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Most Popular Dog Breeds by State — And What They Cost (2025 Study)
Aug 5, 2025
An estimated 45% of American households own a dog, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. With more than 300 known dog breeds, each boasting unique traits, needs and quirks, prospective pet owners have myriad choices.
Choosing your new furry friend’s breed involves considerations beyond mere preference. For example, you may want to consider only the breeds that suit your climate. Cost is also an important factor. Average health care costs, including the cost of pet insurance, can vary greatly by breed.
To determine the most popular breeds in each state, we at MarketWatch Guides analyzed records of nearly 30,000 dogs gathered by PetInsurer, a third-party partner, in 2024. Records spanned all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Read on to find out which breeds were the most popular, how much they cost to care for and more.
Key Findings
According to our research, the most popular dog breed in the U.S. is the French bulldog, which has a lifetime average cost of $16,295.
The Labrador retriever is the most popular dog in 18 states, and the French bulldog is the most popular dog in 13 states.
One in 100 dogs is named Luna, making it the most popular name in the country.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in the United States
Our study included 250 distinct breeds. Standing out from the pack is the French bulldog, reigning as the most popular breed in the nation. Following closely behind are Labrador retrievers, Chihuahuas, golden retrievers and German shepherds.
We analyzed the data of almost 30,000 dogs and studied lifetime cost data using our research methodology. Through that research, we found that French bulldogs, though popular, come with a hefty price tag. This dog is estimated to cost $16,295 over its lifetime. Surprisingly, however, French bulldogs are not the most expensive. The golden retriever stands out as the priciest among the top five breeds, which will cost almost $23,000 over its lifetime.
Want a breed that stands out? Explore our list of some of the most unique breeds. There was just one of each of these breeds in our study.
Most Popular Dog Breeds by State
French bulldogs are the most popular dog overall, but not in every state. French bulldogs come out on top in some of the largest states — such as California, Texas, Florida and New York — potentially due to their compact size and adaptability to city life.
French bulldogs are the most popular breed in 13 states, but Labrador retrievers are popular across more states. They’re the most popular breed in 14 states and tie for first in another four.
In terms of lifetime cost, Labrador retrievers’ average lifetime cost is $5,595 higher than that of French bulldogs.
Most Popular Dog Names
Luna is the most popular dog name in the U.S., accounting for one in 100 dogs. The name Luna narrowly surpassed Bella (1.15% to 1.12% of all dogs), which was the most popular name in 2023. The next most popular names are Daisy, Milo and Coco. Once-traditional names such as Spot, Fido and Rover seem to have fallen out of favor, with only a handful of dogs bearing these classic monikers. There were only 16 Spots, eight Fidos and a mere four Rovers found in the records of more than 28,000 dogs.
How To Find a Breed that’s Right for You and Meet Its Needs
When choosing a dog breed, think about your lifestyle and budget. It’s also good to consider the size of your home, climate, local regulations and whether you have access to a yard or dog park, as these can impact your dog’s comfort and well-being.
Research the exercise needs, dietary requirements, grooming demands and potential health issues specific to your chosen breed. For instance, active breeds such as Labradors require plenty of exercise, and bulldogs may require special attention to respiratory health.
Additionally, consider adopting a rescue dog. Many shelters and rescue organizations offer loving and deserving dogs, both purebred and mixed breed, ready for forever homes. Adoption not only provides a second chance to an animal in need, but it also often includes benefits such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations and basic obedience training.
How To Save Money on Dog Ownership Costs
Although average lifetime dog ownership costs range from $14,620 to $28,260, there are steps you can take to care for your furry four-legged friend without breaking the bank. Consider the following cost-saving tips:
Search for no/low-cost spay/neuter clinics: It costs between $200 and $700 to spay or neuter a dog — a decision that contributes to your dog living a long and healthy life and can help avoid behavioral issues. Many communities offer no- or low-cost spay and neuter programs for low-income families, which can help lower the lifetime cost of dog ownership.
Nurture a relationship with your veterinarian: Vets are medical professionals who provide valuable (and necessary) healthcare services for animals. Find a vet you trust and work to develop a relationship with them. That way, you’ll have a trusted source to ask for suggestions on healthy, low-cost food and secure discounts on preventive treatments like flea and tick medicines. If your dog ever needs major surgery or long-term care, you’ll know that your dog is in good hands.
Stay on top of checkups: Like humans, dogs require preventive care to stay healthy and avoid major health issues. Annual checkups can uncover concerns before they develop into severe health concerns, protecting your beloved dog — and your bank account. Similarly, vaccines and preventive treatments — such as flea and tick medications — help keep your dog healthy and, in some cases, help you avoid expensive parasite infestations.
Buy a pet insurance policy: Pet insurance covers unexpected accidents and illnesses by reimbursing you up to 90% of your dog’s total vet bill. Some pet insurance companies also offer wellness programs, which help cover the cost of preventive care. If you’re on a budget, explore cheap pet insurance options to find coverage.
Methodology: How We Determined the Most Popular Dog Breeds
To rank the most and least popular dog breeds by state, the MarketWatch Guides research team analyzed the data of more than 28,000 dogs collected in 2024 using PetInsurer, a third-party pet insurance provider. The data included breeds, names and ZIP codes which were matched to the corresponding state. Dogs reported as “Mixed,” “Designer” or “Other” were excluded from our breed popularity analysis but included in our name popularity analysis. Yearly and lifetime cost data for the top breeds in each state were sourced from PetBudget.
