Before getting a dog, should you research or follow your heart? It’s incredible how you and your dog bond, out of hundreds of breeds.
Did you know there are around 390-400 dog breeds, according to the FCI? Curious about the most popular breed in your state? Check out our list!
Alabama – Dachshund


Popularly known as the sausage dog or wiener dog, the Dachshund is a hound breed with short legs and a long body, which adds to its charm.
Originally bred to flush badgers out of their burrows, they can also hunt smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels.
Dachshunds make great pets, especially for families with kids.
Alaska – Akita
The Akita is a large and fluffy breed, often quite intimidating. In Japan, these dogs were used as guards for noble people.
They make excellent watchdogs due to their reserved nature with strangers. Akitas are loyal and deeply affectionate.


Arizona – Pug
Pugs may be small, but they have big personalities. As part of the AKC’s toy group, they’re playful and have a great sense of humor.
Pugs love to show off and bring plenty of personality, humor, and confidence. This breed is perfect if you’re looking for a dog with character.


Arkansas – Poodle
The Poodle is known for its elegance, beauty, and talent, often topping the list in dog pageants and contests.
Despite its refined appearance, the Poodle is a very affectionate dog that fits well with any family.


California – Maltese Dog
Who could resist this gentle yet fearless dog? With its soft white fur, the Maltese looks noble, but don’t be fooled—it’s full of agility.
Maltese dogs also make excellent therapy dogs and are a great choice for families with kids or apartment living.


Colorado – Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in South Africa as a hunter and can also serve as a home guard.
Known for being smart, this breed can also be quite stubborn. If you adopt one, make sure to provide plenty of exercise and activities.


Connecticut – Siberian Husky
The husky has a beautiful thick coat, unique colors, striking markings, and truly stunning eyes.
This breed is athletic, energetic, intelligent, and well-suited to extreme cold weather. If you’re considering owning a husky, make sure to provide plenty of activities to keep it engaged.


Delaware – Cane Corso
If you’re looking for a dog that loves helping with chores, the Cane Corso is a great choice. This old Italian breed was originally bred for hunting and guarding.
With its strong, athletic build, the Cane Corso is a powerful dog. If you have a farm and plenty of tasks, this breed makes an ideal companion.


Florida – French Bulldog
The French Bulldog was originally created in England as a mini Bulldog. Known as “companion” dogs, they once accompanied English lacemakers to France.
Today, French Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets and even show dogs.


Georgia – Bulldog
Who would have guessed that the Bulldog would become a gentle family pet and thrive in an apartment today?
Originally, this breed was used to drive cattle and even participate in the brutal sport of bullbaiting.


Hawaii – Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is one of Japan’s native dog breeds, originally used to flush small game and birds, and occasionally hunt wild boar.
Today, the Shiba Inu is a beloved companion dog in both the US and Japan.


Idaho – Border Collie
The Border Collie is an incredible breed. With its unique, intense stare, it can control an entire flock of sheep.
They have the stamina, energy, and passion for herding, making it the perfect activity for these adorable dogs.


Illinois – French Bulldog
Did you know that French Bulldogs are making a splash in the canine fashion industry?
They’re not only adorable but also love dressing up. Plus, these little cuties enjoy all the attention they’re getting.


Indiana – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is believed to be a mix of several breeds, including the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, and Black and Tan Terrier.
With their athletic build, regal appearance, and sleek coat, they are both intelligent and strong. Traditionally, they have been used as guard dogs.


Iowa – Bichon Frisé
Pronounced as BEE-shawn FREE-say, this small and cheerful breed is absolutely adorable.
With its fluffy coat and big black eyes, it looks just like a stuffed toy. If you love playful dogs, this little cutie is perfect for you.


Kansas – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher has a reputation for being aggressive, but they’re not as fierce as many believe.
While they were bred as guard dogs and can be wary of strangers, they are also loving, sweet, and devoted to their families.


Kentucky – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is the third most popular dog breed in one state.
Did you know Doberman Pinschers come in four official colors?
According to the AKC, these are black and rust, red and rust, blue and rust, and fawn and rust.


Louisiana – Saint Bernard
Did you know this breed once guarded the grounds of Switzerland’s Hospice Saint Bernard?
Despite their size, these big dogs love cuddles and comfort. If you’re thinking of getting one, be sure to provide a spacious crate and regular de-shedding sessions!


Maine – Labrador Retriever
The lovable Labrador Retriever is the perfect companion and friend. Originally, they helped fishermen by hauling nets, retrieving fish, and fetching ropes.
As one of America’s most popular breeds, Labs also excel as rescue and therapy dogs.


Maryland – Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff, known as the “Silent Watchdog,” is an excellent guard dog yet mellow and gentle with its family.
They can adapt well to apartment living, but be prepared—owning this adorable breed means dealing with lots of drool!


Massachusetts – French Bulldog
French Bulldogs may have a glum but adorable face. They enjoy chasing balls but are generally laid-back dogs.
If you love relaxing on the couch and watching movies, they make perfect companions—even in an apartment!


Michigan – Newfoundland Dog
Can you guess where this breed originated? That’s right—Newfoundland!
The Newfoundland dog is a large, fluffy breed known for helping fishermen pull nets and hauling wood from forests.
They’re excellent swimmers and love to work, which matches their energetic and playful nature.


Minnesota – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the largest toy breeds. While known as a lap dog that loves belly rubs, they also have a sporty side.
They’d happily spend an afternoon running, hiking, or playing flyball if given the chance!


Mississippi – Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier may be small, but it has a big personality. It’s no wonder so many people adore this breed.
As the most popular toy breed in the US, Yorkies make great apartment pets. Just be careful, as they can be easily injured by kids during playtime.


