It's no secret that Americans love dogs. But it turns out that the actual breeds we love vary from state to state. For instance, did you know that Oregonians love their Bullmastiffs, whereas Oklahomans have a very special affinity for Rottweilers? And who knew that if you visit Arkansas, you are effectively entering the land of the Poodle?
Thanks to data crunched by Franchise Opportunities—which analyzed the Google searches by state for the American Kennel Club's top 50 most popular dog breeds—we were able to compile here a handy state-by-state guide to our favorite canines. So read on to find out which breed your state loves. And for more coverage of our favorite cuddly companions, check out these 20 Amazing Facts You Never Knew About Your Dog.
Alabama | Dachshund
ShutterstockResidents of this southern state can't seem to get enough of these little-legged pups. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Dachshunds were originally trained to be scent hounds—and no one loves hunting quite like the South!
Alaska | Akita
ShutterstockThese fluffy fellas originate from the cold, mountainous regions of Japan, so Alaska is a perfect fit for them.
Arizona | Pug
ShutterstockGiven how many people seem to own pugs nowadays, it's shocking that Arizona is the only state to put the wrinkly breed at No. 1. If you're on the fence about getting one of your own, check out these 15 Amazing Benefits of Adopting a Pet.
Arkansas | Poodle
ShutterstockPoodles come in all shapes and sizes, and many have even taken to breeding the dogs with other breeds to create new, hypoallergenic crossbreeds.
California | Maltese
ShutterstockHollywood has long loved Maltese dogs for their portability and awe factor. Most of them don't grow to be more than seven pounds! For more Tinseltown secrets, check out these 15 Top Hair Tips from Top Hollywood Stylists.
Colorado | Rhodesian Ridgeback
ShutterstockRhodesian Ridgebacks can grow to be as big as 27 inches tall, and they love going for hikes just as much as they love taking naps. Naturally, an active state like Colorado is the perfect place for them.
Connecticut | Siberian Husky
ShutterstockI'm guessing that Connecticut's affinity for the Siberian Husky has something to do with the University of Connecticut's mascot. Not familiar with college basketball? Read up on how March Madness got its name.
Delaware | Cane Corso
ShutterstockThe AKC ranks the Cane Corso as the 40th most popular breed, and yet I've never even heard of them. Apparently Delaware has.
Florida | French Bulldog
ShutterstockCelebrities like Lady Gaga and The Rock have popularized the French Bulldog, a small but sassy breed known for its snorting and squished face.And if you think their faces look funny, that's nothing compared to the 30 Funniest Celebrity Pet Names.
Georgia | Bulldog
ShutterstockI don't think I'm going out on a limb here to say that Georgia's top dog has something to do with the University of Georgia's mascot. Brilliant, right?
Hawaii | Shiba Inu
ShutterstockThe Shiba Inu is the most popular companion dog in Japan, so it figures that the Shiba Inu is so well-loved in the one U.S. state that hovers relatively close by.
Idaho | Border Collie
ShutterstockMaybe the state of Idaho just really loves Lassie?
Illinois | French Bulldog
ShutterstockLike Florida, Illinois can't seem to get enough of the famous Frenchie— and who can blame them! Want to know what else Illinois loves? Check out The One Thing People in Every State Can't Live Without.
Indiana | Doberman Pinscher
ShutterstockThough the Doberman Pinscher only ranked at No. 16 on the AKC's national list, the pointy-eared canine managed to steal the hearts of six states—more than any other breed.
Iowa | Bichon Frise
ShutterstockAs its name suggests, the Bichon Frise is traditionally a French lap dog, its name literally translating to mean "curly lap dog." These fluffy folks are actually in the same family as the Maltese and the Havanese, which makes sense when you consider how similar they all look.
Kansas | Doberman Pinscher
ShutterstockA surprising choice, given that the famous Toto (a Carin terrier) hails from the Sunflower State.
Kentucky | Doberman Pinscher
ShutterstockFun fact: Doberman Pinschers are actually a fairly new breed, having originated in the early 1880s. For context, the Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog was depicted in ancient pottery as far back as 750 AD.
Louisiana | St. Bernard
ShutterstockMade popular by the goofy film Beethoven, St. Bernards are gentle giants who can grow to be as big as 260 pounds. Thankfully, they have plenty of room to roam in Louisiana!
Maine | Labrador Retriever
ShutterstockConsidering that the Labrador Retriever has been the No. 1 dog nationwide for 5 years running, it's shocking that so few states showed any love for the classic breed.
Maryland | Bullmastiff
ShutterstockBecause of their intimidating size, Bullmastiffs are often mistaken for aggressive dogs, but they are actually docile, affectionate creatures—something Maryland understands. And even if you think dogs are aggressive, This Incredible Story of a Dog That Adopted Nine Ducklings Will Melt Your Heart.
Massachusetts | French Bulldog
ShutterstockDid you know that French Bulldogs aren't actually from France? Their name might suggest otherwise, but the little guys are actually of English descent.
