These Are the Top 10 Dog Breeds Millennials Are Choosing

Millennials are known for their love of pets, and dogs are no exception. With their active lifestyles and desire for companionship, it’s no surprise that many millennials have a furry friend by their side.

In fact, according to a study conducted by YPulse, a Gen Z and millennial-focused research company, millennials are officially in the top spot when it comes to owning pets, exceeding boomers.

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A group of popular millennial dog breeds playing in a vibrant, urban park setting

However, not all dog breeds are created equal, and some are better suited for millennials than others. From small lap dogs to large athletic breeds, there are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect pet.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular dog breeds among millennials and what makes them such great companions. Whether you’re a young professional living in a city apartment or a family with children, there’s a dog breed out there that’s perfect for you.

1) French Bulldog

A French Bulldog sits in a modern apartment, surrounded by trendy decor and technology. Its expressive face and unique bat-like ears capture the essence of a millennial favorite dog breed

French Bulldogs are a popular breed among millennials, and it’s no surprise why. These small, muscular dogs have a unique look with their bat-like ears and wrinkled faces.

They are friendly, affectionate, and make great companions. Frenchies are known for their playful personalities and adaptability to different living situations, making them a great choice for city dwellers. According to the American Kennel Club, French Bulldogs have been the most popular breed in the United States for two years in a row. They are a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance dog, as they require minimal grooming and exercise.

However, it’s important to note that Frenchies can be prone to health issues, such as breathing problems and spinal disorders, so it’s important to choose a reputable breeder and stay on top of their health needs.

2) Golden Retriever

A Golden Retriever stands proudly, its golden fur shining in the sunlight. It wags its tail happily, surrounded by adoring millennial owners

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds among millennials. They are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, making them great family pets. These dogs are easy to train and love to please their owners, which makes them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.

Golden Retrievers have a beautiful golden coat that ranges from pale cream to dark rust. Their coat is soft and dense, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They are also prone to shedding, especially during the spring and fall. These dogs are intelligent and active, which means they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They love to play and fetch, which makes them great companions for outdoor activities.

3) Shiba Inu

A Shiba Inu sits proudly in a modern apartment, surrounded by minimalist decor and trendy accessories. The dog exudes confidence and charm, capturing the essence of a millennial favorite

The Shiba Inu is a popular breed among millennials due to its friendly, independent, and lovable nature. They are known for their bold and spirited personalities, making them an excellent companion for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. Originating from Japan, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt small game. They are a small, muscular dog with a thick coat that comes in a variety of colors, including red, black and tan, and sesame.

While they are affectionate with their owners, they can be reserved with strangers and other dogs. Early socialization is key to ensure they are well-adjusted and friendly with everyone they meet.

4) Corgi

A corgi stands on a grassy hill, surrounded by other millennial favorite dog breeds. The sun is shining, and the dogs are happily playing together

Corgis are a popular breed among millennials, and for good reason. These small, sturdy dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great companions for people of all ages. There are two types of corgi: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular of the two, known for its cute, fox-like appearance and affectionate nature.

They are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. Corgis are also known for their herding instincts, which means they may try to herd other pets or small children. However, with proper training and socialization, this behavior can be managed.

5) Dachshund

A dachshund surrounded by trendy millennial items

Dachshunds are a popular breed among millennials due to their small size and unique appearance. They come in three coat varieties: smooth, long, and wire-haired. Dachshunds are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature towards their owners. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, Dachshunds have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals. They are also prone to back problems due to their long spine, so it’s important to monitor their weight and avoid activities that may strain their back.

Despite their small size, Dachshunds have a big personality and are often described as “sausage dogs” due to their unique shape. They are a great choice for apartment living and make excellent companions for those who want a loyal and affectionate pet.

6) Pomeranian

A Pomeranian sits on a modern couch surrounded by millennial favorite items like succulents, a laptop, and a cup of coffee

Pomeranians are an excellent choice for those who are looking for a small and friendly dog breed. These dogs are known for their vibrant personalities and fluffy coats, making them a favorite among millennials. Pomeranians are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them ideal for first-time dog owners. They are also affectionate and loyal, often forming strong bonds with their owners.

One of the unique features of Pomeranians is their small size. They typically weigh between 3 and 7 pounds, making them perfect for apartment living. Despite their small size, Pomeranians are energetic and playful, making them great companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

7) Australian Shepherd

An Australian Shepherd plays in a trendy urban park, surrounded by young adults and modern architecture

The Australian Shepherd is a friendly and loyal breed that is popular among millennials. They are highly energetic and require plenty of physical exercise to stay happy and healthy. This breed is known for its intelligence and trainability, making them a great choice for owners who want a dog that can learn new tricks quickly.

One unique feature of the Australian Shepherd is that they commonly have two different colored eyes, called heterochromia. Aussies might have any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green eyes. Australian Shepherds are also great companions for those who love the outdoors. They make the perfect companion for a fun-loving millennial with a sense of adventure. This energetic breed will happily tag along as you go on your daily jog or weekend hike because they require lots of play and exercise.

8) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sits on a cozy couch, surrounded by modern decor and technology. Its tail wags happily as it gazes out the window

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly and affectionate breed that is popular among millennials. They are known for their sweet and gentle nature, making them a great choice for families with children and other pets. Cavaliers are also adaptable to different living situations, including apartments and houses.

This breed is a toy spaniel with a rounded head and long, high-set, well-feathered ears. They have a moderate bone size and are longer than they are tall. The tail may be docked in some areas, but is generally left long. Cavaliers are a relatively new breed, less than a century old, but have quickly grown in popularity due to their charming personalities and good looks. They were originally bred for companionship, and are a mixture of pretty toy dogs and energetic sporting spaniels. This breed is also known as the Comfort Cavalier.

9) Bernese Mountain Dog

A Bernese Mountain Dog stands proudly in a field, with mountains in the background and a bright blue sky above

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a popular breed among millennials due to their friendly and affectionate nature. Originating from Switzerland, they were bred as working dogs for farms and were used for guarding, pulling heavy loads, and driving livestock. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their striking tri-colored coat, expressive eyes, and imposing size. They are gentle giants with a personality that endears them to many.

They are incredibly loyal and make great family pets. However, their temperament is influenced by various factors, including genetics, socialization, and training. According to the American Kennel Club, Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and easy to train, but they can also be stubborn at times. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

10) Beagle

A Beagle sits on a grassy field, ears perked up, tail wagging, and a playful expression on its face. It is surrounded by other millennial favorite dog breeds, all happily playing together

Beagles are a popular choice for millennials due to their friendly and playful nature. They are a small to medium-sized breed with a short coat that comes in a variety of colors. Beagles are known for their keen sense of smell and were originally bred for hunting small game. This breed is highly sociable and thrives on human interaction, making them great family pets. They are energetic and love to play, but also enjoy snuggling up with their owners. Beagles are intelligent and can be trained easily, but they can also be stubborn at times.

Beagles have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and require moderate exercise and a healthy diet to maintain their weight. They can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and ear infections, so regular check-ups with a veterinarian are important.