America's Favorite Breeds: The Most Searched Dogs and Cats by State in 2025

When families start thinking about adding a new furry friend to their homes, many turn to Google for help. Whether they want to learn about a breed’s personality or understand what it takes to care for them, search trends can give us a window into what pet lovers are curious about.

To explore these interests, we looked at Google search patterns across all 50 states and 50 of the most populous U.S. cities to see which dog and cat breeds stood out in 2025. Reviewing this data on a per-capita basis helped us compare communities of all sizes on equal footing. From regional favorites to nationwide stars, these findings highlight how pet preferences can vary depending on where we live.

Key Takeaways

• The most searched dog breeds in the U.S. are Cane Corso, Greyhound, and Golden Retriever.
• Texas, Nevada, and California have the highest search volume for dog breeds per capita, while Bakersfield, CA, San Francisco, CA, and Colorado Springs, CO, rank as the top cities most actively researching dog breeds.
• Dog breed preferences vary by region, with the Cane Corso leading the South, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel favored in the Midwest, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback topping the Northeast and West.
• The most searched cat breeds in the U.S. are Maine Coon, Sphynx, and Chartreux.
• Georgia, Washington, and Virginia have the highest per-capita search volume for cat breeds, with Atlanta, GA, Minneapolis, MN, and Miami, FL, ranking as the cities most actively researching cat breeds.
• Cat breed trends also differ regionally, with the Maine Coon leading the South, the Norwegian Forest Cat topping the Midwest and West, and the Abyssinian emerging as the Northeast's favorite.

America's Most Searched Dog Breeds by State

Interest in dog breeds varied widely across the country, but a few clear favorites rose to the top. Some states showed growing curiosity about strong, athletic dogs, while others continued to gravitate toward well-known family companions.

Top 10 States With the Highest Search Volume for Dog Breeds per Capita

1. Texas
2. Nevada
3. California
4. Colorado
5. Arizona
6. Utah
7. Georgia
8. Washington
9. North Carolina
10. Virginia

Most Searched Dog Breeds Nationwide (Overall Search Volume)

1. Cane Corso
2. Greyhound
3. Golden Retriever
4. Australian Shepherd
5. Boxer
6. Chihuahua
7. Belgian Malinois
8. German Shepherd
9. Dachshund
10. French Bulldog

Regionally, the Cane Corso led the South in more states than any other breed. Many families were drawn to its loyal personality and strong, steady presence. In the Midwest, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel came out on top.¹ This small, affectionate breed is often loved for its gentle, people-focused nature. The Rhodesian Ridgeback ranked first in both the Northeast and the West.² Known for its high energy and playful spirit, this breed thrives in homes with plenty of room to run.

Search trend research also revealed the top dog breed in each of the 50 most populous U.S. cities. The Samoyed stood out along the coasts, ranking first in New York City, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle.³ Families were likely drawn to its friendly temperament and fluffy, cloud-like coat.

Greyhounds dominated searches in several urban hubs, including Baltimore, Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, and San Antonio. Their gentle nature and calm demeanor may have appealed to city dwellers looking for an affectionate companion with moderate exercise needs.

Most Searched Dog Breeds in Major U.S. Cities

Texas cities leaned heavily toward giant breeds, with Saint Bernards leading in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, while Oklahoma City and Tulsa preferred Bullmastiffs.⁴ In contrast, California metro areas favored smaller designer breeds, with Maltipoos topping searches in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland.⁵ Portland also stood apart with the Basenji as its most searched breed, the most unusual top pick overall.⁶

Top 10 Cities With the Highest Search Volume for Dog Breeds per Capita

1. Bakersfield, CA
2. San Francisco, CA
3. Colorado Springs, CO
4. Tampa, FL
5. Oakland, CA
6. Omaha, NE
7. Portland, OR
8. Minneapolis, MN
9. Tucson, AZ
10. Denver, CO    

America's Most Searched Cat Breeds by State

Curiosity about cat breeds also varied from state to state, and the data revealed a clear divide between regions favoring large, long-haired cats and those drawn to rare or exotic-looking breeds.

Top 10 States With the Highest Search Volume for Cat Breeds per Capita

1. Georgia
2. Washington
3. Virginia
4. Oregon
5. Colorado
6. Massachusetts
7. Utah
8. California
9. New York
10. Minnesota

Most Searched Cat Breeds Nationwide (Overall Search Volume)

1. Maine Coon
2. Sphynx
3. Chartreux
4. Savannah
5. Ragdoll
6. British Shorthair
7. Norwegian Forest Cat
8. Persian
9. Russian Blue
10. Burmese

Southern states often researched the Maine Coon, a large, friendly breed known for its shaggy coat and easygoing personality. The Norwegian Forest Cat dominated searches in both the Midwest and the West, appealing to families drawn to its sturdy build and thick, weather-ready fur.⁷ The highly energetic and intelligent Abyssinian topped searches in the Northeast.⁸

Narrowing it down to the city level, West Coast metros favored the Burmese cat, including Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Jose. The Savannah cat was a standout "luxury hybrid" favorite across the South.⁹ This mix between a serval and a domestic cat ranked first in Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Miami, Raleigh, and Tampa.

