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This Is The Most Popular Dog Breed In Every State

Long live the French Bulldog!

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

Daschund

Residents 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

akita puppy

These fluffy fellas originate from the cold, mountainous regions of Japan, so Alaska is a perfect fit for them.

Arizona | Pug

Pug, dogs for apartments

Given 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

French poodle
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Poodles 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

Woman with pet dog

Hollywood 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

rhodesian ridgeback dog

Rhodesian 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

husky dog

I'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

doggo dog

The 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

woman talkin to french bulldog

Celebrities 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

bulldog dog on a leash
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I 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

shiba inu dog

The 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

Border Collie, dog

Maybe the state of Idaho just really loves Lassie?

Illinois | French Bulldog

french bulldog Dog under blanket

Like 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

Miniature Pinscher, dogs for apartments

Though 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

dog sleeping in bed
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As 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

doberman dog in grass

A surprising choice, given that the famous Toto (a Carin terrier) hails from the Sunflower State.

Kentucky | Doberman Pinscher

doberman dog running

Fun 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

saint bernard dog

Made 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

lab puppy lounging

Considering 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

bullmastiff dog

Because 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

french bulldog winking dog

Did 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

newfoundland dog

Newfoundland 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

cavalier king charles spaniel

Cavalier 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

dog at the spa yorkie

Yorkies 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

rottweiler puppy

Not 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

dog stick running

If 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

wheaten terrier dog

Nebraskans 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

pomeranian dog

Pomeranians 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

golden retriever and cat
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WalletHub 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

Baby and dog
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The 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

chihuahua dog
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Given New Mexico's proximity to Mexico, it's no mystery why this Mexican dog is so popular.

New York | French Bulldog

cute dog on parents' lap

Frenchies 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

doberman with a ball dog

There's something about states in the south and Doberman Pinschers!

North Dakota |German Shorthaired Pointer

german pointer dog

North Dakota must be an active state, because German Shorthaired Pointers are known for their energy and love of exercise!

Ohio |Doberman Pinscher

doberman pinscher dog

Curious 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

rottweiler puppy

Many 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

bullmastiff dog

Leave 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

rottweiler dog cute

The 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

curious french bulldog cute dog

Rhode 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

cocker spaniel dog cute

The 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

shetland sheepdog dog

The Shetland Sheepdog is a favorite in South Dakota, and also has better hair than most of us.

Tennessee | Doberman Pinscher

doberman dog cute

People 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

doberman getting hug from girl

A Doberman Pinscher will never say no to a hug from his hooman!

Utah | English Cocker Spaniel

english cocker spaniel ball

English 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

cute dog smiling

Just like neighboring New Hampshire, Vermont likes to stick to the classics and kept the Golden Retriever as their No. 1 pick.

Virginia | Bichon Frise

bichon frise dog

The extravagant handling of Bichon Frises eventually led to a new french word—bichonner, translated as "to pamper."

Washington | Siberian Husky

husky dog in the woods

Any guess what the University of Washington's mascot is?

West Virginia | German Shepherd

German shepherd dog

Though 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

great dane dog
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If a horse and a dog had a baby, it might look something like a Great Dane.

Wyoming | Pembroke Welsh Corgi

royal corgis puppy
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Wyoming and England certainly don't have much in common, but one thing that they do share is their love of Corgis.

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