Michigan | Newfoundland dog
ShutterstockNewfoundland dogs originated in Canada, so perhaps Michigan took note of their neighbor's favorite dog breed and brought it over the border!
Minnesota | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
ShutterstockCavalier King Charles Spaniels are regarded as regal dogs in the United Kingdom, and who doesn't trust the judgement of the monarchy?
Mississippi | Yorkshire Terrier
ShutterstockYorkies are revered for their portability and affectionate nature, making them the ninth most popular breed in the country and No. 1 in Mississippi.
Missouri | Rottweiler
ShutterstockNot only are Rottweilers adorable, but they're also good boys: Once upon a time, the breed was used by police force for very important work!
Montana | Australian Shepherd
ShutterstockIf the traditional Australian Shepherd is too big for you (they weigh in at up to 70 pounds), there's also the mini Australian Shepherd, which doesn't grow to be more than 31 pounds.
Nebraska | Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
ShutterstockNebraskans are suckers for the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, a family-friendly dog with a penchant for playing. Be warned though: These pups require quite a bit of grooming.
Nevada | Pomeranian
ShutterstockPomeranians aren't the biggest fans of high temperatures, but that isn't stopping sunny Nevada from making them their favorite breed.
New Hampshire | Golden Retriever
ShutterstockWalletHub ranked New Hampshire as the third best state to raise a family—and what's a family without a loyal Golden Retriever? Speaking of loyal: Meet the Adorable Dog That Waits for His Owner's Train All Day Long.
New Jersey | Maltese
ShutterstockThe Maltese dog has been around for a long time, but its name wasn't settled on until the 19th century. Before that, the dog was called everything from "Melita" to the "ancient dog of Malta."
New Mexico | Chihuahua
ShutterstockGiven New Mexico's proximity to Mexico, it's no mystery why this Mexican dog is so popular.
New York | French Bulldog
ShutterstockFrenchies make great apartment dogs, so it's no wonder that residents of the Big Apple are such suckers for the snorters!
North Carolina |Doberman Pinscher
ShutterstockThere's something about states in the south and Doberman Pinschers!
North Dakota |German Shorthaired Pointer
ShutterstockNorth Dakota must be an active state, because German Shorthaired Pointers are known for their energy and love of exercise!
Ohio |Doberman Pinscher
ShutterstockCurious where the beloved Doberman comes from? Apparently they were first bred by none other than a tax collector named Herr Karl Louis Dobermann.
Oklahoma | Rottweiler
ShutterstockMany landlords don't let tenants keep Rottweilers due to their supposed aggression, but just like any other dog breed, they're only as aggressive as they're raised to be! For the most part, these dogs are gentle, kind, and caring.
Oregon | Bullmastiff
ShutterstockLeave it to a state as open-minded as Oregon to make the Bullmastiff their No. 1 pick. Just like the Rottweiler, this dog gets a bad rap, but dog lovers know that no breed is inherently aggressive.
Pennsylvania | Rottweiler
ShutterstockThe Rottweiler may be a Pennsylvania favorite now, but at a certain point in the 1800s, they lost their purpose and almost went extinct! And they're not alone: Here are 15 Animal Species Miraculously Saved from Extinction.
Rhode Island | French Bulldog
ShutterstockRhode Island is home to many beaches, but French Bulldog owners may want to keep their dogs away from the water: Frenchies can't swim!
South Carolina | English Cocker Spaniel
ShutterstockThe English Cocker Spaniel got its name from its historical tendency to hunt woodcock in England. Today, the pups still come in handy as hunting dogs, especially when hunting birds.
South Dakota | Shetland Sheepdog
ShutterstockThe Shetland Sheepdog is a favorite in South Dakota, and also has better hair than most of us.
Tennessee | Doberman Pinscher
ShutterstockPeople in Tennessee value family over everything, so it helps to have a dog like the Doberman Pinscher who's very protective of his humans.
Texas | Doberman Pinscher
ShutterstockA Doberman Pinscher will never say no to a hug from his hooman!
Utah | English Cocker Spaniel
ShutterstockEnglish Cocker Spaniels love to be put to work—but if you're keeping one as a family pet, a simple game of fetch will suffice!
Vermont | Golden Retriever
ShutterstockJust like neighboring New Hampshire, Vermont likes to stick to the classics and kept the Golden Retriever as their No. 1 pick.
Virginia | Bichon Frise
ShutterstockThe extravagant handling of Bichon Frises eventually led to a new french word—bichonner, translated as "to pamper."
Washington | Siberian Husky
ShutterstockAny guess what the University of Washington's mascot is?
West Virginia | German Shepherd
ShutterstockThough the German Shepherd made it to No. 2 on the list of most popular dog breeds (for five years running, no less), West Virginia was the only state to put the dog at No. 1.
Wisconsin | Great Dane
ShutterstockIf a horse and a dog had a baby, it might look something like a Great Dane.
Wyoming | Pembroke Welsh Corgi
ShutterstockWyoming and England certainly don't have much in common, but one thing that they do share is their love of Corgis.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to sign up for our FREE daily newsletter!