The 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds Among Massachusetts Residents

Massachusetts dog lovers are gearing up to celebrate National Dog Day next month! August 26 is National Dog Day and a true dog lover needs well over a month to prepare - so here's your early warning.

When it comes to dog owners, Massachusetts has far fewer than you might think, especially compared to the rest of the country. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (ARMA) Idaho and Arkansas are the two states with the highest rate of dog owners, with 58% and 52% of households having dogs, respectively. With just 29% of Massachusetts households having dogs, the Commonwealth comes in as the 6th lowest state for dog owners.

ARMA says that more rural states tend to have higher rates of not just dog ownership, but higher rates of pet ownership in general. While certain areas of Massachusetts, like The Berkshires, can feel rural, the state by comparison is not.

What are the Most Popular Dog Breeds in Massachusetts?

Boston.com recently looked at a sample of dog licenses from a cross-section of Massachusetts cities and towns and put together a list of the 20 most popular dog breeds in the Bay State. Did your bread of pup make the list?

Adopting dogs is still a popular option in Massachusetts. Recent statics report that  22218 dogs and cats entered Massachusetts shelters last year and 19743 were saved, which gives state shelters an 89% save rate, one of the highest in the nation.