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Did you know one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States during the 18th century was the American Foxhound? Three hundred years later, these dogs are exceptionally hard to find and serve as an example of how American interests have changed over time. Today, families in the U.S. are less interested in owning dogs that can hunt. Instead, we want sweet, cuddly ones we can dress up for holiday photos!
In recent years, designer breeds like the adorable Goldendoodle have skyrocketed in popularity. The same goes for toy breeds such as the Pomeranian and Shih Tzu. These canines’ cute appearances and reputations as lap dogs have captured the hearts of animal lovers in the United States and elsewhere. While some popular breeds can be expensive, there are also many cheap dog breeds that offer the same love and companionship.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the 25 most popular dog breeds of 2024 and discuss why these precious pups are so in demand!
Most Popular Dog Breeds in the US
At Embrace Pet Insurance, we know all about dogs. From teeny tiny Chihuahuas to gigantic English Mastiffs, we’re familiar with just about any breed. We’ve compiled data on this year’s biggest trends in pet parenting, and we now present you with the most common dog breeds according to our extensive records.
Popular Small Dogs
In recent years, the size of the average U.S. apartment has decreased, leaving many families with less than 900 square feet of living space. This is likely one of the many reasons small dogs are having their heyday! Tiny canines like the Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua are perfect fits for these less-than-spacious homes. These pups are among the most popular dog breeds this year because they can usually get all the exercise they need in even the tiniest of dwellings.
Additionally, small pups have miniature stomachs, which means the above breeds (as well as Shih Tzus, Maltipoos, and Pomeranians) save their owners significant amounts of money on food over the years. Not only do these dogs need less food than bigger breeds, but they also require smaller toys and bedding. These items usually cost less than ones designed for giant breeds.
Other popular small dog breeds like the Pug, Miniature Dachshund, and Toy Poodle are commonly adopted because of their unique looks. Whether it’s the Pug’s famously wrinkled face, the Miniature Dachshund’s hotdog-shaped torso, or the Toy Poodle’s luxuriously curly hair, tiny dogs have features that win over pet lovers. There’s something about miniature dogs that make their appearance and behavior all the more adorable!
Other breeds that are gaining popularity this year include:
Miniature Schnauzers: These beard-sporting dogs are often salt-and-pepper colored but can also be black or white. With incredibly friendly personalities, they’re usually suitable for families with kids.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: What human doesn’t want to claim a member of royalty is living in their home? This breed was beloved by the nobility in previous centuries and is still cherished today for its playful persona and long, floppy ears.
Boston Terriers: These wide-eyed pups are attractive to pet parents because they don’t typically bark a lot. This quiet personality is a big perk for people who live in multi-family housing. They also typically make good companions for other dogs, so they’re less likely to be fearful of other canines in the neighborhood.
Malteses: These snowy white dogs rarely weigh more than 10 pounds. Their featherlight builds and propensity for cuddling make them the quintessential lap dog. Malteses are intelligent and adept at learning new tricks, so many people have fun teaching them new skills.
The Most Popular Medium-Sized Dogs
Not a fan of pint-sized pups? Medium-sized dogs also have their devoted fanbase. One such breed, the Golden Retriever, is a constant on top 10 dog breeds lists. This year is no different thanks to the Golden Retriever’s many sought-after attributes. These include a love of playing with others—from kids to other dogs, this breed loves them all!
Labrador Retrievers and bulldogs (both the English Bulldog and French Bulldog varieties) are similarly happy-go-lucky breeds that have remained popular this year. Medium-sized breeds such as these are ideal for many because they’re not small enough to get trampled by overly exuberant children, yet they’re not quite large enough to wreak complete havoc in the house.
Another reason people love moderately sized dogs is because these breeds enjoy extended walks and other physical activity more than smaller breeds. Avid hikers and nature-lovers cite Australian Shepherds and Siberian Huskies as ideal outdoor partners. While Australian Shepherds fare well in warmer weather, Siberian Huskies are great fits for owners who spend as much time in the snow as possible!
Other mid-sized pups that are proving to be favorites in 2024 include:
Dachshunds: Unlike their miniature brethren, Standard Dachshunds weigh between 16 and 32 pounds. They live long lives of up to 16 years or more and have a playful streak that makes them fantastic companions. Be wary of their stubborn streak, however!
American Pit Bull Terriers: Despite what you may have heard, Pit Bulls can be sweet and loving in the right environments. These muscular canines are beloved by owners seeking active, protective dogs who are loyal to their families.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis: Corgis started off as farm dogs, so don’t be surprised if any Corgis you encounter try to herd you! Their goofy-looking ears and tiny legs make them instantly recognizable at the dog park.
