Two thirds of Americans (86.9 million families) own a pet according to Forbes, and the most popular is man’s best friend with 65.1 million U.S. households owning dogs.
But which dog breed is the most popular in America, and in each state? Research from U.S. News & World Report has revealed the answers.
Pet ownership is split among the generations. Millennials are the largest pet-owning demographic, with 33 percent of pet owners being in the generation. They are followed by Generation X, with 25 percent of the pet-owning population, and Baby Boomers, who make up 24 percent of pet owners, according to Forbes.
Dog owners spend an average of $367 per year on veterinary care, $339 per year on food, and $99 a year on grooming, according to Forbes.
The top 10 most popular dog breeds, according to U.S. News:
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Shih Tzu
- Goldendoodle
- Yorkshire Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Pit Bull
- Labrador Retriever (Black)
A woman walks a group of dogs along a park in Brooklyn, New York, on March 8, 2016. Data has shown the most popular dog breeds by state.
JEWEL SAMAD/Getty Images
Chihuahua’s are the most popular dog breed in America, topping the list in 21 states. The French Bulldog comes in second, though it is only the top breed in three states. It makes a top five appearance in 24 states.
The Golden Retriever comes third and is a favorite in 14 states.
In addition to their research on most popular dog breeds, U.S. News also researched the most popular dog names. Both studies used data point analysis from a third-party pet insurance partner.
The top five most popular dog names:
- Bella
- Luna
- Max
- Daisy
- Charlie
Bella is the most popular dog name in 37 states, and the in Washington, D.C.
A study from The Pew Research Center found that over half of pet owners view dogs in the same way as they would a human in their family.
Chihuahuas dressed as witches are seen at the Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade at Marina Vista Park on October 27, 2019, in Long Beach, California. Data has revealed the most popular dog breeds by state.
Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images
Forbes also took a look into states with the “most spoiled” dogs, which was based on whether pet owners had: taken their dog on vacation, prepared homemade dog food or treats or pushed their dog in a stroller.
The top five states with the most spoiled dogs are:
- Florida
- Alaska
- Washington
- Colorado
- California
Forty-two percent of Floridians had taken their dog on vacation, 43.5 percent pushed their dog in a stroller and 69 percent had prepared homemade dog food or treats.
Despite all of the positives, the Forbes poll, which surveyed at 2,000 dog owners, found that more than half of dog owners said they regret getting a dog.
Forty-two percent of the pet owners surveyed said they would go into debt if they received a vet bill of $999 or less, while 28 percent of dog owners would go into debt if they received a vet bill of $499 or less.
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