AMERICA’S FAVORITE DOG BREED IS ALMOST DEFINITELY NOT WHAT YOU’D EXPECT

Dogs still hold the title of man’s best friend in the U.S., with 65.1 million households owning one. But which breed tops the list in 2025?

Rover — the world’s largest online pet care marketplace — reveals the answer in its latest Most Popular Dog and Cat Breeds Report, based on data from 1,000 pet parents nationwide. The report highlights the year’s most beloved, trending, and rarest dog and cat breeds across the country.

Taking the lead are the non-designer mixed breeds, affectionately known by some as mutts, who have come out as top dog.

According to Forbes Advisor, 42% of dog owners got their pets from a store, while 38% adopted from shelters or rescues. They also report that average annual dog expenses now total around $1,533.

Rover’s survey reveals that after mixed breeds, the most popular dog breed in the U.S. is the Labrador Retriever. Golden Retrievers claimed third place, overtaking the Goldendoodle, which held the spot in 2024 but has since slipped down the ranks.

Rounding out the top 10 are German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers.

In terms of rising popularity, the Miniature Poodle remained the top trending breed in 2025, followed by the American Staffordshire Terrier, with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel holding third place for the second year running.

The survey also identified the rarest breeds of the year: Japanese Spitz, Spinone Italiano, and Gordon Setter.

Pet parents voted the Pit Bull as most photogenic and most likely to be trending on social media. The Golden Retriever and German Shepherd came in second and third, while the French Bulldog and Pug were identified as trending breeds on social media.

Cutely, loyalty tops the list when choosing a furry friend, with 67% of respondents naming it their most important trait. Size comes next, influencing 58% of people’s decisions.