Most Searched Cat Breeds in Major U.S. Cities

The rare Egyptian Mau was an unexpected Midwest–South leader, topping searches in Albuquerque, Kansas City, Virginia Beach, and Wichita.¹⁰ In the Southwest, the Cornish Rex formed a tight cluster of popularity across Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson. The Bengal also saw strong interest, ranking first in both Detroit and New York City.

Top 10 Cities With the Highest Search Volume for Cat Breeds per Capita

1. Atlanta, GA
2. Minneapolis, MN
3. Miami, FL
4. Seattle, WA
5. Denver, CO
6. Las Vegas, NV
7. Tampa, FL
8. San Francisco, CA
9. Baltimore, MD
10.  Portland, OR

Unique Health Needs and Costs of Top Dog and Cat Breeds

Because the most searched breeds also tend to be the ones families consider bringing home, it's helpful to understand the health needs and potential care costs associated with these dogs and cats. The insights below highlight what owners of these popular breeds may want to watch for as their pets grow.

Dog Breeds

Cane Corso

• Common health needs: Prone to joint and mobility issues, Cane Corsos benefit from structured training and regular exercise.¹¹
• Associated costs: Orthopedic concerns and training support may increase lifetime veterinary and care expenses.
• Helpful care tip: Providing joint-friendly exercise and routine checkups may help detect mobility changes early.

Greyhound

• Common health needs: Greyhounds require dental care, sensitive digestion support, and careful anesthesia monitoring.¹²
• Associated costs: Specialized diets, dental cleanings, and anesthesia considerations can raise annual veterinary expenses.
• Helpful care tip: Offering soft bedding and monitoring digestive reactions to new foods can support overall comfort.

Golden Retriever

• Common health needs: Golden Retrievers have an elevated risk of cancer, allergies, and hip issues.¹³
• Associated costs: Long-term management of chronic conditions may contribute to higher lifetime veterinary spending.
• Helpful care tip: Consistent grooming and early screening may help families stay ahead of common hereditary issues.

Cat Breeds

 Maine Coon

• Common health needs: Maine Coons have a  higher risk of heart disease and joint concerns.¹⁴ They also require regular grooming.
• Associated costs: Heart screenings, joint monitoring, and coat maintenance may increase yearly care costs.
• Helpful care tip: Scheduling routine heart checks and maintaining coat hygiene supports long-term health.

Sphynx

• Common health needs: A hypoallergenic breed, Sphynx cats are prone to temperature sensitivity and require high-maintenance skin care.¹⁵ They can also have dental and obesity issues.
• Associated costs: Frequent baths, heating considerations, and specialized vet visits may add to ongoing expenses.
• Helpful care tip: Gentle bathing routines and warm resting areas help keep Sphynx cats comfortable.

Chartreux

• Common health needs: Chartreux cats are prone to dental disease, knee problems, and weight gain, and their quiet, reserved nature can make symptoms of illness more subtle.¹⁶
• Associated costs: Dental cleanings and weight-management care may increase veterinary expenses.
• Helpful care tip: Regular play sessions and routine dental checks can support long-term well-being.

If you're thinking about welcoming a new furry friend, take a little time to learn what each breed may need as they grow. Understanding grooming habits, activity levels, and potential veterinary costs can help you feel prepared. A bit of planning can make those first days together even more enjoyable and help your new pet feel right at home.

Methodology

We analyzed Google Trends search volume data from November 2024 to November 2025 to identify which cat and dog breeds are most popular nationwide. Our analysis included search volume for more than 100 breeds across all 50 states and the 50 most populous U.S. cities.

To ensure accurate comparisons, we calculated each state's difference from the mean search volume. This normalization method adjusts for variations in population size and overall search activity, allowing us to pinpoint where interest in specific breeds is relatively higher or lower than the national average.

About MetLife

MetLife Pet Insurance offers customizable and reliable coverage to help families manage the cost of veterinary care. With plans designed for dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, MetLife Pet Insurance supports pet parents in preparing for both routine needs and unexpected illnesses. Explore coverage options for dogs and cats, including wellness add-ons and multi-pet solutions.

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