According to U.S. News & World Report, about 56 million U.S. households are home to at least one dog. But what kind of dog are Americans most likely to own?
The publication has released its 2026 list of the most popular dog breeds in the country. Nationally, the top dog is the Chihuahua. The breed displaced the former No. 1 Labrador retriever, which dropped to No. 3. The French bulldog is now sitting at the No. 2 spot.
The Yorkshire terrier is No. 4 and the shih tzu is No. 5. Rounding out the top 10 are: golden retrievers (No. 6), German shepherds (No. 7), America pit bull terriers (No. 8), goldendoodles (No. 9), and dachshunds (No. 10).
According to U.S. News, “Chihuahuas are tiny but mighty. As an apartment dweller who occupies less space, these little pups are a safe bet, typically weighing no more than 6 pounds when fully grown.”
The list notes that French bulldogs are popular despite suffering from a condition that can cause breathing and other health issues. Labradors are recommended for households with kids because of their affectionate and patient nature, according to the American Kennel Club.
Most Popular Breeds in the DMV
Virginia bucks the national ranking with Labradors as the top breed. Yorkshire terriers are No. 2 and golden retrievers are No. 3.
In nearby Washington, DC, Yorkshire terriers are top dog, followed by American pit bull terrier at No. 2 and Labradors at No. 3. Yorkshire terriers were tops in Maryland, followed by shih tzus at No. 2 and Labradors at No. 3.
Methodology
To compile the ranking, U.S. News analyzed more than 3 million data points from Fletch, a third-party pet insurance industry partner. The data — including dog breeds and owner residences — was filtered to show the most popular breeds within all 50 states and Washington, DC.
Feature image, otsphoto/stock.adobe.com
