America’s love for dogs comes in every shape and size, but this year, one of the smallest breeds has captured the biggest share of attention. With roughly 56 million U.S. households sharing their homes with at least one dog, breed preferences can reveal a lot about the companions families are choosing. According to updated 2026 data, the Chihuahua has climbed to the top of the nationwide rankings, overtaking longtime favorites and proving that a tiny frame can make an enormous impression on dog lovers across the country.
America’s 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds
The Chihuahua moved up from No. 2 to become the most popular dog breed in the U.S. The Labrador Retriever, previously the national leader, fell to No. 3 as several smaller companion breeds made significant gains. The French Bulldog also enjoyed a strong year, rising from No. 6 to No. 2 and reclaiming the position it held in 2024. The Yorkshire Terrier climbed from No. 9 to No. 4, while the Shih Tzu rose from No. 8 to No. 5.
Together, these changes put four relatively small breeds among America’s five most popular dogs. The Labrador Retriever is the only larger breed remaining in the top five. The 2026 national rankings show just how much Americans’ preferences have shifted:
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Goldendoodle
- Dachshund
The Golden Retriever dropped from No. 3 to No. 6, marking its first departure from the top three since 2024. The German Shepherd also moved outside the top five, settling at No. 7.
After reaching No. 4 in 2025, the American Pit Bull Terrier fell to No. 8, the same position it held in 2024. The Goldendoodle slipped slightly from No. 7 to No. 9, while the Dachshund remained steady at No. 10. Although the Goldendoodle is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, it was treated as a breed for the purposes of the study.
Why the Top Five Continue to Win Hearts
Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their personalities rarely feel small. Typically weighing no more than 6 pounds as adults, they can be particularly appealing to people living in apartments or smaller homes where space is limited.
Their compact size is only part of their appeal. Chihuahuas are known for forming close bonds with their people, and their expressive personalities can make them memorable companions despite their petite stature.
French Bulldogs have also become unmistakable favorites. Their compact bodies, expressive faces, and trademark bat ears have helped them win admirers across the country. Prospective owners should understand, however, that French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, or flat-faced, dogs and can be predisposed to breathing difficulties and other health concerns. Anyone considering the breed should research those potential needs carefully.
The Labrador Retriever continues to represent the larger breeds near the top of the rankings. Labs are known for their affectionate, outgoing, and generally eager-to-please personalities. Their combination of companionship, trainability, and enthusiasm for activity has helped them remain one of America’s enduring favorites.
Yorkshire Terriers bring plenty of personality in a much smaller package. Their long, silky coats require regular care, including frequent brushing, while the familiar topknot serves the practical purpose of keeping hair away from their eyes. Despite their toy-sized bodies, Yorkies retain the spirited personality associated with their terrier heritage.
Shih Tzus have a history closely tied to companionship. Originally developed as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, today’s Shih Tzus remain devoted lap dogs that are often happiest relaxing close to the people they love. Their coats also require consistent grooming, something prospective owners should consider before bringing one home.
The Most Popular Dog Breeds in Every State
National rankings tell only part of the story. Looking state by state reveals just how dramatically America’s favorite dogs can change depending on where their families live.
The Chihuahua ranks No. 1 in 13 states. Arizona comes particularly close to reflecting the country as a whole, with the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, and Labrador Retriever occupying its first three positions.
Oregon features the same three breeds, although the Labrador Retriever takes second place ahead of the French Bulldog. North Dakota offers one of the most unusual results, with the Afghan Hound tying the Labrador Retriever for second place despite the Afghan Hound not appearing in the national top 10.
