These Are the Most Popular Dog Breeds in America’s Biggest Cities

The French Bulldog is rising in popularity! For the first time in 31 years, the Labrador Retriever is no longer America’s most popular dog breed. Now, the French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed in America. While this is not the case in every city in the United States, it is true in many of America’s biggest cities. Keep on reading to learn more about the most popular dog breeds in America’s biggest cities, according to the American Kennel Club.

1. New York City

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed in New York City. French Bulldogs have large ears and a calm temperament. They are playful, alert, and adaptable. Their heads are large and square, with heavy wrinkles rolled above their extremely short noses. Their bodies are compact and muscular. Frenchies do not bark very much, but their alertness makes them superb watchdogs. To elaborate on their adaptability, French Bulldogs are happy to live with a single person, a couple, or a family. Also, they do not require a lot of outdoor exercise. They tend to get along well with other animals and humans. Many French Bulldog owners allude to these positive and flexible traits as to how they chose the breed of their city-dwelling dog.

Poodle

Poodles are standard in New York City and come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. These include Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Toy Poodles, along with the colors black, white, or apricot. They have curly, hypoallergenic coats that do not shed. They are elegant, strong athletes and loyal companions. Standard Poodles measure around 15 inches tall, Miniature Poodles measure under 15 inches, and Toy Poodles measure 10 inches tall or less. They all have similar builds and proportions. Poodles are incredibly intelligent, athletic, eager, and friendly. They can be trained very successfully.

2. Los Angeles

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are the most common breed in Los Angeles. They are trendy among celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Martha Stewart, Reese Witherspoon, and Hilary Duff. Like New York City, Los Angeles, one of America’s biggest cities, is proud that more French Bulldogs call it home than any other dog breed.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are also very common in Los Angeles. They look similar to French Bulldogs with a muscled body. They have loose skin on their heads, furrowed brows, punched-in noses, and small ears. Like French Bulldogs, Bulldogs are friendly, calm, and adaptable. One thing that the owners of Bulldogs have to watch out for is hot and humid weather, as it can cause their pets’ short snouts to have labored breathing.

3. Chicago

French Bulldog

Like many other cities on this list, Chicago proudly named the French Bulldog its most popular dog breed.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is another wildly popular dog breed in Chicago. The Golden Retriever is another wildly popular dog breed in Chicago. It is a sturdy, muscular dog of medium size, famous for the dense, lustrous coat of gold that gives the breed its name. Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and active. They are also outgoing, easy to train, trustworthy, and eager to please their loved ones. They are trendy family dogs and love to play for hours.

4. Houston

French Bulldog

Houston is like Los Angeles; its most popular dog breed is the French Bulldog. In 2023, Houston saw 108,000 newly registered French Bulldogs.

Bulldog

Also, like Los Angeles, Houston’s second-most-popular dog breed is the Bulldog.

5. Phoenix

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the most popular dog breed in Phoenix, one of America’s biggest cities. It is a tiny dog with a big personality. The Chihuahua is one of the oldest breeds in North America and represents the national symbol of Mexico. It weighs six pounds or less, has erect ears, and big, bright eyes. Chihuahuas are loyal and charming with big-dog attitudes. They are ideal city pets because of their size and confidence.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are also one of the most popular dog breeds in Phoenix. For decades, the Labrador Retriever was America’s most popular dog breed. It has a dense, hard coat that can be yellow, black, or chocolate. Labs are friendly, outgoing, impossibly affectionate family dogs. They are always wagging their tails. They are medium-to-large, which could explain why their popularity in America’s cities is shrinking. Labs typically bond with their whole family and socialize well with neighbor dogs and humans. Labs are also very active, enthusiastic athletes who require a lot of exercise, including unlimited games of fetch, summer swims, and long walks. They need these hobbies to stay physically and mentally fit. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Lukas Maverick Greyson/Shutterstock.com