In the bustling streets and diverse neighborhoods of New York City, you’ll find a fascinating array of dog breeds.
From petite lapdogs being carried in designer bags to athletic breeds jogging alongside their fitness-conscious owners in Central Park, the city is a kaleidoscope of canine variety.
But ever wondered what the most popular dog breeds are in NYC? To bring you an accurate list, we’ve analyzed data from over half a million dog license registrations in the city.
By examining this data, we’ve compiled a list of the 30 most popular dog breeds in New York City.
(We also used the same data to figure out the most popular dog names in the Big Apple.)
For each breed, both purebreds and those listed as mixes are counted for the breed total. Let’s get started.
30. Miniature Pinscher (3,126 registrations)
Starting off the list at 30th place is the Miniature Pinscher. Small but energetic, these dogs suit the hustle and bustle of NYC life.
They’re known for their intelligence and lively personality, factors that resonate with city dwellers. Their small size is a practical bonus for apartment living in the city.
29. Corgi (3,429)
Corgis, with their distinct low-set body and perky ears, have made the cut in NYC’s favorite breeds. Perfectly sized for most apartments, they’re intelligent and active dogs.
Their charismatic demeanor and ability to adapt to city living likely contribute to their popularity in the Big Apple.
28. Labradoodle (4,022)
Combining the traits of Labradors and Poodles, Labradoodles are friendly and intelligent, making a solid choice for New Yorkers.
With their hypoallergenic coats and eagerness to please, they are increasingly found in the homes of city dwellers, earning them the 28th spot on our list.
27. American Staffordshire Terrier (4,212)
American Staffordshire Terriers, known for their strength and affectionate nature, hold the 27th position. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy a good exercise routine, fitting well with active New Yorkers.
Their loyalty and protective instincts make them dependable companions in the city’s vibrant landscape.
26. Boxer (4,383)
Boxers, with their muscular build and playful spirit, secure the 26th spot on our list. Known for their energy and affection towards family, they’re a favorite of New Yorkers seeking an active, loyal companion.
Despite their size, they adapt well to urban living, adding to their appeal.
25. Australian Shepherd (4,581)
Coming in at number 25 are Australian Shepherds. With their intelligence and strong herding instincts, they’re popular among New Yorkers who enjoy active lifestyles.
Despite their need for exercise, these adaptable dogs have proven to be quite at home amidst the skyscrapers and parks of NYC.
24. Boston Terrier (4,586)
Boston Terriers, nicknamed “American Gentlemen,” secure the 24th position. These dogs offer a balance of compact size and friendly disposition, making them suitable for apartment living.
Their friendly temperament and adaptability to urban environments are key reasons for their popularity among New Yorkers.
23. Goldendoodle (5,345)
Goldendoodles sit at number 23. A hybrid of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, these dogs are appreciated for their intelligence and friendly demeanor.
Their typically hypoallergenic coats are a bonus for many, and their playful, easygoing nature makes them a popular choice for NYC residents.
22. Pug (5,539)
Securing the 22nd position are Pugs. Their small size and minimal exercise needs make them a suitable choice for apartment living.
Known for their friendly and loving nature, Pugs bring a lot of personality to the table. These factors help explain their appeal to New Yorkers.
21. Siberian Husky (6,121)
Siberian Huskies, placing 21st, bring a touch of the wild to the city. Known for their endurance and striking looks, they require plenty of exercise, making them suitable for active owners.
Their friendly and outgoing nature, coupled with adaptability, contributes to their popularity in NYC.
20. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (6,172)
Coming in 20th are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These small dogs are a hit among New Yorkers for their friendly disposition and compact size, suitable for smaller living spaces.
Their adaptability and sociability make them a preferred choice for those living in the urban environment of NYC.
19. Cocker Spaniel (6,458)
Cocker Spaniels take the 19th spot. Their moderate size and lively yet gentle nature make them appealing to a range of city dwellers.
Known for their sociability and adaptability, these dogs fit well into the city’s various living situations, contributing to their popularity in NYC.
18. Bichon Frise (6,722)
Bichon Frises, ranking 18th, are popular due to their small size and cheerful nature. These dogs are known for their sociability and adaptability, traits that resonate well with city dwellers.
Their ability to thrive in an urban environment makes them a common sight in New York City.
17. Shiba Inu (6,757)
Securing the 17th spot are Shiba Inus. Known for their alertness and agility, these dogs appeal to active city residents.
Their small-to-medium size and adaptability make them suitable for city living. The distinct looks and spirited personality of the Shiba Inu hold appeal for many New Yorkers.
16. Jack Russell Terrier (7,313)
Placing 16th are Jack Russell Terriers. Known for their high energy and intelligence, they suit New Yorkers with active lifestyles.
