The Labrador Retriever has been America’s number one most-popular dog breed since 1991. Despite their 30+ year reign, Labs are not the United States’ most searched breed on Google.
That honor goes to their shorter, stubbier cousin, the Bulldog. In fact, despite their prevalence as pets, Labs are only the fourth most Google-researched breed by American dog lovers.
What are the top 10 most searched dog breeds in the country? And which breed is top-of-mind for Googlers in each state?
USA Today reports:
“Based on Google search data compiled over the last five years, Bulldogs are the most-searched dog breed in the U.S. in all but 13 states: Alaska, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Those states favored three other breeds: Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, and German Shepherd.”
RELATED: The Official Dog Breeds of 12 U.S. States
“The Big 10” Most Searched Dog Breeds in the U.S.
1. Bulldog
2. German Shepherd
3. Pit Bull
4. Labrador Retriever
5. Siberian Husky
6. Golden Retriever
7. Poodle
8. French Bulldog
9. Chihuahua
10. American Pitbull Terrier
The Most Popular Dog Breed in Each State
According to Google trends data since 2017, these are the pups favored state-by-state.
Alabama – Bulldog
Alaska – Siberian Husky
Arizona – Bulldog
Arkansas – Bulldog
California – Bulldog
Colorado – Bulldog
Connecticut – Bulldog
Delaware – Bulldog
District of Columbia – Bulldog
Florida – Bulldog
Georgia – Bulldog
Hawaii – Bulldog
Idaho – Labrador Retriever
Illinois – Bulldog
Indiana – Bulldog
Iowa – Bulldog
Kansas – Bulldog
Kentucky – German Shepherd
Louisiana – Bulldog
Maine – Labrador Retriever
Maryland – Bulldog
Massachusetts – Bulldog
Michigan – Bulldog
Minnesota – Labrador Retriever
Mississippi – Bulldog
Missouri – Bulldog
Montana – Labrador Retriever
Nebraska – Bulldog
Nevada – Bulldog
New Hampshire – Labrador Retriever
New Jersey – Bulldog
New Mexico – Bulldog
New York – Bulldog
North Carolina – Bulldog
North Dakota – Labrador Retriever
Ohio – Bulldog
Oklahoma – Bulldog
Oregon – Bulldog
Pennsylvania – Bulldog
Rhode Island – Bulldog
South Carolina – Bulldog
South Dakota – Labrador Retriever
Tennessee – Bulldog
Texas – Bulldog
Utah – Bulldog
Vermont – Labrador Retriever
Virginia – Bulldog
Washington – Siberian Husky
West Virginia – German Shepherd
Wisconsin – Labrador Retriever
Wyoming – Bulldog
Why Are “Bulldogs” So Popular?
Bulldogs dominate the canine Google searches in the United States, but is it all about aesthetics? Or perhaps their popularity in viral videos? While Americans love to Google the term “Bulldog,” the breed is only number six on the AKC’s 2021 list of most popular dog breeds, which ranks dogs based on owner registrations from the previous year.
Based on that same data, the Bulldog’s close cousin, the French Bulldog, is an impressive number two in the United States. Art expert Gary Bachman is writing a book on the Frenchie’s popularity in 19th century and modern art. As a French Bulldog dad himself, he says, “the breed appeals to people with sophisticated tastes,” and “their jovial personality is well-suited to city life.”
Frenchies are also extremely popular among celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Hugh Jackman, Madonna, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and the late Carrie Fisher.
Could it be that American Googlers seek the French version of the Bulldog when they type in their search term?
Frenchies and their English cousins are undeniably adorable, intelligent, and entertaining, but before you go to Google to find your next pet, be sure to do your research. Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds are prone to a wide range of heartbreaking—and expensive—health problems. They are also some of the breeds most likely to be stolen.
Toledo, United States.