Boxers: Their droopy faces might make you think they’re sad, but don’t be fooled. Boxers are often cheerful pups that love their humans above all else! They can be tan, brindle, or white and use their paws in a “boxing” motion when playing or fighting.
Most Popular Large Dogs of 2024
While they still have their loyal enthusiasts, large breeds aren’t as popular as smaller ones as of late. This can be for a number of reasons. The bigger the dog, the more food they need. Some giant breeds require as many as five cups of dog food a day! As you can imagine, the cost of feeding such a dog can add up quickly.
When you own a big dog, you may have to make some modifications to your home. You might need to install a higher fence in your backyard and make space in your home for your pup to move around. In fact, if you live in a small apartment, there’s a good chance adopting a large dog is completely out of the question! They simply won’t have enough room to get out their energy.
That said, there are still a few large breeds that have remained in demand this year. These include:
Labradoodles: This crossbreed is a Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix. Usually sporting wavy coats, Labradoodles are commonly welcomed into homes because they release less dander. Although no dog is truly hypoallergenic, many people find Labradoodles cause fewer allergy symptoms.
Goldendoodles: Another Poodle mix, this breed has Golden Retriever genes instead of Labrador. Goldendoodles can have shaggy or loose fur and require regular grooming. These pups make great fits for owners who want to pamper their pet.
German Shepherds: This big dog is a favorite of many dog owners because of the breed’s reputation for being exceptionally trainable. Families love German Shepherds because they make excellent watch dogs.
Factors Influencing Breed Popularity
As you’ve probably noticed, many of the popular dogs have a few things in common. They’re friendly, low-maintenance, and most of them are suitable for smaller homes. However, there’s another reason some breeds are more popular than others: their good health.
Why Pet Insurance is Essential for Every Popular Dog Breed
Even the healthiest breeds listed in this article can experience unexpected accidents or illnesses that require veterinary care. These costs can add up quickly, leaving pet owners facing difficult financial decisions. Pet insurance for dogs helps mitigate these burdens by reimbursing a portion of your veterinary expenses, depending on the plan you choose.
Pet Insurance offers a variety of customizable plans to fit the needs of different dog breeds and lifestyles. Look for plans that cover accidents and illnesses, including diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and hospitalization. This financial safety net allows you to focus on your pet's recovery without worrying about the cost of care.
Embrace offers optional pet wellness plans to help you budget for routine care like vaccinations and annual checkups. These add-on plans can also cover training costs, making it easier to raise a well-behaved dog. Also included are grooming expenses, so you never have to learn how to trim a dog’s nails or spend extra time and money on dealing with all that fur. Investing in preventive care, training, and grooming can significantly improve your dog's well-being—and save you time and money!
Regional Differences in Breed Popularity
Have you ever noticed that you see more large dogs in rural parts of the country? That’s because the most common dog breeds in the city aren’t necessarily the best suited for country living. For instance, a Chihuahua might be a great fit for a studio apartment in San Francisco, but out on a farm, a dog so tiny could easily be crushed by the hoof of a cow or preyed upon by a hawk.
Interestingly, the French Bulldog has been New York City’s most popular dog for the past 10 years while the Yorkshire Terrier is the most common breed seen in Miami. Climate can play a part in a breed’s popularity since some, like Huskies and Pugs, don’t tolerate heat well.
Trends and Predictions for Most Popular Dog Breeds in 2024
What is the most popular dog breed today may not be the most popular a year from now. Social media influencers, artists, and movies can have a huge impact on bringing attention to certain breeds. If you’re curious about what dog breeds will be popular in late 2024, just look to the entertainment industry! Just as Taylor Swift’s cat has caused a surge in the Scottish Fold’s popularity, you can safely bet any rising star that shows off a certain dog breed will influence that breed’s numbers.
Finding the Right Dog Breed for You
A lot goes into choosing the right dog breed. Before you commit, make sure your lifestyle is compatible to the dog’s. Think about your energy levels and your size. If you prefer snoozing your Saturdays away, you should rethink getting an active breed. Similarly, if you’re a petite 4'11", you may not be able to control a Mastiff that’s trying to pick a fight with a Shih Tzu at the park. Not to mention that the Tibetan Mastiff price range is quite steep, often starting at several thousand dollars, which might not fit everyone's budget.
Remember, even the most popular dog breed isn’t going to be the right fit for everyone. No matter which breed you adopt, you can be sure that with plenty of love, research, and training, your new pup will be right at home with you!