The results you’ve been waiting for! 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 Indianapolis and across the country.
While some breeds are constant companions across the country, others are just starting to find popularity as what we call trending breeds. These are dogs and cats that saw a boom in 2023, becoming the top trending breeds for their cities. Will you find your pet’s breed on the list?
When it comes to our dogs, the most popular choice across the US holds true in Indianapolis as Mixed breeds take the top spot. As a four-season city known for the big-small town atmosphere and a thriving downtown it’s no wonder the rest of Indy’s top 10 most popular dogs reflect a taste for both vibrant city life and packing up the car for a day at Hoosier National Forest.
And we didn’t just stop with dogs. We’ve also crunched the numbers for cats to see which kinds are the most common, and which breeds are becoming more popular. We hope you find the deep-dive as interesting 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 we always find some nugget to take away from these listings. Let’s see those results!
The Most Popular Dog Breeds in Indianapolis
Mixed
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Goldendoodle
American Pit Bull Terrier
Dachshund
Chihuahua
Australian Shepherd
Labradoodle
The midwest is known for its extremes in weather, but the changeable conditions are no deterrent to many of the city’s most popular breeds who thrive on getting out –whatever the mercury– alongside their intrepid Hoosier pet parents. Following a national trend Indy’s most popular breed overall was a mix, closely followed by the unflappable Labrador and Golden Retrievers (both unsurprisingly in the top five in the US) and the game German Shepherd Dog.
Also making an appearance are the popular Labra- and Goldendoodles that can boast the best of their retriever and poodle parents’ loving enthusiasm. Representing the more compact side of the spectrum are two small choices with big personalities; Dachshunds and Chihuahuas.
Trending Breeds in Indianapolis
The Top 10 most trending breeds
Poodle
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Boxer
Miniature Schnauzer
Bernedoodle
Labradoodle
American Bully
Beagle
Golden Retriever
Australian Cattle Dog
The top trending breed in Indianapolis this year is the Poodle, leaping from a national 17th ranking to the top spot. While you may think ‘refined aristocrat’ or even ‘hair-do’ when you hear Poodle, these are wickedly intelligent pooches with some serious athletic chops. Part of the water dog family, Poodles are easily trainable and active additions to the family who will thrive under the attention of their doting pet parents.
The American Bully is a relatively new part of the Bully family with a recognisable, wide grin. Often mistaken for a Pitbull and believed to be aggressive, American Bullies were bred specifically to remove the more fearsome traits common to their Pitbull ancestors and are more likely to show off their mellow and gentle personality. In fact, if you’re looking for a guard dog these are not the breed for you!
A fun addition to this list is the Australian Cattle Dog (also called a Blue Heeler, Red Heeler or Queensland Heeler for their habit of nipping cattle on the heels). Developed down under to drive livestock across vast terrain, they haven’t lost their high-energy or independent streak and have been known to outsmart a pet parent on occasion. A firm hand and proper training, however, will be richly rewarded by these intensely loyal and active companions.
Rarest Dog Breeds in Indianapolis
English Setter
English Shepherd
Argentine Dogo
Leonberger
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
Carolina Dog
Shetland Sheepdog
Cairn Terrier
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Pekingese
In our survey, these breeds were least common among our community in Indianapolis. The rarest is the show-stopping English Setter whose magnificent ‘belton’ speckled coat can be a mix of liver, lemon and orange hues. These graceful pets may have a reputation for being gentlemen but they can be rambunctious when it comes time to play too and love both giving and receiving affection.
The largest breed on the list is the Leonberger (Lee-uhn-berger); gentle-giants with a fabulously lush coat. With some being known to weigh as much as a human, these are huge canines that were originally developed in Germany by breeding Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards to create a dog fit for European royalty. Since those more rarefied beginnings, Leos have been regularly used as working dogs –they’re particularly good at cart-pulling– and have a particular skill for swimming. Pet parents should be prepared to spend a good amount of time grooming these lion-like mains and provide a home with ample room for exploring.
And just when you thought Indy was all about the large, mountainous types, you’ll see the tiny Pekingese slip into tenth. A regular favorite of the Chinese Imperial court, the name refers to the city of Peking. These compact dogs also feature a distinctive lion-like ruff (though on a much smaller scale) and are recognizable for their rolling gait and truly confident approach to the world.
Most Popular Cat Breeds in Indianapolis
Domestic Shorthair
American Shorthair
Domestic Longhair
Siamese
Maine Coon
Indianapolis Cat Breed Trends for 2023
Siberian
Sphynx
Classicat
British Shorthair
Russian Blue
There are some distinctive cat breed trends in Indianapolis this year. Heading the list is the centuries-old Siberian (formally the Siberian Forest Cat). With a thick three-layered coat, the Siberian is well-adapted to their original stomping grounds in the far north of Russia. These elegant felines can leap large distances and are incredibly social, displaying a strong affection for children and all members of their pet families.
While famously bald, the Sphynx can in fact range from sporting a soft peach fuzz to being completely hairless. Unlike the merciless sphinx of legend, Sphynx cats are sociable and incredibly playful, needing regular stimulation to keep them occupied. These little extroverts are almost dog-like in their friendliness, and will insist on being involved in everything their family is up to –so be prepared for some interruptions!(Siberian – trending)
Get to Know the Breeds
Learn more about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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