. Some families prefer playful retrievers, others want a tiny companion with a huge personality, and some love working breeds.
The perfect dog has always been less about a national ranking and more about the connection between one animal and one family.
So whether your state picked a Labrador, a Chihuahua, a golden retriever, or an unexpected favorite like the Shih Tzu, the real winner is the bond people build with their dogs every day.
Related: These 7 Dog Breeds Have Been America's Favorites for Decades, According to Experts
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This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 7:48 PM.