10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Georgia (Updated In 2024)
By Grant Piper
Updated on
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) releases a list of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. This list is compiled by experts using current breeding information and trends. But the list only covers the United States as a whole. What about individual states? What is the most popular dog breed in the state of Georgia?
Georgia has a very unique list of dog breeds that reflect the culture of the state and the trends of the nation overall. Here are the top ten most popular dog breeds in Georgia updated for this year using the latest lists and newest information available.
The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Georgia
1. Labrador Retriever
| Size: | Medium–Large |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Best For: | Everyone |
Unsurprisingly, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in Georgia. These dogs have been one of the most popular dogs in the United States for generations. Georgians fell in love with Labs just as much as everyone else. Labrador Retrievers are versatile dogs that can be friendly family dogs or athletic hunting companions. That gives them a large overlap in Georgia, where duck hunting and families are both incredibly popular. (Labrador Retrievers were bred to retrieve waterfowl for hunters after the birds dropped into the water.) The ability to keep Labs as hunting dogs or family dogs has easily secured them as the most popular dog in Georgia.
2. German Shepherd
| Size: | Medium |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Best For: | Families and individuals who can manage the quirkiness |
German Shepherds are the second most popular dog in the state of Georgia. Interestingly enough, German Shepherds are more popular in Georgia’s large rural tracts than they are in the big cities like Atlanta. The German Shepherd does not make the top five for most popular dogs in Atlanta, but that has not prevented them from being one of the top three most popular dogs in Georgia year after year. German Shepherds are athletic, smart, and versatile canines that have many fans.
3. Golden Retriever
| Size: | Medium–Large |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Best For: | Everyone |
Golden Retrievers have long been the darling of the United States of America. They are incredibly popular, and for good reason. These dogs are silly, cute, and friendly. Goldens love everyone they come in contact with and make perfect family dogs. Golden Retrievers are the second most popular dog in Atlanta and the third most popular dog in the state of Georgia. They are also one of the most popular dogs in the United States. There are millions of people who absolutely adore Golden Retrievers, and that includes many Georgians.
4. Beagle
| Size: | Small–Medium |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Best For: | Outdoorsy people and hunters |
Beagles have long been one of the most popular dogs in Georgia and one of the most popular dogs in the South overall. Beagles are popular because they make excellent hunting dogs. Few dogs have as good of a nose as a Beagle. Once Beagles get on the scent, they are hard to dissuade. That makes Beagles phenomenal hunting companions, but they are also serviceable house dogs and family dogs. Georgia’s strong outdoor culture and hunting culture have driven the popularity of the Beagle in the state, securing it a solid spot in the top five.
5. English Bulldog
| Size: | Medium–Large |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
| Best For: | People who like snuggles and can manage some health issues |
One cannot talk about the state of Georgia without mentioning the English Bulldog. The English Bulldog is the beloved mascot of the University of Georgia in Athens, and therefore it has been one of the most popular dogs in the state for years. The University of Georgia fans go gaga for English Bulldogs modeled off of the live mascot Uga that appears at every Georgia home game during football season. (U-G-A, get it?) For that reason, the English Bulldog easily claws its way into the top five for most popular dogs in Georgia, which is a special anomaly for the state.
6. French Bulldog
| Size: | Small |
| Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
| Best For: | Everyone |
The French Bulldog shocked some people in the AKC world when they rocketed to the top spot for the most popular dog in America. For the first time in decades, a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever was not named the most popular dog in the United States. The French Bulldog has also made serious inroads in the state of Georgia. The French Bulldog is now the most popular dog in Atlanta as well as the most popular dog in the United States. Frenchies have incredible personalities and are small and spunky. If it keeps on this trajectory, the French Bulldog will likely jump into the top five most popular dogs in the state of Georgia in the near future.
7. Poodle
| Size: | Small, Medium, or Large |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Best For: | People looking for an intelligent dog |
Poodles are extremely versatile dogs. They have human-like hair that is easy to manage with proper grooming, they are incredibly smart and easy to train, and they are friendly. That makes the Poodle one of the best all-around dogs for people and families. For that reason, Poodles have been ranked the fourth most popular dog in Atlanta and one of the top ten most popular dog breeds in the state of Georgia. Poodles can come in all shapes and sizes. The smallest Toy Poodles weigh less than 20 pounds, while the largest poodles can stand very tall and weigh 70 pounds or more.
8. Rottweiler
| Size: | Medium–Large |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
| Best For: | People looking for a protective snuggly dog |
Rottweilers are the fifth most popular dog in Atlanta and one of the top ten most popular dogs in Georgia. These dogs are large, distinctive looking, and fiercely loyal. Well trained Rottweilers are giant teddy bears. Rottweilers can grow very large, and they can shed a lot, taking up a lot of space and eating a lot of food. That appeals to people who love large dogs but can turn off people who prefer small dogs. Rottweilers can also be finicky, protective, or aggressive, especially in the wrong situations. The tendency to be unpredictable has kept Rottweilers from being more popular, but those who appreciate the Rottweiler for what they are often fall in love with the breed.
9. Chihuahua
| Size: | Small |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Best For: | People looking for a loyal and long lasting companion |
Chihuahuas are one of the most popular dog breeds in Georgia. They can be found all over the state. People love the adorable appearance and diminutive size of Chihuahuas. They have big personalities, they are super loyal, and they can go almost anywhere with their owners. That makes Chihuahuas versatile dogs that can fit almost any lifestyle. Chihuahuas still haven’t cracked the top five in terms of most popular dogs in Atlanta or Georgia as a whole, but it might only be a matter of time until they do.
10. Goldendoodle
| Size: | Medium–Large |
| Lifespan: | 11–14 years |
| Best For: | Families |
Goldendoodles are not an official AKC dog breed. They are a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. These dogs can be mixed with a toy, miniature, or standard Poodle to create different sizes. Goldendoodles have become so popular that they warrant a place on this list, even though they aren’t technically purebred dogs. Goldendoodles have exploded in popularity in recent years, and they have taken hold in cities like Atlanta and Savannah. They also have a strong presence in the suburbs where families live. Goldendoodles are absolutely one of the most popular dog breeds in Georgia, even if they aren’t recognized by the AKC.
Conclusion
These are the ten most popular dog breeds in Georgia. The list includes some old favorites like Goldens and Labs, but it also includes some new blood as well with breeds like Goldendoodles and French Bulldogs. Georgia has some unique entries on the list, like the English Bulldog and the Beagle, that reflect the culture of the state. This list can change slightly every year, but the more things change, the more they stay the same.
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Featured Image Credit: Tara Lynn and Co, Shutterstock
