In this article, we will be taking a look at 30 most owned dog breeds in America. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the animal healthcare market, you can go directly to see 5 Most Owned Dog Breeds in America.
In one of our previous articles about the best dog foods, we mentioned that pet ownership around the world is increasing and that having a pet comes with a lot of health benefits for humans. The article also mentions that dogs are by far the most popular pets in the US.
The increase in pet ownership is driving growth in the animal healthcare sector. Many people consider pets to be members of their families, and they are willing to invest in their health. As a result, the veterinary healthcare market is becoming a growing field with many opportunities for professionals and businesses in the space.
An Analysis of The Growing Animal Healthcare Market
Previously, during the COVID-19 crisis, temporary lockdowns of manufacturing sites, export bands, and increased focus on treatments for COVID-19 led to supply disruptions and shortages of veterinary medicines in several countries around the world. The pandemic had a negative impact on the animal healthcare market. However, the growing rate of pet ownership and the trend of pet humanization has helped the market recover in a short time.
According to a report by Global Market Insights, the global animal healthcare industry was valued at $150.6 billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% during 2023-2032, propelling the global animal healthcare sector to reach around $238 billion by the end of the forecasted period. The growing rate of pet adoption for companionship is expected to help the market grow significantly during the forecast period. The increasing importance of the production of livestock animals is also expected to augment growth in the global animal healthcare market. Growing availability of animal healthcare products at supermarkets and hypermarkets is expected to help the market expand in the coming years.
In a recent article about the smartest dog breeds, we discussed that a large percentage of cats and dogs as pets in the US were classified as obese or overweight in 2022. Moreover, animals and pets are currently being affected by a number of new diseases, and the animal health sector is positioned to be a leading force for positive change during the forecast period. There has been an increase in new diseases in animals. And as the global population swells, there has been an increase in global consumption of meat and milk. Some of these novel diseases have potential to be transmitted to humans through animal product consumption and companionship. The need for developing treatments, medications and vaccines have provided some of the top players in the market with lucrative opportunities.
A Look at the Major Players in the Animal Healthcare Market
The COVID-19 crisis created new opportunities for market growth, and now eHealth applications and telehealth are becoming more popular, with Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) jumping on the bandwagon too. On May 22, Reuters reported that Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) has signed a deal with pet telehealth provider Pawp to offer the retailer's subscribed members access to veterinary professionals, without the need for an appointment, through video or text. According to Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), Walmart+ customers can use Pawp's services for a year as it looks to tap growing demand for pet telehealth from inflation-hit customers looking for low-priced alternatives. Additionally, the report by Reuters mentions that Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. (NASDAQ:WOOF) has also been expanding their telehealth offerings. The well-known health and wellness company for pets pegged the value of the pet industry at $119 billion in 2021.
On August 17, Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. (NASDAQ:WOOF) also announced an expanded partnership with DoorDash Inc. (NYSE:DASH) to make Petco's (NASDAQ:WOOF) collection of products available nationwide through the DoorDash Inc.'s (NYSE:DASH) DoorDash Marketplace. Pet Parents will now have greater access to Petco's (NASDAQ:WOOF) curated selection of pet health products for on-demand delivery through the DoorDash's (NYSE:DASH) mobile app and website.
As the demand for veterinary services rises with new diseases, top market players in the animal healthcare industry are developing and launching new treatments and vaccines in order to enhance their market presence. On May 2, Reuters reported that Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) received a conditional license from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its antibody to treat canine parvovirus, making it the first approved therapy. Parvovirus, which is a highly contagious disease and can spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces, causes acute gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea and vomiting. The therapy is a one-shot intravenous treatment and belongs to a class of treatments known as monoclonal antibodies. It is Elanco Animal Health Incorporated’s (NYSE:ELAN) first monoclonal antibody therapy. Jeff Simmons, CEO of Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN), said:
"This will be the second product that goes into a major global market with blockbuster potential up to $100 million."
On August 7, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) reported strong earnings for the fiscal second quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.18, beating the EPS estimates by $0.13. The company reported a revenue of $1.06 billion and surpassed revenue estimates by $17.47 million. Here are some comments from Elanco Animal Health Incorporated’s (NYSE:ELAN) Q2 2023 earnings call:
“In the U.S., we launched our canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody, a highly anticipated treatment for one of the most contagious and deadly dog viruses. The supply chain is enabling responsiveness and the product is already saving dogs' lives, driving reorders. As expected, in 2023, demand is outpacing supply due to the anticipated capacity limitations in our facility at launch.
Investments in research and development projects by key players is also expected to influence the animal healthcare market positively while also contributing to the market’s growth in the coming years. On September 7, Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS), the world's largest producer of medicine and vaccinations for pets and livestock, reported that the Zoetis Foundation has allocated $2.6 million in grants to advance opportunities for veterinarians and livestock farmers. The grant will be used towards commitments made to support veterinary scholarships and debt relief, mental well-being, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and livestock farmers and veterinary livelihoods around the world.
Now that we have looked at the latest trends in the animal healthcare sector as well as what some of the key market players are up to, let’s take a look at the 30 most owned dog breeds in America.
30 Most Owned Dog Breeds in America
Photo by Joel Moysuh on Unsplash
Methodology
In this article, we have ranked the 30 most owned dog breeds in America. To rank the most owned dog breeds, we consulted the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club is the largest registry of purebred dogs in the US and this database provided us with information on the most popular dog breeds. We used data available for the latest year in their dataset, which is for the year 2022. We have listed the 30 most owned dog breeds in America below in ascending order.
