National Dog Day: Choosing the Perfect Pup

National Dog Day, celebrated annually on August 26, is an ideal time to consider adopting a furry companion. But which breed is right for you? Experts say it depends, but here are 2024's top dog breeds.

Rover.com, an online pet care marketplace, collaborated with Ancestry to determine the most popular dog breeds across the country and their personalities. This is the sixth time they've conducted the survey.

Dogs are loyal companions from our earliest moments to our last, so it's no surprise that around 65.1 million Americans own dogs, making them the most popular pet in the country, according to [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/#:~:text=66%25%20of%20U.S.%20households%20(86.9,fish%20(11.1%20million%20households).).

"Almost anyone who has had a dog knows the joy of getting home at the end of the day and being greeted by a wild wagging tail," said Phil Tedeschi, a professor at the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver, who runs a program focused on human-animal connection, told USA TODAY.

In July 2024, Rover surveyed 1,000 U.S. pet parents to learn more about popular dog breeds and their personality traits.

What are the most popular breeds in America?

According to Rover, the most popular dog breeds are:

• Non-designer mixed breeds
• Labrador Retrievers
• Goldendoodle
• Golden Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Chihuahua
• French Bulldog
• Dachshund

Personalities and connections over breeds

88% of surveyed dog parents said understanding their dog's breed mix would help them better understand their pets, and 56% believed knowing their dogs' genetic makeup would strengthen their bond.

Another 62% considered breed an important factor when choosing a dog for their family. While a dog's breed can provide clues about its ideal environment, it's crucial to get to know the dog's personality, Tedeschi, who is also a Rover Pet People Panelist, said.

"So often, these are companions that [we] spend some of our most high-quality recreational time," said Tedeschi. Building a relationship with a companion animal can provide a deep level of connection and social support.

Common personality traits

Some of the top personality traits people and dogs share are:

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

62% of parents also said they and their dogs share social anxiety.

Which dogs are more likely to have separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common challenge for dog owners. Breeds most likely to experience it are:

• Dachshunds
• Yorkshire Terriers

While these breeds are more prone to separation anxiety, any dog can become anxious when away from their owners, leading to barking, destructive behaviors, or soiling the house, according to American Humane.

Loyalty and other traits

The most loyal dog breeds, according to the survey, are:

• American pit bull terriers
• German shepherds
• Chihuahuas

German shepherds are energetic and need constant activity, according to the Golden State German Shepherd Rescue. Pit bulls are also high-energy and require daily exercise, but they face stigmatization and bans in certain areas, such as Miami-Dade, due to past incidents (Miami Herald).

In 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill barring local governments from banning specific dog breeds.

So, what dog should you get?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, each breed with a unique purpose. People should use the survey as a guide rather than a definitive list, said Tedeschi.

Everyone's situation is different, so research and time are needed to find the best dog for your lifestyle.

Good luck!

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter , Instagram and TikTok : @juliamariegz