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Move Over, Labs—This Breed Is Now the Most Popular in America

There’s an age-old debate between dog and cat lovers over which pet is truly the best. But even among dog lovers, there’s still plenty of discussion about which breed is the best. Some people prefer big dogs that help them feel safe and secure, while others like to cuddle with a small lapdog.

Though dog enthusiasts could likely engage in a friendly argument all day about the breed that reigns supreme, numbers never lie. A recent study set out to discover which dog breed is the most popular in the United States—and the results might surprise the owners of Labrador retrievers, last year’s most popular breed.

Keep reading to find out which dog breeds are the most popular across the country, how they vary by region, and which dog names you’re most likely to overhear on your next visit to the dog park.

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How were the most popular breeds determined?

To find out which dog breeds are the most popular across the United States, JustAnswer reviewed just shy of 115,000 conversations between dog owners and veterinary experts on its website. The data spans all of 2025, and the results include not only which breeds are the most popular but also the most common dog names and dog-related questions.

JustAnswer’s breed-popularity list varies from the one released by the American Kennel Club (AKC) because their methodologies are different. The AKC determines which breed is the most popular by analyzing annual registration statistics for purebred dogs, then ranks the breeds accordingly.

What is the most popular dog breed in America?

According to JustAnswer, the most popular dog breed in America is also among the smallest. Chihuahuas have stolen the title of most popular dog breed from Labrador retrievers, who previously held the No. 1 spot. But gentle, adoring Labs are still beloved across the country—they were the second-most-popular breed in JustAnswer’s rankings.

Where do Chihuahuas reign supreme?

Interestingly, different breeds vary in popularity by region. Chihuahuas are, by and large, the most popular breed across the West and Southwest, which may be due in part to the fact that the breed originated in Mexico. They even got their name from the Mexican state!

Which other dog breeds are popular?

If you live in the Southwest or West, there’s a good chance you have a Chihuahua. But for those who live in other parts of the country, the most popular breeds vary quite a bit. Labrador retrievers still take the cake in the Northeast and across the Midwest. Pit bulls are also fairly popular, ending up among the top three dog breeds in every region across the country except the West.

Rounding out the top five breeds are Yorkshire terriers and German shepherds.

What are the most popular dog names by breed?

Believe it or not, owners are inclined to choose dog names at least partially based on the breed. Different breeds often reflect different types of names, according to JustAnswer. While Lab owners might opt for names like Daisy or Duke, pit bulls are frequently given names like Roxie or Beast. And Chihuahuas? They are often named Chloe or Mac.

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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

  • JustAnswer: “Top Surprising Dog Trends Taking Over America in 2025”
  • AKC: “Most Popular Dog Breeds”

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