Popular Dog Names and Breeds Revealed in New Study from JustAnswer.com for National Dog Month

August marks a special time for our four-legged friends. National Dog Month is upon us, celebrating the joy, companionship, and unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives. To commemorate this canine occasion, JustAnswer.com, a leading expert site, has unleashed a treasure trove of data, offering a unique glimpse into America’s doggy preferences.

By analyzing over 100,000 online conversations between pet owners and veterinarians, JustAnswer has compiled a fascinating snapshot of the most beloved dog names and breeds across the United States. From the streets of New York to the beaches of California, this study reveals not just national trends, but also intriguing regional quirks that showcase the diverse ways Americans cherish their furry family members.

So, whether you’re a seasoned dog parent or just considering bringing a pooch into your life, join us as we dig into the data and discover the names and breeds that have captured the hearts of dog lovers nationwide. It’s time to find out if your canine companion is running with the pack or blazing its own trail in the world of doggy demographics.

“Bella” Reigns Supreme Among Names

If your best friend is named Bella, Luna, or Charlie, you are definitely running with the pack. When it comes to naming our furry friends, “Bella” continues to be the top choice for American dog owners.

Possibly a reflection of pop culture, the name “Bella” rose in popularity as a name for both dogs and human babies during the past decade – coinciding with the popularity of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series featuring main character Bella Swan played by Kristen Stewart. If pop culture is an influence, the trend may continue with Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, as the main character in the 2023 film “Poor Things.”

The runner-up name, “Luna,” may also be influenced by pop culture. The name gained popularity in recent years for a number of reasons, including its use as a child’s name among celebrities like John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Penelope Cruz, and Javier Bardem. Perhaps the strongest influence was the beloved character Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series. The J.K. Rowling character is known for quirkiness and kindness – two traits many dog parents see in their pooches.

Here is the full top ten list:

1. Bella
2. Luna
3. Charlie
4. Max
5. Daisy
6. Lucy
7. Buddy
8. Coco
9. Bailey
10. Sadie

At number ten, “Sadie” is a newcomer bumping last year’s “Milo” out of the top rankings.

Dog names show some regional flair with names outside the national top-ten ranking in the localized results for some states. Florida pet parents have a soft spot for “Zoey.” New Yorkers are partial to “Teddy” and “Leo.” Texans take a liking to “Lola” and “Molly.”

But when it comes to Pennsylvania, dog owners are stepping into the ring with a knockout choice. In the Keystone State, “Rocky” punches its way to the number three spot. It seems Philly’s favorite fictional boxer isn’t just inspiring athletes to run up museum steps – he’s got pet parents going the distance with their dog-naming choices too. Yo, Adrian! Looks like Rocky Balboa’s legacy lives on in the wagging tails and wet noses of Pennsylvania’s canine champs.

Top Dog Breeds: Labs Take the Lead

Move over, Chihuahuas! Labradors have claimed the top spot as the most popular dog breed in the 2024 study. This friendly and versatile breed has bumped Chihuahuas down to second place.

Here is the full list of top-ten breeds by popularity:

1. Labrador
2. Chihuahua
3. Yorkie
4. Shepherd
5. Pit Bull
6. Golden Retriever
7. Shih Tzu
8. Poodle
9. Dachshund
10. French Bulldog

The puppy popularity contest isn’t uniform across the country. California and Texas still favor Chihuahuas as their #1 breed. Florida residents are head over heels for Yorkies. Texas stands out as the only state where Boxers make it into the top 10 breeds.

Some breeds are seeing a significant increase in popularity. Shih Tzu-related questions jumped by a whopping 64% compared to last year and French Bulldog inquiries increased by 12%.

What’s on the Minds of Pet Parents?

While names and breeds offer a glimpse into America’s canine preferences, they’re just the tip of the tail when it comes to what dog owners really care about. JustAnswer’s data reveals a deeper insight into the day-to-day concerns and questions that keep pet parents up at night – or frantically searching for answers online.

More than 10 million users have turned to JustAnswer for expert information across a range of topics. Pet parents keep the vets and dog trainers at JustAnswer busy with up to 500 questions a day. Here is a ranked list of the type of inquiries pet guardians sought answers to according to the 2024 study data:

1. Health Concerns
2. Behavior Changes
3. Accidental Ingestion of Dangerous Substances
4. Dog Adoption and Settling into a New Home
5. Grooming and Shedding
6. Pregnancy and Birth
7. Allergies and Reactions
8. Dental Care
9. Feeding and Diet
10. Emergency Consultations

Not Just a Study: It’s a Celebration

“Whether you’re a proud Lab owner, have a Chihuahua named Bella, or are considering adding a furry friend to your family, this data offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s enduring love affair with dogs,” said Andy Kurtzig, CEO of JustAnswer. “With August now officially deemed National Dog Month, JustAnswer is pleased to share the results of analyzing our doggy data with the dog-loving community as we join in celebrating our canine companions. We’re here to answer all your pet questions, because every dog deserves expert care, and every owner deserves peace of mind.”