Do you have your finger on the pulse when it comes to pet trends in your city? Every year we dig into Rover’s database of over a million pet owners to uncover which dog and cat breeds are trending, including the most popular dog and cat breeds in Denver and across the US.
While some breeds are consistently popular, others are quickly climbing the rankings as what we call trending breeds. These are dogs and cats that rose in popularity in 2023, becoming the top trending breeds for their cities. Scroll down to see if your pet’s breed is among them!
As you’ll discover, when it comes to dogs the most common breed is a mix, a first-place finish that is also true across the US overall. The rest of the top 10 most popular dogs in Denver tend towards being high-energy and outdoorsy types, the ideal fit for this four-season city.
The fun doesn’t stop with dogs though. We’ve also crunched the numbers for cats to see which kinds are the most common, and which breeds are up and coming. We hope you find the deep-dive as fascinating as we do! As the world’s largest network of dog walkers and pet sitters, Rover has heard of just about every pet breed and crossbreed there is, but there is always something in these results that we weren’t expecting. Let’s take a look!
Denver’s Most Popular Dog Breeds
How common is your dog’s breed?
- Mixed
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Goldendoodle
- German Shepherd Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- Siberian Husky
- Bernedoodle
A thriving spot that mixes a cosmopolitan energy with a remarkable mountain-backdrop, the Mile High City is best enjoyed outside. Whether cycling the Cherry Creek Trail or heading out to meet friends at one of town’s 150+ craft breweries, pet parents find Denver is the ideal home for both Labrador and Golden Retrievers (ranking second and third) as well as for the popular Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle crosses.
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd is in fact a home-grown breed that was first developed in California. Extremely energetic and whip-smart, “Aussies” quickly gained a cult status with ranchers across the Western states — a popularity that clearly holds true today!
Denver Dog Breed Trends for 2023
Top 10 Trending Dog Breeds
Greyhound
Catahoula Cur
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
American Bulldog
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Miniature Schnauzer
Bernedoodle
Miniature Pinscher
West Highland White Terrier
Alaskan Malamute
Hounds and hunters had a strong showing in the city’s top trending breeds. We crunched the data of Rover’s thousands of users in Denver to work out which breeds were most on the rise. The number-one trending breed this year is the devoted Greyhound, although most commonly associated with dog racing, these elegant athletes can actually be traced back to Ancient Egypt where they were believed to be favorites of the Pharaohs.
Several smaller breeds are also on the up, including the lively and chatty Miniature Schnauzer (winner of best mustache by a landslide), the trotting Miniature Pinscher aka ‘King of Toys’, and the self-confident West Highland White Terrier (or ‘Westie’ to their friends). Another top choice with an equally impeccable hunting pedigree is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, an affectionate and laid-back breed whose lovably unkempt appearance (and hypoallergenic qualities) has won many fans – especially this year in Denver.
If you haven’t heard of the Catahoula Cur (or Catahoula Leopard Dog) before, you aren’t from Louisiana! The State dog since 1979, their debated ancestry reflects the long history of Louisiana from the domesticated dogs of Native American tribes to mastiffs brought by Spanish settlers and French-imported Beaucerons. This striking, loyal and protective breed is a common sight across the South, so it was a welcome surprise to see them land second on the trending list for Denver this year.
Denver’s Rarest Dog Breeds
Is your dog one of these?
American Foxhound
Akbash Dog
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)
Old German Shepherd Dog
Canary Mastiff
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Toy American Eskimo Dog
Irish Wolfhound
Kerry Blue Terrier
Beauceron
According to our data, these breeds were least common among pet owners in Denver. Founding father George Washington himself contributed to the development of this year’s rarest breed in Denver — the American Foxhound. Not to be confused with the doppelganger Beagle, the American Foxhound is another active breed with a soft-spot for family and a famously melodic voice.
Also ranking on the overall list of rarest breeds in the US, Akbash (meaning ‘white head’) are large flock guardians from Turkey. Originally bred for sheep-minding duties, these pups remain super loyal to their family, while maintaining an independent streak.
Yet an even larger entry, the Irish Wolfhound is among the largest of all dog breeds. These trustworthy giants are affectionate and easygoing with a very long history of popularity. In 391BC a Roman consul described receiving the gift of seven ‘gaelic dogs’, writing “all Rome viewed them with wonder.” Anyone who’s spent time with these loveable giants would surely agree.
But there are apartments in Denver too! Representing the smaller end of the scale, the Toy American Eskimo is the ultimate package of looks and brains. ‘Eskies’ are alert and friendly with a pristine white coat that dramatically frames their smiling face. Their incredible desire to please makes them highly trainable, and back in the day you would have seen them under Big Tops and in vaudevillian acts. Today, they are more likely found entertaining their captivated pet parents.
Denver’s Most Popular Cat Breeds
Does your cat’s breed feature?
Domestic Shorthair
American Shorthair
Domestic Longhair
Siamese
Maine Coon
Denver Cat Breed Trends for 2023
Cornish Rex
Oriental Shorthair
American Wirehair
Birman
Scottish Fold
There are some distinctive cat breed trends this year. Closely related to the better known Siamese, Oriental Shorthairs have the same beautiful almond eyes and large ears. These chatty felines are known for having the gift of the gab and for an endless patience for fetch — should their pet parents care to oblige.
The Scottish Fold is having a moment not just in Denver but across the US, landing second im trending breeds overall this year across the country. Their owl-like appearance, caused by a genetic mutation that makes their ears ‘fold’, complements a gentle and relaxed temperament well-suited to multi-pet households.
America’s Rarest Cat Breeds
The Least Common Breeds in the nation as a whole
Havana Brown
Khao Manee
Foreign White
Arabian Mau
Pixiebob
An unusual entry at number two, the Khao Manee (pronounced ‘Cow Man-ee’) are a regular sight in their native Thailand but only recently started appearing in US homes. Translated literally as “white gem” for their pure white coats, these beautiful cats are sometimes called ‘diamond eye’ because of trademark jewel-like eyes which can be blue, green, gold, or two different colors. They are a playful and inquisitive bunch with an outgoing personality that extends to a love of ‘chatting’ with their owners for much of the day.
Get to Know the Breeds
Learn more about Labrador Retriever
Learn more about the Golden Retriever
Learn more about the Goldendoodle
Learn more about the Greyhound
Discover 7 Things That Only Catahoula People Understand
How To Tell What Breed A Cat Is
Need Care for Your Cat or Dog?
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