These are America’s Top 10 favorite dog breeds

American families adore their four-legged companions.

Approximately two-thirds of U.S. households own a dog, and a staggering 85% of dog owners consider their pets a part of their family. 

It’s undeniable that Americans hold a deep affection for their furry friends. While certain breeds are more common than others, it’s intriguing to discover which ones are the most favored in America.

Forbes Advisor surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the country to find out which breeds rank supreme in the U.S. The survey options encompassed the top 25 most popular breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

As it turns out, many Americans are unbiased when it comes to dogs. The largest percentage of respondents reported that “no breed in particular” is their favorite (13%). However, Australian shepherds ranked as the top favorite dog breed, followed by German shepherds and bulldogs.

The results showed that the German shepherd ranked as the No. 1 favored dog breed in 16 states (at times tying with another breed for the top spot), the highest number studywide. However, this breed ranked second most favored nationwide.

Havanese ranked as the least favored breed in the majority of U.S. states (33 total, at times tying with other breeds for the bottom spot).

America’s second least-favored dog breed was the German shorthaired pointer followed by the Welsh corgi.

The top reason why respondents selected a breed as their favorite was because they currently own the breed or have in the past (52%). Thinking the dog could be a good companion (50%) was the second-most favored reason.

America’s favorite dog breed by state

When exploring the vast landscape of America's dog-loving terrain, each state reveals its unique preferences for top canine companions. Whether it's the laid-back charm of Bernese mountain dogs in California, Florida and Texas or the enduring popularity of Labrador retrievers, here are the distinctive favorites (and less favored) breeds from coast to coast.

Bernese mountain dogs rank as the favorite dog breed in America’s most populated states including California, Florida and Texas.

Labrador retrievers, which were the AKC’s “Most Popular Breed” for 31 years through 2022, ranked as the favored breed in 10 states.

Although French bulldogs ranked as the “Most Popular Breed” in 2023 by the AKC, the survey showed that this breed did not rank as the favorite breed in any individual state. It ranked highest in Arizona and Hawaii, coming in as the fourth-most favored breed.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels ranked as the least favored breeds in six states (at times tying with other breeds for the bottom spot). These states include Alabama, Iowa, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas and West Virginia.

AMERICA’S TOP 10 FAVORITE DOG BREEDS

1. Australian Shepherd
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Bulldog
4. Labrador Retriever
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
6. Beagle
7. Golden Retriever
8. Boston Terrier
9. Boxer
10. Shih Tzu

Editorial Note: This story was originally published on Forbes Advisor.