Chihuahua Rises to America’s Top Dog Breed in 2026
This year, the Chihuahua has taken the crown as America’s favorite dog breed, surpassing long-standing favorites like the Labrador Retriever and French Bulldog. With approximately 56 million households in the U.S. sharing their lives with at least one canine companion, the breed preferences illustrate significant shifts in pet ownership trends. According to the latest data from 2026, this small breed is making a big impact on dog lovers nationwide.
Top 10 Dog Breeds in America
In a surprising turn of events, the Chihuahua climbed from its previous position at No. 2 to take the lead as the most popular dog breed in the United States. The Labrador Retriever, once the reigning champion, has now dropped to No. 3. Meanwhile, the French Bulldog made a notable leap from No. 6 to No. 2, reclaiming the spot it held in 2024. Other small breeds also saw significant jumps, with the Yorkshire Terrier rising from No. 9 to No. 4 and the Shih Tzu moving up from No. 8 to No. 5.
This shift in rankings showcases the growing preference for smaller dog breeds among American families. The updated 2026 rankings reveal:
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Goldendoodle
- Dachshund
The Golden Retriever has seen a decline, dropping from No. 3 to No. 6, marking its first absence from the top three since 2024. The German Shepherd also fell out of the top five, landing at No. 7.
Additionally, the American Pit Bull Terrier slipped from No. 4 in 2025 back to No. 8, a position it also held in 2024. The Goldendoodle dropped from No. 7 to No. 9, while the Dachshund maintained its position at No. 10. Despite not being recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, the Goldendoodle was included in the study for this analysis.
What Makes the Top Breeds So Popular?
Despite their small stature, Chihuahuas are known for their big personalities. Adult Chihuahuas typically weigh no more than 6 pounds, making them ideal for individuals living in apartments or smaller spaces.
Their compactness is just part of their charm. Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty and ability to form strong bonds with their owners, making them affectionate companions.
French Bulldogs have also captured hearts nationwide. With their distinctive bat-like ears, compact bodies, and expressive faces, they have become beloved pets. However, potential owners should be aware that French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, which means they can face breathing issues and other health challenges. It’s crucial for prospective pet owners to do thorough research on this breed’s needs.
The Labrador Retriever continues to be a staple among larger breeds in the top rankings. Known for their friendly demeanor and eagerness to please, Labs are treasured for their companionship, trainability, and love for outdoor activities.
Yorkshire Terriers, though small, boast vibrant personalities. Their long, silky fur requires regular grooming, including frequent brushing, while their signature topknot helps keep hair out of their eyes. Despite their toy-like size, Yorkies maintain the spirited traits characteristic of terriers.
Shih Tzus, originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, remain devoted lap dogs today, thriving on close contact with their owners. Their coats also need consistent grooming, an important factor for anyone considering this breed.
State-by-State Dog Breed Preferences
National rankings provide an overview, but examining preferences on a state-by-state basis reveals the diverse favorite breeds across the country.
Chihuahuas are the most popular breed in 13 states. Arizona closely mirrors national trends, with the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, and Labrador Retriever taking the top three spots.
Oregon features the same trio, though the Labrador Retriever is in second place, ahead of the French Bulldog. North Dakota presents an unusual case where the Afghan Hound ties with the Labrador Retriever for second place, despite the Afghan Hound not being 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
Regional Variations in Dog Preferences
When comparing neighboring states, interesting trends emerge. Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana share a common preference for the top three breeds: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, and Shih Tzu.
Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina present another close match, with the Chihuahua in first place, followed by the Yorkshire Terrier and Labrador Retriever.
California and Hawaii also align in their preferences, ranking the French Bulldog first, followed by the Chihuahua and Golden Retriever. In contrast, New Jersey and New York exhibit a preference for smaller breeds, favoring the Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog in their top three.
In northern states, larger breeds remain popular. Maine and New Hampshire share Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds as their top three breeds, a trend echoed in Montana.
In seven states, large breeds dominate the top three rankings: Alaska, Wisconsin, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Montana. This indicates that, despite the rise of smaller companion breeds nationally, bigger dogs still hold a special place in many American homes.
Conversely, toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus rank highly in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and West Virginia, occupying all top three positions.
Wyoming and South Dakota showcase a mix of preferences, with their top three breeds being the Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua, and German Shepherd. This combination reflects both small and large dog lovers in these states.
The Dachshund’s popularity also varies significantly, ranking No. 10 nationally but only appearing in the top three in Vermont.
Despite the rise of new favorites, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers remain steadfastly popular, with only 14 states lacking either breed in their top three.
The Rise of Small Breeds in Popularity
The 2026 rankings highlight a significant trend: smaller companion breeds are gaining prominence. Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus now occupy four of the top five positions in the country.
Several factors contribute to the appeal of these small breeds. Their size is advantageous for life in urban areas, making them easier to transport and accommodate in limited living spaces. Additionally, many of these breeds were developed primarily for companionship, which resonates with pet owners seeking dogs that thrive on human interaction.
However, size should not be the sole factor in determining a breed’s suitability for a household. Important considerations include exercise requirements, temperament, grooming needs, trainability, health concerns, and the time a family can dedicate to a pet. Individual dogs may also vary significantly from typical breed characteristics.
America’s affection for larger breeds remains strong. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds continue to be popular choices both nationally and across many states, demonstrating that families appreciate dogs with varying personalities, energy levels, and lifestyles.
Ultimately, the rankings illustrate more than just which breed is currently trendy. They reflect the diverse ways in which Americans integrate dogs into their lives, whether it’s a Chihuahua snuggled on a lap or a Labrador Retriever enjoying a family outing.
Understanding the 2026 Rankings Methodology
The 2026 dog breed popularity report examined 3,535,932 data points provided by Fletch, a third-party partner in the pet insurance industry. The data spans from January 2022 to June 2026, analyzing dog breed information alongside the ZIP codes and state residences of dog owners. The findings were filtered to identify the most popular breeds at both national and state levels.
Since the results are based on this specific dataset rather than a comprehensive census of every dog in the United States, the rankings should be viewed as a snapshot of breed popularity within the analyzed data. They do not represent an official count of all dogs or dog-owning households nationwide.
