The Competition is Ruff! Here Are the Most Popular Dog Breeds (And Pet Names) of The Year, According to a New Study

When it comes to the most popular household pet in the U.S., the options for dog breeds are almost endless. Every dog has their own distinct characteristics, but their genetics still play a significant role in their lifestyle and personality. This is why pet parents often consider particular breeds when deciding which type of canine companion to welcome home, and while all of our furry friends deserve a loving home A new study takes a look at some of the most popular dog breeds and names across the US. According to the findings, Labrador Retrievers have replaced Chihuahuas as the most popular dog breed in the country, and Bella remains in the top spot for the most common dog name.

What the study says

In honor of August being deemed National Dog Month, expert database website JustAnswer.com reviewed over 100,000 conversations between pet owners and veterinarians to identify the nation’s most popular dog breeds and names. Let’s take a look at some of the key results and data points:

Most popular dog breeds in the United States

• The lovable Labrador Retriever took first place this year, replacing Chihuahuas which were number one in 2023

Check out this TikTok video that perfectly sums up the life of a Lab parent!

• Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Shepherds, Pitbulls, Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus, Poodles, Dachshunds and French Bulldogs came in behind Labs to round out the top 10

• Chihuahuas are still the most popular breed in California and Texas

This video shows you what to expect from life with a Chihuahua:

• Yorkies top the list in Florida

These are a few universal Yorkie experiences:

• Texas is the only state among JustAnswer’s most popular states for dog questions (California, Texas, Florida, New York) where Boxers make an appearance among that state’s top 10 breeds

Meet Dolly, a Boxer from Texas!

• Questions about Shih Tzus increased 64% year-over-year

These are some interesting facts about why Shih Tzus make great companions:

• French Bulldog questions increased 12% year-over-year

This tiny Frenchie is so excited!

Most popular dog names

• Bella reigned supreme once again as the most popular dog name in America

• The next two most popular dog names were Luna and Charlie

• Other names rounding out the top 10 dog names include Daisy, Coco, Buddy, Lucy and Bailey

• The name Sadie was the only new name on the list, replacing last year’s Milo in the top 10

• Regionally, a few states showed names not found on the national top 10 list, including: Zoey, which ranked in Florida, and Teddy and Leo, which both made the top 10 in New York

Experts weigh in on the most popular dog breeds

“Labs are very popular because of their personality, which is very happy, playful and affectionate, loving and exuberant,” offers Patrizia Longo, Professional Dog Trainer.

“They make the perfect family dog as they don’t have an aggressive bone in their body and tolerate being handled by small children.”

Additionally, while they may have been bumped from most popular this year, Chihuahuas remain popular due to their small size, which allows owners to transport them easily everywhere and makes them convenient for those living in smaller spaces, notes Longo. They’re known for their sassy personality and can be fun if trained properly, she says, and are also low maintenance in regards to grooming because of their short hair.

“Size is also an important factor in the popularity of Yorkies as well as their cuteness, but also their brave terrier personality and intelligence,” Longo adds. “They are also hypoallergenic and don’t shed, important for people with allergies and for those that don’t appreciate finding dog hair everywhere.”

Shepherds — both the Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd — are revered for their versatility as breeds that are both hard-working and equally warmhearted.

Keep reading for more interesting dog facts!

5 Super Clingy Dog Breeds Who Have Earned The ‘Velcro Dog’ Label

6 Calm Dog Breeds Known for Their Relaxed Personalities: King Charles Spaniel, Bulldogs and More

Why Do Dogs Put Their Paw on You? Experts Explain What Your Pup Is Trying to Tell You