30 Most Owned Dog Breeds in America
30. Border Collies
First up on our list of 30 most owned dog breeds in the US are Border Collies. This herding dog breed originates from England. Border Collies are extremely smart, and obedient, and are mostly kept as a working sheep-herding dog or as a companion animal.
Some of the best animal healthcare stocks to buy according to hedge funds include Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN), Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:WOOF), and Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS).
29. Cocker Spaniels
Cocker Spaniels are sporting dogs and closely related to the English Cocker Spaniels. The cheerful, gentle and sweet nature of Cocker Spaniels makes them equally suited to life as a household pet.
28. Brittany
Brittany ranks at the number 28 spot in our list of 30 most owned dog breeds in America. The Brittany is a gun dog breed, primarily bred for bird hunting. These dogs are bright, high-energy, and require lots of exercise.
27. Shetland Sheepdogs
Shetland Sheepdog, also known as Shelties, are herding dogs. The breed originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, and the Sheltie is an extremely intelligent, quick, and obedient herder.
26. English Springer Spaniels
The English Springer Spaniel is a gundog breed of gundog. This attentive and affectionate dog breed does well with children and makes wonderful family pets. English Springer Spaniels take the 26th spot in our list of most owned dog breeds in America.
25. Havanese
Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. This bichon-type dog breed, which is generally considered “high-end”, is growing in popularity as a great family pet in the US.
24. Boston Terriers
The Boston Terrier, a breed of dog originating in the US, ranks at the number 24 spot in our list of the most owned dog breeds in America. Boston Terriers are compact, short-tailed, well-proportioned, dogs that are known for their intelligence and affection.
23. Pomeranians
Named for the Pomerania region in Europe, the Pomeranian is a small dog or a toy dog breed. Pomeranians are known for their compact size, fluffy double coat, alert expression, and foxy face.
22. Bernese Mountain Dogs
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog breed and ranks at the number 22 spot in our list of 30 most owned dog breeds in America. A breed of Sennenhund-type dogs from Bern, Switzerland and the Swiss Alps, the Bernese mountain dog is calm, patient, loving, and a great pet.
21. Siberian Huskies
The Siberian Husky is a working sled dog breed belonging to the Spitz genetic family. Siberian Huskies are friendly dogs that are normally good with other pets and kids, but they can also be very stubborn and need to have space to run and be active with their humans.
20. Shih Tzu
Originating from Tibet, the Shih Tzu is a toy dog breed that ranks among the 20 most owned dog breeds in America. They are known for their short snouts, large round eyes, luxurious long coat, and floppy ears.
19. Great Danes
Originating from Germany, the Great Dane is a large sized working dog breed that ranks among the largest dog breeds in the world. Known for their courage, friendliness, and dependability, Great Danes are typically good family dogs and do well with children.
18. Cane Corso
Usually kept as a companion dog or guard dog, Cane Corso is an Italian breed of mastiff. While regarded as one of the strongest dog breeds, the Cane Corso can be loving, affectionate, and wonderful pets.
17. Miniature Schnauzers
The Miniature Schnauzer is another breed in our list of 30 most owned dog breeds in America that originated in Germany. Miniature Schnauzers are typically good with children, bright, friendly, and trainable companions, and they make great watchdogs.
16. Boxers
The Boxer is a short-haired dog breed of mastiff-type. Boxers are known for their agility, and herding, and they perform extremely well as service, assistance, and therapy dogs.
15. Doberman Pinschers
First bred in Germany, the Doberman Pinscher is a large, muscular dog breed that possesses a magnificent physique and keen intelligence. Doberman Pinschers rank among the top 15 most owned dog breeds in America.
14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a British breed of toy dog of spaniel type known for its adaptability to both active lifestyles and apartment living. All-around beauty, regal grace, and even temper of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make them a great pet for just about any home.
13. Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier, also referred to as a Yorkie, is a British breed of toy dog that ranks among the smallest of the terriers. Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate and playful and affectionate, but they can sometimes also be sensitive and may not be the ideal pet for homes with younger children.
12. Australian Shepherds
The Australian Shepherd is a breed of herding dog known for being intelligent, energetic, and loyal. Ranking high among the most owned dog breeds in America, Australian Shepherds are high energy dogs and well suited for a wide variety of jobs, including hearing dogs, drug-sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Originating from Pembrokeshire, Wales, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a cattle herding dog breed that ranks among some of the most popular dog breeds in the US. With short legs and a long body, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are surprisingly quick and agile.
10. German Shorthaired Pointers
German Shorthaired Pointers rank among the top 10 most owned dog breeds in America. A breed of medium-sized pointing dog, German Shorthaired Pointers are energetic and powerful. With strong legs and great endurance, the German shorthaired pointer can be an excellent family dog, but is not content to sit around.
9. Dachshunds
The dachshund, also known as the badger dog, wiener dog, and sausage dog, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hunting dog breed. Dachshunds are friendly and playful dogs, but like most hunting dogs, they do tend to bark a lot.
8. Beagles
Beagles are happy, loving and lovable dogs, and they have all the qualities to make them excellent family dogs. Beagles rank among some of the most owned dog breeds in America, and as pets, this breed doesn't like being left alone for too long.
7. Rottweilers
The Rottweiler is a breed of domestic dog full of love for the emotions of its pet parents, which makes them great companion dogs. Rottweilers are known for their powerful and protective nature, and they can sometimes be dangerous when they show aggression to intruders.
6. Bulldogs
The Bulldog is a British breed of medium sized, mastiff type, muscular dogs, which ranks high among the most owned dog breeds in America. Bulldogs have large heads with thick folds of skin around their face, and are loved by dog owners for their docile, placid, and easy-going nature.
Some of the most prominent pet healthcare companies include Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN), Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:WOOF), and Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS).
