Personally, I love all dog breeds. While I may be partial to those that are extra affectionate and gentle, I recognize the amazing qualities each breed has to offer. Certain breeds have become known as the ideal family pet, like the Golden Retriever or Newfoundland. Then there are those breeds that boast a strong protective nature, such as the Doberman Pinscher or Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
A recent study reviewed dog adoption data to learn what potential parents search for when looking to add a fur baby to their family. The breed that was searched the most may come as a bit of a surprise.
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Adopt a Pet teamed up with Zoetis to study adoption data from July 2024 to June 2025 and identify patterns in dog adoption searches. In addition to discovering the most-searched dog breed, the research uncovered some other interesting stats revealing what people consider when adopting a dog:
- 42% seek a breed of a specific size.
- 36% choose which breed to adopt based on its appearance.
- 20% adopt based on their energy levels.
- 34% prefer breeds that are easily trainable.
- 39% prioritize the likelihood of health issues.
The most-searched breeds in the study had three three personality traits in common:
- Extremely affectionate
- Playful
- Adventurous
Golden Retriever did not make top list
Many people automatically think of a Golden Retriever when you see those three personality qualities. Goldens are also one of the most popular breeds for a family dog. Yet this breed wasn’t included in the top five list. Other breeds that didn’t make the top five search rankings include the Bulldog, Newfoundland, Poodle, and Beagle.
Surprisingly, the most-searched breed in the study is the Chihuahua. These tiny but mighty dogs are loving, fun and extremely snuggly. While some may know of the Chi’s reputation to have some attitude issues, these petite pooches are popular for their tiny size and big personality.
Labrador Retrievers landed in the number two spot. This beloved breed is another solid pick for families and it’s no shock that they got a high ranking in searches.
Dachshunds filled the third spot for their playful spirit and love of cuddling. This breed is also highly intelligent and can be trained with patience and consistency.
Protective breeds rounded out the list, with German Shepherds in fourth place and Pit Bulls in fifth. These breeds are often considered excellent guard dogs, yet they also have a very loyal and loving nature.
While Golden Retrievers are sure to remain a family favorite, Chihuahuas have proven to be quite popular pooches.
