National Dog Day takes place every year on August 26 and is a fantastic time to start thinking about adopting a furry friend. But which dog should you bring home? Experts suggest it varies by person, but here are the top dog breeds of 2024.

Rover.com, a pet care marketplace, partnered with Ancestry to determine the most popular dog breeds nationwide and their typical personalities. This marks the sixth iteration of their survey.

Dogs are our companions from childhood through our final days, which is why approximately 65.1 million Americans choose to have a dog, making them the most sought-after pet in the country, as reported by Forbes.

“Most dog owners can relate to the happiness of arriving home after a long day and being welcomed by a wagging tail,” said Phil Tedeschi, a professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, who leads a program focused on the bond between humans and animals, in a statement to YSL News.

In July 2024, Rover surveyed 1,000 U.S. pet owners to gather insights about the trending dog breeds and the traits commonly associated with them.

What Are the Most Popular Dog Breeds in America?

According to Rover, the eight most favored dog breeds in the U.S. are:

• Non-designer mixed breeds
• Labrador Retrievers
• Goldendoodles
• Golden Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Chihuahuas
• French Bulldogs
• Dachshunds

Prioritizing Personalities Over Breeds

Approximately 88% of surveyed dog owners believe that knowing their pet’s breed mix enhances their understanding of their dog, while 56% feel that learning about their dog’s genetics could help “strengthen their bond.”

Moreover, 62% of respondents indicated that breed is a significant factor in choosing a dog to add to their family.

While understanding a dog’s breed can be helpful in determining if it fits your lifestyle, it’s also vital to get to know the dog’s unique personality, as noted by Tedeschi, who is also a Rover Pet People Panelist.

The breed may point to the environments in which dogs excel, but it doesn’t provide a complete picture.

Understanding Your Dog

It’s important to recognize the individuality of each dog rather than pigeonholing them solely based on their breed.

Indeed, while distinct traits exist among dog breeds, individual dogs possess unique behaviors and requirements.

“These companions often share some of our most enjoyable recreational moments,” Tedeschi noted. These bonding experiences frequently occur in moments of relaxation.

Establishing a connection with a companion animal, whether it’s a dog or a cat, occurs through shared enjoyment and responsiveness to your emotions, which leads to the deep connections often described as part of the “human-animal connection.”

“There’s a wonderful sense of connection, social support, and excitement that often goes beyond or even personifies what healthy relationships are,” remarked Tedeschi. “During the pandemic, many people who felt isolated and lost portions of their social networks found these relationships to be incredibly vital.”

Shared Personality Traits

Here are some common personality traits that dogs and their owners tend to share:

• Loyalty– 71%
• Playfulness– 65%
• Intelligence– 61%
• Friendliness– 61%

Additionally, around 62% of dog owners mentioned that both they and their dogs experience social anxiety.

Which Breeds are Susceptible to Separation Anxiety?

Dog owners may face challenges, one of which is separation anxiety.

Approximately 42% of dog owners reported their dogs experiencing separation anxiety as a significant issue.

The breeds most prone to this problem include:

• Dachshunds
• Yorkshire Terriers

While certain breeds are more likely to experience separation anxiety, any dog can exhibit anxious behavior when left alone.

This anxiety can manifest as barking, crying, destructive actions, or accidents in the house shortly after their owner leaves, as noted by American Humane.

Loyalty and Other Characteristics

According to the survey, dog breeds noted for their loyalty include:

• American Pit Bull Terriers
• German Shepherds
• Chihuahuas

German Shepherds are typically energetic, always seeking activities, as noted by the Golden State German Shepherd Rescue.

A similarly energetic breed is the Pit Bull, which, as stated by Dogster, requires regular exercise for good health. However, Pit Bulls may face stigma due to their controversial history, leading to breed-specific bans in various areas.

For instance, after an incident in 1989 involving a pit bull attack on a 7-year-old girl, Miami-Dade prohibited pit bull ownership, according to the Miami Herald.

In a more recent development, in 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis approved a bill preventing local authorities from banning dogs by breed, size, or weight.

Choosing the Right Dog for You

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

Dogs have been bred for various purposes over the centuries, and each breed is designed for specific tasks, according to the research.

Tedeschi suggests viewing the survey results as more of a guideline rather than a definitive list.

Just because mixed breeds and Labradors are popular choices doesn’t mean they are the best fit for every individual.

For example, a Chihuahua could be ideal for a single woman living in a high-rise, whereas a mixed breed shelter rescue may be perfect for an older gentleman, and a Goldendoodle might be just right for a young family with kids.

Everyone’s lifestyle is unique, requiring thorough research to identify which dog would best complement that lifestyle.

Best of luck!

Julia is a trending reporter for YSL News, covering a broad range of subjects from local enterprises and government issues in her hometown of Miami to technology and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram<em, and TikTok: @juliamariegz