Pitbulls Are The Most Popular Dogs In the U.S.

Dogs labeled as 'pitbulls' are the most popular dogs in the U.S., more popular than Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Rottweilers, and others, according to a recent analysis of veterinary data. They are also the most commonly identified breed in DNA-tested dogs. While the American Pit Bull Terrier is a distinct breed, the term 'pitbull' is not a breed but a generic label used to describe dogs loosely based on their appearance, resembling any medium-sized dog with physical traits from any of the numerous bully-type breeds. Accordingly, as the term 'pitbull' includes four unique breeds commonly included in the pitbull-type category, a wide variety of pitbull-type mixes, and other breeds and mixes labeled as 'pitbulls' because of their appearance, we conservatively estimate that they represent 20% of the dog population in the U.S., or 18 million out of 90 million dogs, based on the veterinary and DNA data summarized below.

Breed Population Data 📑

DNA Data

According to Embark, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the #1 most commonly identified breed in DNA-tested dogs, more than twice as common as German Shepherds, the second most common breed, and almost three times as common as Labrador Retrievers, the third most common breed. DNA results from Embark reveal that the top five most commonly identified breeds are:


  1. American Pit Bull Terrier: 14.8%
  2. German Shepherd Dog: 7%
  3. Labrador Retriever: 5.7%
  4. Chihuahua: 5.1%
  5. Australian Cattle Dog: 4.6%


The American Staffordshire Terrier, the 10th most common breed, is found in 1.9% of Embark’s results. Data isn’t available for the last two breeds commonly included in the modern pitbull-type category: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully (not to be confused with the American Bulldog).

Veterinary Data

A recent analysis of over 200K veterinary interactions found that dogs labeled as 'pitbulls' are the most popular breed in at least 21 states and the most popular dogs in the U.S. overall. Additionally, veterinary data (PDF) from Banfield indicates that the population of pitbulls has increased while the popularity of other large breeds has declined:


  • Pitbull-type dogs: increased 24%
  • Boxers: increased 6%
  • German Shepherds: decreased 7%
  • Labrador Retrievers: decreased 17%

Breed Registration Data

There are an estimated 90 million dogs in the U.S. While there are no conclusive population counts by breed, kennel club breed registration data (e.g., AKC/UKC) is often used to compile 'most popular dog breeds' rankings. However, because breed registration data only includes purebred dogs, it cannot be used to determine actual breed population sizes, given that over 50% of dogs in the U.S. are mixed breed. Additionally, because breed registration data excludes mixed-breed dogs, it disproportionately impacts population estimates for pitbull-type dogs, as 98% are mixed-breed. Therefore, as the vast majority of pitbull-type dogs are mixed breed, DNA and veterinary data provide a more accurate representation of their overall population than breed registration data. This is because DNA and veterinary data include both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and represent comprehensive dog population data from across the country, regardless of registrations or breed-specific legislation.

America's Dog 🐶

Contrary to misinformation spread by special-interest groups and tabloids that support breed-specific legislation (BSL), pitbulls are popular, beloved dogs providing companionship and happiness to millions of families. Their popularity is unsurprising, given their excellent temperament and friendly disposition. In fact, pitbulls have been popular in the U.S. since the early 1900s, famously featured as national mascots on military recruitment posters during World Wars I and II, as mascots for sports teams and companies, in television shows and movies, and were proudly considered 'America's dog.' Moreover, their popularity is a key reason why dog bans targeting pitbulls are in decline and have been repealed in many cities and towns, including Denver, CO, where voters repealed the city's 31-year-old ban against pitbulls by a wide 66% majority. Therefore, we'd say they are still 'America's dog' today, which is why BSL and dog bans are frequently challenged and often repealed — after all, great dogs are family.

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Last Updated

10/22/2024

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