Missouri – Rottweiler
Originally, Rottweilers were bred to drive cattle and later helped pull carts and assist butchers.
They are also known as one of the first police dogs to serve in the military.
While Rottweilers are loving, their strength might surprise you if you’re not familiar with the breed.


Montana – Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd originated in the western United States around the 1840s.
Originally bred to herd livestock, this breed still has plenty of stamina and energy. While they love being pets, they thrive when given tasks that challenge their energy.


Nebraska – Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The name of this breed suits its looks perfectly—just look at that soft coat! This fun-loving, gentle, and sweet dog makes a wonderful pet for anyone.
They enjoy meeting new people and are especially great for families with kids.


Nevada – Pomeranian
Did you know the cute Pomeranian is a descendant of large sled dogs?
Now, small and adorable, the Pomeranian still carries that “big dog attitude” and often challenges breeds larger than itself.
They love fun, but when overly stimulated, they can bark quite a bit.


New Hampshire – Golden Retriever
One of the most popular dog breeds in the US is the Golden Retriever.
They make wonderful, gentle pets, but did you know they were once used for hunting, tracking, and even as police dogs?


New Jersey – Maltese Dog
At first glance, you might think this fluffy, cute dog is a toy.
Did you know these cuties have been around for a long time?
In fact, they’re one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history spanning 2,800 years!


New Mexico – Chihuahua
Meet the cute Chihuahua, a small dog with a variety of colors, known for being smart, agile, and adorable.
Not only are they cute, but they’re also easy to maintain, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers.


New York – French Bulldog
If you live in the city and want a small, humorous companion, a French Bulldog is a great choice.
This charming little dog loves to play but is just as happy being a couch potato.


North Carolina – Doberman Pinscher
We owe the Doberman Pinscher to Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector.
He created the breed because he needed a strong, alert, and loyal dog to accompany him while collecting tax money.


North Dakota – German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer was bred for hunting and is known for being athletic, gentle, and loyal.
Fans of the breed often refer to them as GLP. These dogs thrive in spacious environments where they can sniff, run, jump, and play.


Ohio – Doberman Pinscher
Did you know the Doberman Pinscher is often called a “one-man dog”?
While it loves everyone in the family, it forms a particularly strong and special bond with just one family member.


Oklahoma – Rottweiler
Rottweilers are large, strong dogs, making them perfect for tasks that require strength and alertness. Male Rottweilers can be dominant and occasionally aggressive.
It’s important to remember that Rottweilers have a lot of energy to burn, so training, play, and regular activities are key to preventing destructive behavior.


Oregon – Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff was developed in England by gamekeepers around the 1860s to track and catch poachers.
It’s a mix of the English Mastiff and the Bulldog.


Pennsylvania – Rottweiler
Did you know the Rottweiler actually originated from Rome?
While many people believe Rottweilers came from Germany, history shows that the Romans brought these dogs with them when they traveled to Germany.


Rhode Island – French Bulldog
The French Bulldog loves attention—just like most dogs, right?
They’re perfect for city dwellers as they don’t need a lot of space to play. While they enjoy walks, they might struggle to keep up if you’re a jogger.
This little guy also loves to snort, snore, and demand your attention.


South Carolina – English Cocker Spaniel
If you want a dog that is athletic, playful, polite and loves peace, then the English Cocker Spaniel is your breed.
It also has a stunning feathered coat in a variety of colors.


South Dakota – Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, was originally used to guard farms, keeping hungry birds and sheep out of the gardens.
They’re not only great herders but also stars in canine competitions.


Tennessee – Doberman Pinscher
During the 1944 Battle of Guam in WWII, a Doberman Pinscher named Kurt sacrificed his life to warn troops of incoming Japanese soldiers.
Although a grenade from the enemy line killed him, Kurt’s bravery saved many soldiers, marking him as a true hero.


Texas – Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is known for its intelligence, ranking as the fifth smartest dog breed. However, this smarts can sometimes work against its owners.
Dobermans can outsmart their trainers and may get bored with repetitive tasks.


Utah – English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel may be small, but it requires plenty of exercise. Originally bred for hunting, this active breed needs to run, play, and explore to stay happy and healthy.


Vermont – Labradors
Labradors are known for their sprinting ability! They thrive in spacious environments where they can run freely and play.
Besides their love for sprinting, they are excellent swimmers and were once used by fishermen to help with their nets.


Virginia – American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a fantastic companion, known for its sweet, loyal, and easy-going nature.
With plenty of stamina, they make great running partners, so if you’re into jogging, this breed could be a perfect fit!


Washington – German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is an incredibly versatile breed, excelling in various roles such as therapy dog, service dog, police K-9, herder, and loyal companion.
With unmatched intelligence, loyalty, alertness, and devotion, it’s no wonder why this breed is so popular!


West Virginia – Beagles
The Beagle is a fantastic companion for both kids and adults. Despite its small size, it’s incredibly agile and has an exceptional sense of smell, making it an excellent scenthound.
Originally bred to track rabbits and other small game, the Beagle’s nose is its most impressive feature!


Wisconsin – Great Dane
The Great Dane is known for its impressive size, but its gentle and sweet nature makes it a beloved companion. It’s fascinating that this breed has been around for thousands of years.
Some ancient artifacts even depict dogs resembling Great Danes, which shows how long they’ve been part of human history.


Wyoming – Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an intelligent and hardworking breed, despite its small size. They are known for their herding instincts and agility, which made them great helpers on farms.
Queen Elizabeth’s love for the breed is well-known, as she had several Corgis over the years, and they became iconic symbols of her reign.
They are loyal, playful, and make wonderful pets for active families!


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