Humans have bred dogs for their skills, companionship, and looks for thousands of years, resulting in hundreds of recognized breeds around the world—and even more unofficial dog breeds and mixes. With this many breeds to choose from, there’s a pup for just about everyone.
And while every dog is unique, all those years of breeding can impart certain truths: Herding dogs love to herd, pointers love to point, and lap dogs, well, they often love to curl up on a nice lap. In turn, 62% of pet parents say breed is an important factor when adding a new dog to their families.
The majority (88%) of pet parents also agree that knowing more about their dog’s precise mix of breeds would help them understand their needs better, and over half (56%) believe they’d feel more connected to their pet if they learned about their ancestry.
Every person may have their breed preferences, but only a few breeds are top dog when it comes to overall popularity. We dug into the millions of pets in Rover’s database and uncovered the most popular dog breeds of 2024—plus, trending and less common dog breeds that are on the rise too.
Dog Breed Popularity Across the Nation
Mixed
Labrador Retriever
Goldendoodle
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Chihuahua
French Bulldog
Dachshund
Ellie and Gus, the French Bulldogs
“Ellie and Gus are inseparable and have caused me to fall in love with French Bulldogs as a breed! Though they are from different breeders and parts of the country, they have developed a bond and love for each other that is unbreakable. Gus seems to act like he is 10 but is only 2 with his stoic nature and observant approach to life, and on the other end of the spectrum, you have Ellie, a complete love bug always looking for a cuddle or to wrestle. Together they are a hysterical pair that always keeps me laughing, loving, and remembering to not take life so seriously!”
— Austin, Dog Parent on Rover, Austin TX
The Top Trending Dog Breeds in 2024
Coby the Miniature Poodle
“Why I love this breed? Simple. Small dog, Big City, Beauty and Brains. Coby is a great dog to have living in an NYC apartment as he doesn’t require too much space to have loads of fun, and he meets the size requirement for most NYC apartments. While very energetic, Mini Poodles are also easygoing and will nap all day with you on a rainy day. Seldom does he step out and not get compliments on how handsome he is and his beautiful chocolate coat. He’s got the brains to back the beauty. Mini Poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train, and Coby has proven as much.”
— Christina, Dog Parent on Rover, New York City NY
The Top Four Rarest Dog Breeds in the US
King Shepherd
English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan)
Canaan Dog
Black Russian Terrier
Personality Over Pedigree
According to US pet parents, their dog’s personality and behavior is nearly equally important as their pedigree. In fact, 61% of pet parents picked their dog based on assumed personality or behavioral traits characteristic of their breed or breed mix.
For Man’s Best Friend, It’s All About Loyalty
According to 69% of pet parents, loyalty is the most desirable personality trait a dog can have. (They don’t call ‘em man’s best friend for no reason!) Additionally, 68% of pet parents believe their dogs actually possess this trait.
While any dog can exhibit loyalty, pet parents agree that some breeds are more likely to be your ride-or-die: in third place is the small but fierce Chihuahua. Next up, in the second spot, is the intelligent, hard working German Shepherd. And the #1 most loyal dog breed is the devoted American Pitbull Terrier.
Other characteristics pet parents value include a friendly, social nature (68% of pet parents agree) and playfulness (63%). You’ll find the Chihuahua frequently on our “Best Of” lists for first time dog parents and low maintenance breeds. But these top breeds are also featured in our most loyal dog breeds list.
Anxious Pet Parents, Anxious Pups
Like us, dogs are complex and can sometimes adopt challenging traits and behaviors. The #1 most common is separation anxiety, according to 42% of pet parents. Separation anxiety is also the second most likely trait to be shared by dogs and their humans (47%).
Of this year’s top 10 most popular breeds, the DNA of most Dachshunds and Yorkshire Terriers suggests they are more likely to experience separation anxiety (according to Caitlyn Bruns, animal geneticist for Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry).
Other common behavioral challenges reported by pet parents include fear of loud noises (36%), stress at the vet (25%), guard dog behavior (24%), and possessiveness (23%).
The Traits We Share With Our Dogs
The majority (71%) of pet parents agree that a person’s choice of dog breed is an extension of their own personality, and 83% believe that most dogs’ personalities are in fact influenced by their pet parents.
It’s not surprising then that 52% of pet parents say they and their dog act alike or share behavioral traits and interests. Of them, the most commonly shared traits are reportedly: loyalty (71%), playfulness (65%), intelligence (61%), and friendliness (61%).
Additionally, the majority (62%) of pet parents with socially anxious dogs say they share this behavioral trait. The same goes for those with separation anxiety (47%).
Other behavioral challenges most commonly shared between people and their dogs include stress at the vet or doctor (32%), fear or aggression toward strangers (27%), guard dog behavior (25%), and fear of loud noises (25%).
What’s the most human-like dog breed, you ask? When asked which dog breed has the most human-like qualities (looks, personality, behaviors, etc.), pet parents voted the Golden Retriever as number one. Coming in second is the German Shepherd, followed by the Labrador Retriever in third.
Top Trending Dog Breeds by Country
While some breeds are perennially popular, others are just starting to make their mark as trending breeds. These dogs rose quickly in popularity in 2024, becoming the top trending breed in their countries.
In the US, the Miniature Poodle is the top trending breed. In Canada, the adorable and feisty Yorkshire Terrier takes the top spot for trending breeds.
In the United Kingdom, the Patterdale Terrier is rising in popularity and the active Miniature American Shepherd is trending in France.
In Spain, posh Toy Poodles are becoming more popular, while in Germany, the cute yet confident Pugs are rising in the ranks.
Top Trending Dog Breeds by US City
Dolly the Bernedoodle
“Dolly is our first dog together, and we feel like we couldn’t have asked for a better first pet. I grew up with Golden Retrievers and thought a Bernedoodle might have similar traits, such as loving to play fetch, but Dolly couldn’t be less bothered to play fetch! She loves to run around, spend time with her people and go on car rides. One thing to know about Bernedoodles is they require a lot of grooming and would probably do best in a cooler location during the summer months. Dolly loves to sleep belly up next to the fan in the summer, even here in Michigan!”
— Brooke and Silas, Dog Parents on Rover, Ann Arbor MI
Read More City Breed Trends
Popular Dog Breeds by Pet Parent Generation
Dog breed popularity doesn’t just vary by city or region—it’s also influenced by age. While the most popular kind of dog for people of all generations is the mixed breed, the pups in the number two spot vary considerably for each age cohort.
For baby boomers, it’s all about the courageous Chihuahua. Next up is Gen X, whose favorite breed is the sweet and reliable Labrador Retriever. For millennials, the top dog breed is the confident and intelligent German Shepherd. And for Gen Z, it’s the sweet-tempered and devoted Golden Retriever.
Hollywood (Holly), the Mixed Breed
“Hollywood (Shepherd Hound Mix) is one of the friendliest, most adventurous dogs you’ll ever meet. She’s curious about every passerby, and she especially loves kids. While she is a city dog and frequents the dog parks making more furry friends, she also is an outdoor dog and loves chasing deer and wild turkeys when she is allowed to roam free on acres of land in Wisconsin. She loves the water and can be found anywhere from the dog park pool to swimming after ducks in a lake.”
— Carmen, Dog Parent on Rover, Chicago IL
Meet More Trending and Popular Dog Breeds on Rover
Bowie, Miniature Poodle, New York City, NY
Penny, King Charles Cavalier, Charlotte, NC
Niko, Toy Poodle, Nashville, TN
Watch: Get to Know Your Favorite Breeds on YouTube
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