Every year we dig into Rover’s database of over a million pet owners to uncover which dog and cat breeds are the most popular in different cities throughout the world, including which breeds are trending across the US, including in Nashville. While some breeds are perennially popular, others are just starting to climb the ranks as what we call trending breeds. These are dogs and cats that had a spike in popularity in 2024, becoming the top trending breeds for their cities. Can you guess what they might be?
As you will see, when it comes to dogs, the most common breed is a mix, with crossbreeds topping the table for the most popular dog breed overall. We found that 45% of pet parents in the US have a mixed breed dog and 14% specifically sought out a mixed breed dog, or “mutt”.
After mixed breeds, the top 10 most popular dogs in Nashville feature some all-time classic breeds, which come up again and again for a reason. When it comes to trends, you’ll notice just how many doodles, that is poodle crosses, are making their mark. 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 on the up! We hope you will enjoy learning about new kinds of cats as much as we did.
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 have a look!
Nashville’s Most Popular Dog Breeds
- Mixed
- Goldendoodle
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Australian Shepherd
- Dachshund
- Labradoodle
- Chihuahua
Eudyptula via iStock
Mixed breeds are the most common overall. Looking over the rest of the top 10, it’s a pretty even spread between more energetic medium to large breeds, who will surely enjoy letting off steam in one of Nashville’s many dog parks, to smaller breeds popular in cities worldwide.
Right up in the top five, we see two all-time favorite breeds, which are classics for a reason. The loveable Labrador Retriever is cherished as an always-affable family companion, along with its cousin, the intelligent and eager-to-please Golden Retriever. Special mention for the Goldendoodle, which combines the appealing traits of the Golden Retriever with the sociability and, depending on the cross, the hypoallergenic qualities of a Poodle coat. The designer crossbreed known affectionately as the ‘Groodle’ are cherished for their loving and loyal nature and make wonderful family dogs.
Going down the list we find smaller breeds, perhaps more readily associated with city living. Dachshunds came in at spot number eight in Nashville and we’re not surprised to see this small but mighty breed on this year’s list. Known affectionately as “doxies” or “sausage dogs”, Dachshunds are one of the most recognizable breeds with their long backs and short legs. These pups are as happy to join you on short walks as they are cuddling up on the couch.
Trending Breeds in Nashville
The Top 10
- Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)
- American Bully
- Miniature Poodle
- Maltese
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Boston Terrier
- Pug
- Miniature Schnauzer
- French Bulldog
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Wirestock via iStock
The most trending dog in Nashville is the Belgian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Malinois. This breed has a lot in common with German Shepherds, such as being bred to herd sheep and livestock. Like German Shepherds, the Belgian Malinois is highly trainable, super active, and incredibly intelligent. Though smaller than German Shepherds, the graceful Belgian Malinois is just as strong and muscular. If you’re interested in this breed, keep in mind they thrive best with physical and mental stimulation. The Belgian Malinois was bred to work and that work ethic runs strong in their blood to this day. Keep them busy and your Malinois will reward you with loyalty and love.
The Miniature Poodle made the list this year in Nashville. With their trademark curly coat and regal appearance, Miniature Poodles were originally bred in Germany to be duck hunters. Their intelligence and trainability made them popular circus dogs. Today, this breed is known for being fun-loving and sophisticated. They enjoy nonstop games of fetch, learning new tricks and jumps, and being lavished with attention by every human who crosses their path.
Also trending in Nashville is the Bernese Mountain Dog. This breed is chill, confident, and eager to please. The Bernese Mountain Dog is as happy keeping cool indoors during hot Tennessee summers as they exploring the outdoors in the winter. Known to be gentle giants, these pups are great for families with small children.
Pet parent on Rover Wevly and her Toy Poodle Niko in Nashville. IG: @nikotheredprince
Rarest Dog Breeds in Nashville
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Samoyed
- Rough Collie
- Parson Russell Terrier
- Papillon
via pixabay
We found that these breeds are present in Nashville in the smallest number. The list includes some really unusual breeds that might only be recognizable to the most clued-up dog breed experts.
The rarest on the list is the outgoing Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. These hard-working dogs are known for their bristly coats. Bred in the 1800s to be land and water sporting dogs, these pups love swimming—and even have the webbed toes to prove it. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are as friendly as they are intelligent.
The Rough Collie is another rare breed in Nashville. These “Lassie” dogs are graceful, intelligent, and highly trainable. Their coats are beautiful, full, and luxurious. They also shed prolifically. Collies are a wonderful family dog, especially with small children. They are happiest with their humans and not built to be left alone for long hours. They also hate to be tied up in the backyard. Collies thrive when they are with their humans, as boredom leads to excessive barking and mischief.
Maine Coon – ablokhin via iStock
America’s Most Popular Cat Breeds for 2024
- Domestic Shorthair
- American Shorthair
- Domestic Longhair
- Siamese
- Maine Coon
- Ragdoll
- Russian Blue
- Bombay
- Bengal
- Siberian
Pet parent stats are from a Rover survey of 1,000 U.S. pet parents conducted in July, 2024, via Pollfish. Dog and cat breed data are based on analysis of millions of user-submitted dog breeds provided by pet parents on Rover.com.
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