Discover Michigan’s Favorite Dog Breeds: Is Your Pup On The List?

I was never a dog owner until I moved to West Michigan. Our dog Tulip has brought so much sunshine to our world, and I can't imagine life without her. We love taking her to the beach and running around the yard, so I guess why so many people love man's best friend.

A new Forbes survey on America's favorite dog breeds reveals that dogs are indeed man's best friend, with about two-thirds of American households owning a canine companion. The survey, which included 10,000 participants across all 50 states, asked people to share their favorite dog breeds and the reasons behind their choices.

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While it was close, Australian Shepherds came out on top as America's favorite breed, with 7.2% of households choosing them. German Shepherds followed closely, securing 7.1% of the vote. Other popular breeds in the top ten included Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Here’s how the top breeds ranked nationally:

Australian Shepherd - 7.2%
German Shepherd Dog - 7.1%
Bulldog - 6.5%
Labrador Retriever - 6.0%
Bernese Mountain Dog - 5.6%
Beagle - 5.2%
Golden Retriever - 5.1%
Boston Terrier - 4.7%
Boxer - 4.5%
Shih Tzu - 3.1%
Dachshund - 3.1%
Siberian Husky - 3.0%

In Michigan, we love German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. Both breeds tied as our state's top favorites, which isn't super surprising after how popular they are nationally. German Shepherds were also the most popular breed in 16 states, while Golden Retrievers led in 10 states.

Whether it's the loyalty of a German Shepherd or the friendly nature of a Golden Retriever, Michigan dog owners clearly have a soft spot for these beloved breeds. No matter which breed you may have, one thing is certain—dogs will always be our best friends.