Their compact size combined with their lively character makes them ideal for urban living. Their resilience and outgoing nature contribute to their popularity in the city.
15. Golden Retriever (7,583)
Golden Retrievers, taking the 15th spot, bring their friendly and reliable nature to NYC’s diverse dog population. Despite their larger size, their love for people and adaptability make them suitable city pets.
Their intelligence and trainable nature further enhance their appeal to New Yorkers.
14. Schnauzer / Miniature Schnauzer (7,617)
Schnauzers, landing at the 14th spot, bring a balance of spirited energy and friendliness. Available in various sizes, they fit into different living situations in the city.
Their intelligence and adaptable nature, combined with their distinctive looks, contribute to their popularity among New York City residents.
13. Havanese (8,926)
Havanese, coming in at 13th, are known for their small size and sociable nature. These friendly dogs are a good fit for urban dwellers, as they adapt well to apartment living.
Their intelligence and companionable temperament help explain their growing popularity in the city that never sleeps.
12. French Bulldog (9,034)
While the French Bulldog claimed the top spot nationwide in 2022, in New York City, it ranks 12th. Its compact size and calm demeanor make it ideal for apartment living.
Despite not being the city’s most popular, the French Bulldog’s easygoing nature is still a hit among many New Yorkers.
11. Pomeranian (11,325)
Claiming the 11th spot are Pomeranians. Despite their small size, these dogs have a big personality, fitting well with the vibrant city life. Their manageable size is a bonus for urban living.
Their lively and sociable nature, coupled with their intelligence, has endeared them to many New Yorkers.
10. Dachshund (11,794)
Breaking into the top 10 is the Dachshund. Known for their distinctive shape and sometimes stubborn personality, these dogs are a hit with New Yorkers.
Their smaller size suits city apartments, while their friendly and outgoing nature makes them a welcome addition to many households in the city.
9. Beagle (11,861)
In 9th place are Beagles. With their friendly temperament and compact size, these dogs are well-suited to city living. Known for their sociability, they bring a touch of cheer to the city’s concrete jungle.
Their adaptability and intelligence further contribute to their popularity in NYC.
8. German Shepherd (12,752)
German Shepherds take the 8th spot. Known for their intelligence and versatility, they’re a favored choice for many New Yorkers.
Despite their larger size, these dogs adapt well to various living situations, thanks to their trainability. Their protective nature adds to their appeal as city companions.
7. Pit Bull (22,872)
Pit Bulls secure the 7th spot. These dogs, known for their strength and loyalty, have found a strong following among New Yorkers.
Despite their often misunderstood reputation, their affectionate nature and adaptability to urban living have earned them a place in the hearts of many city residents.
6. Maltese (27,241)
Maltese dogs hold the 6th position. Their small size, coupled with their friendly and affectionate nature, makes them a great fit for city living.
Known for their sociability and adaptability, these dogs fit well into the city’s varied living situations, making them a popular choice among New Yorkers.
5. Chihuahua (28,730)
Coming in 5th are Chihuahuas. Their tiny size is particularly suitable for apartment living, making them a favored choice among city residents.
Known for their lively and expressive nature, Chihuahuas bring a lot of personality to the table, contributing to their widespread popularity in the city.
4. Labrador Retriever (29,104)
Despite losing its top spot nationwide, the Labrador Retriever remains a favorite in NYC, taking 4th place.
These dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing nature and adaptability, making them well-suited to the city’s varied lifestyle. Their intelligence and trainability further enhance their appeal to city residents.
3. Poodle (29,141)
Claiming the bronze medal are Poodles. Known for their intelligence and elegance, they’re a favored choice for many New Yorkers.
Available in several sizes, Poodles can adapt well to various living situations. Their hypoallergenic coat is a plus for city dwellers, contributing to their city-wide popularity.
2. Shih Tzu (36,677)
The runner-up spot goes to Shih Tzus. Their small size and friendly nature make them a popular choice for city dwellers. Adaptable and sociable, these dogs thrive in the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Their affectionate temperament endears them to a wide range of New York City residents.
1. Yorkshire Terrier (38,935)
Stand up Yorkshire Terriers, you’re the top dog. Small but spirited, Yorkies are particularly suited to city living. Their hypoallergenic coat is a huge plus for allergy-prone city dwellers.
Their adaptable nature and bold personality, coupled with their manageable size, makes them a favorite among New Yorkers.
New York City Dog Breeds Takeaway
New York City is home to a diverse range of dog breeds, each with unique traits that appeal to the city’s residents. From the spirited Yorkshire Terrier to the sociable Maltese and the intelligent Poodle, the choices reflect the city’s vibrant character and dynamic lifestyle.
Whether you’re considering adding a new member to your household or just curious about city trends, we hope you found this exploration of the most popular breeds in NYC enlightening.