Most popular dog breed Chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier and Labrador retriever rank as Mississippi’s three most popular dog breeds, according to a state-by-state analysis compiled for 2025.

The list, released by U.S. News & World Report based on data up to 2024 or recent periods (exact timeframe unspecified in sources), sits alongside national pet estimates. “According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 45.5% of American homes have dogs as pets or working animals,” the report noted. This is particularly significant in Mississippi, where 51% of households own dogs compared to only 29.1% that own cats, reflecting a preference for canines in the state.

Reporters Bonnie Bolden and Jennifer Lindahl of Gannett/USA Today summarized the state findings in a piece that highlights how regional preferences shape breed popularity. Factors contributing to the popularity of certain dog breeds in specific regions include geography and lifestyle; for example, smaller breeds tend to be favored in urban areas, while larger working breeds gain traction in rural settings. The study drew on data provided in part by the pet insurer Fletch and the American Veterinary Medical Association to map which breeds appear most often in each state.

U.S. News & World Report’s rankings single out Chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier and Labrador retriever as Mississippi’s top three. State-by-state rankings compiled by the same analysis show variation across the country; one summary of that work appears at the Hindustan Times. Each breed’s popularity reflects unique lifestyle compatibilities; for instance, active households may favor higher-energy breeds like Labradors. Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Your lifestyle is essential.

Alongside breed rankings, the study also cataloged popular dog names in Mississippi. The top choices for the state are Bella, with a tie for second between Harley and Lucy, and a larger tie grouping that includes Cooper, Louie, Luna, Maggie, Max, Rip and Sadie. Notably, Luna also ranks nationally, showcasing its broad appeal as a beloved dog name.

The underlying analysis relied on data collected through 2024 and was presented in the October round of listings. The study’s timeframe reflects multi-year trends rather than a single season of registrations or searches, the authors said.

Nationally, the name Luna claims the No. 1 spot for 2025; the name’s prominence also appears in Mississippi’s tied list of favourites. The state-by-state contrasts in the U.S. News dataset underline differing regional tastes that help explain why a small breed like the Chihuahua tops the list in Mississippi, where family dynamics and living spaces support the presence of smaller, adaptable dogs. Pet Ownership Statistics by State provide further insights.

Public-interest figures from established organizations framed the findings. The American Veterinary Medical Association provided the household dog percentage used to contextualize the study’s state-level results, while the pet-insurance provider Fletch contributed data used in the ranking process.

Those wanting broader comparisons of pet-ownership patterns by state can consult aggregated summaries such as those compiled on WorldPopulationReview for longer-term context around how ownership rates vary across the United States.

The Clarion-Ledger published local reporting based on the U.S. News & World Report study on Oct. 10, 2025, at 4:09 a.m. CT.

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Original reporting: view the original article.