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5 Fun Facts About the Most Popular Dog Breed in Every State

You’ll be surprised at which dog is No. 1. How does your best friend rank in the list of most popular dog breeds in every state?

Bulldogs Playing
Photo: CP17

We know that dogs are popular—and deservedly so—they’re the best—but Honest Paws conducted a new study to find the most popular dog breeds in every state.

Honest Paws based the results of their study of the most popular dog breeds in every state on Google search trends for the individual states. Some of the results will surprise you. They drew from a list of 40 popular dog breeds, but only 24 of those breeds ranked first in at least one U.S. state.

It should come as no surprise that Golden Retrievers, popular with families and known for their friendly faces and eager-to-please personalities, were among the top five. And it stands to reason that Alaskans in the frozen north love Siberian Huskies best. But who had any idea  Kansans were so enamored of the Greyhound?

Among the 16 breeds that did not rank anywhere in the U.S., there were also some surprises. While French Bulldogs were recently named the Number Two dog in the U.S. by the American Kennel Club, the breed didn’t rank first in search interest in any of the 50 states or D.C.!

Standard Poodles, with their low-allergen coats and supreme intelligence, were also left out of the running for top dog—perhaps because of the popularity of “Doodles,” the result of cross-breeding between Poodles and breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors.

Fun Facts About the Most Popular Dog Breed in Every State

1. Bulldog

Bulldog Puppy
Photo: Mylene2401

Taking home the “Best in Search” blue ribbon was the Bulldog, ranking first in ten states. While it’s hard to picture these hefty pooches, with their wrinkled faces, distinctive pushed-in noses, and short legs baiting bulls, that is indeed what they were originally bred for. Thankfully, that cruel practice is a thing of yesteryear—but the Bulldog breed remains relevant. People in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, and Nevada are especially bullish on Bulldogs.

2. Havanese

most popular dog breeds in every state

Second in line is the fluffy and pint-sized Havanese, which is the national dog of Cuba. Havanese are very people-oriented dogs, so they love snuggling in laps. But they can also become very dependent on their humans, so it’s good to own more than one for those times when you’re not home. New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, and one non-N state, Michigan, ranked as the highest-interest states for this breed.

3. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel
Photo: Sid74

Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs in the United Kingdom, with the term “cocker” coming from their ability to spot the Eurasian woodcock. They are super-cute, but they are known to be bountiful barkers. Those in Utah and South Carolina are the most curious about the Cocker Spaniel.

4. German Shepherd

most popular dog breeds in every state

Ever since the silent film days featuring its biggest canine star Rin Tin Tin, the German Shephard has never gone out of style. Smart, steadfast, and loyal, this large dog breed is ideal for protection and companionship. People in North Carolina, Kentucky, and West Virginia are especially keen on this breed.

5. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever
Photo: Vereingaia

Who can resist that grin? Not us! The beautiful, friendly Golden Retriever is tops when it comes to breeds chosen for therapy purposes, and also a top breed chosen for outdoor sports. So it stands to reason that this happy breed is the most-searched-for breed in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, where hunting and fishing are popular pastimes.

How did your dog rank? See if it’s listed on the top dog breeds in every state overall:

most popular dog breeds in every state
Graphic: Honest Paws

Now take a look at this map of the most popular dog breeds in every state of the good old US of A:

Graphic: Honest Paws

Since you obviously want to take the best care of your pup possible, see:

You’ll be surprised at which dog is No. 1. How does your best friend rank in the list of most popular dog breeds in every state?