Here are the three most popular breeds in each state and Washington, D.C.:
Alabama: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu
Alaska: Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever
Arizona: Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever
Arkansas: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Labrador Retriever
California: French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Golden Retriever
Colorado: Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua, Golden Retriever
Connecticut: Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier (tie), Golden Retriever
Delaware: Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu
Florida: French Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua
Georgia: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu
Hawaii: French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Golden Retriever
Idaho: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Chihuahua
Illinois: Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd
Indiana: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, German Shepherd
Iowa: Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier
Kansas: Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, American Pit Bull Terrier
Kentucky: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd
Louisiana: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu
Maine: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd
Maryland: Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Labrador Retriever
Massachusetts: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog
Michigan: Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua, Golden Retriever
Minnesota: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle
Mississippi: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, German Shepherd
Missouri: Chihuahua, American Pit Bull Terrier/Yorkshire Terrier (tie), Labrador Retriever
Montana: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd
Nebraska: Labrador Retriever, American Pit Bull Terrier, Golden Retriever
Nevada: French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier
New Hampshire: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd
New Jersey: Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, French Bulldog
New Mexico: Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, American Pit Bull Terrier
New York: Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, French Bulldog
North Carolina: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Labrador Retriever
North Dakota: Golden Retriever, Afghan Hound/Labrador Retriever (tie), German Shepherd
Ohio: Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier
Oklahoma: Chihuahua, American Pit Bull Terrier, French Bulldog
Oregon: Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog
Pennsylvania: Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua
Rhode Island: Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier
South Carolina: Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier
South Dakota: Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua, German Shepherd
Tennessee: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Labrador Retriever
Texas: Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu
Utah: Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, Goldendoodle
Vermont: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Dachshund
Virginia: Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, Golden Retriever
Washington: Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever
Washington, D.C.: Yorkshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Labrador Retriever
West Virginia: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu
Wisconsin: Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever
Wyoming: Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua, German Shepherd
Where You Live May Shape Your Favorite Dog
Some of the most interesting patterns emerge when neighboring states are compared. Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana share the same three favorites: the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, and Shih Tzu.
Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina are another close match. In all three states, the Chihuahua ranks first, followed by the Yorkshire Terrier and Labrador Retriever.
California and Hawaii share their top three as well, with the French Bulldog in first place, the Chihuahua in second, and the Golden Retriever in third. New Jersey and New York favor another trio of smaller dogs, ranking the Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog as their three most popular breeds.
Larger dogs have maintained particularly strong followings in northern states. Maine and New Hampshire share the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd as their top three, while Montana has the same combination.
Large breeds fill all three leading positions in seven states: Alaska, Wisconsin, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Montana. That suggests that despite the national rise of smaller companion dogs, bigger breeds continue to hold a special place in many American homes.
At the opposite end of the size spectrum, toy breeds dominate in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus occupy all three leading positions in those states.
Wyoming and South Dakota show less preference for a particular size. Their top three include the Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua, and German Shepherd, creating a mix of small and large companions.
The Dachshund presents another interesting contrast between national and state popularity. Although it ranks No. 10 nationwide, Vermont is the only state where the breed reaches the top three.
Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers remain remarkably widespread even as other breeds rise. Only 14 states have a top three that includes neither breed.
Small Dogs Are Making a Big Impression
Perhaps the clearest story in the 2026 rankings is the growing strength of smaller companion breeds. Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus now occupy four of the country’s five leading positions.
There are several possible reasons these dogs fit comfortably into modern households. Their smaller size can make some aspects of everyday life easier in apartments and urban environments, including transportation and space requirements. Many were also developed primarily or partly for companionship, which can make them particularly attractive to people looking for a dog that enjoys being closely involved in daily family life.
Size alone, however, should never determine which breed is right for a household. Exercise needs, temperament, grooming requirements, trainability, potential health concerns, and the amount of time a family can devote to a dog are all important considerations. Individual dogs can also differ considerably from typical breed traits.
That does not mean America’s affection for larger dogs is disappearing. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds remain prominent both nationally and across numerous states, showing that families continue to appreciate dogs with a wide range of personalities, energy levels, and lifestyles.
Ultimately, the rankings reveal something broader than which dog happens to be No. 1. From a Chihuahua curled beside its person to a Labrador Retriever accompanying a family on an outdoor adventure, Americans continue to build their lives around dogs of remarkably different sizes, histories, and personalities.
How the 2026 Rankings Were Determined
The 2026 popular dog breed report analyzed 3,535,932 data points supplied by Fletch, a third-party pet insurance industry partner. The information covered January 2022 through June 2026. Researchers analyzed dog breed information alongside dog owner ZIP codes and state residences. The results were then filtered to identify the most popular breeds nationally and across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Because the findings are based on this specific dataset rather than a complete census of every dog in the country, the rankings are best understood as a picture of breed popularity within the data analyzed. They should not be interpreted as an official count of every dog or dog-owning household in the United States.
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