Pet lovers across the United States are showing their true colors—at least when it comes to their favorite furry companions. A comprehensive national study released on January 28, 2026, has revealed fascinating trends in dog and cat breed preferences, with California and Georgia leading the pack in very different directions. The research, conducted by MetLife Pet Insurance and based on Google search data from November 2024 through November 2025, offers a unique peek into the evolving tastes of American pet owners—and it’s full of surprises.
For California, the study crowned the Maltipoo as the state’s most searched dog breed. This small, affectionate cross between the Maltese and miniature or toy poodle is known for its intelligence, trainability, and low-shedding coat. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Maltipoo’s appeal seems almost tailor-made for the Golden State’s lifestyle: it’s a breed that loves attention, looks adorable, and fits right in with California’s penchant for designer pets.
But being cute comes with a price. As one Reddit user warned, “Maltipoos are lap dogs. They will want to be on and around you all the time.....They will require regular grooming appointments so their hair doesn't get matted....They will have dental problems later in life if you don't brush their teeth once a week.” The post continued, “They are also adorable, sweet dogs that do lots of cute things, and depending on size, can look like stuffed animals.” It’s no wonder Californians, who ranked third in the nation for per-capita dog breed search volume (just behind Texas and Nevada), are so drawn to this lovable companion.
Digging deeper, the study found that Bakersfield and San Francisco had the highest dog breed search volumes in the country, underscoring Californians’ enthusiasm for researching their next four-legged friend. Interestingly, while some Americans might scroll through real estate listings or online shopping sites, Californians are just as likely to be researching dog breeds—perhaps hoping to find the perfect match for their active, outdoor lifestyles.
Yet, the Maltipoo’s popularity in California wasn’t echoed nationwide. The study’s national rankings placed the Cane Corso, Greyhound, and Golden Retriever as the top three most-searched dog breeds in the U.S. These breeds, known for their strength, speed, and classic appeal, seem to hold a special place in the hearts of Americans coast to coast. Other popular breeds across the country included the Australian Shepherd, Boxer, Chihuahua, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, Dachshund, and French Bulldog, according to the MetLife Pet Insurance report.
Meanwhile, Georgia was charting its own course. The bulldog emerged as the Peach State’s most searched dog breed. Bulldogs, with their stocky build, calm demeanor, and deep ties to Southern culture, have long been a symbol of Georgia pride—think of the University of Georgia’s beloved mascot, Uga. As Deep South Connect reporter Vanessa Countryman put it, “Bulldogs are known for their stocky build, calm demeanor and long-standing ties to Southern culture.” The breed’s enduring popularity in Georgia is a testament to the way tradition and personal identity can shape pet preferences.
On the feline front, California’s top cat breed was the Burmese. This mid-size, multi-colored, and muscular cat is not only low-shedding but also known for being playful, energetic, and, as one website described, “almost dog-like” in its devotion to humans. The Burmese cat’s popularity is especially pronounced in cities like Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Jose, where residents seem to value the breed’s affectionate and lively nature. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “The Burmese is particularly popular in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Jose, the study found.” Californians’ preference for the Burmese sets them apart from the rest of the country, where the Maine Coon, Sphynx, and Chartreux were the most searched-for cat breeds.
Georgia, on the other hand, has fallen for the Savannah cat—a breed celebrated for its wild appearance and energetic personality. The Savannah cat’s striking looks and lively temperament have clearly captured the imagination of Georgians, helping the state secure the top spot in the nation for cat breed search volume per capita. As the MetLife Pet Insurance study noted, “The Savannah cat is Georgia's most searched cat breed, noted for its wild appearance and energetic personality.”
The methodology behind these insights is as thorough as it is fascinating. Researchers reviewed Google Trends search data from November 2024 through November 2025, examining interest in over 100 dog and cat breeds across all 50 states and the 50 most populous U.S. cities. To ensure fairness, the results were adjusted for population size and overall search activity, allowing for accurate comparisons between states and cities. This means that a surge in searches from a smaller city like Bakersfield could be just as significant as a spike in Los Angeles or Atlanta.
What’s particularly striking is how regional preferences manifest in the data. California’s metro areas, for example, tended to favor smaller, "designer" dog breeds, while Texas metros leaned toward larger breeds. The Bay Area’s love for the Burmese cat mirrored the state’s overall trend, while cities like Bakersfield and Fresno showed distinct preferences—pugs and bulldogs for dogs; Birman and Japanese Bobtail for cats. In Long Beach and Los Angeles, the Maltipoo reigned supreme among dogs, while the Persian and Domestic Shorthair were top cats. San Diego’s favorite dog was the Belgian Malinois, with the Himalayan leading among cats. San Francisco and San Jose both favored the Samoyed for dogs and the Burmese for cats.
Georgia’s results, by contrast, reflect a deep-seated appreciation for breeds that embody the state’s culture and spirit. The bulldog and Savannah cat are not just pets—they’re almost mascots for the state’s identity. The fact that Georgia ranked first in the nation for cat breed search volume per capita speaks volumes about the state’s passion for feline companions.
For pet industry insiders and animal lovers alike, these findings offer more than just trivia. They provide valuable clues about what Americans value in their pets—whether it’s the Maltipoo’s cuddly charm, the bulldog’s steadfast loyalty, the Burmese’s playful devotion, or the Savannah’s wild allure. The data also hints at broader trends: the rise of designer breeds, the enduring appeal of classic favorites, and the ways in which local culture shapes our choices.
So, what’s next for America’s pet owners? With tastes evolving and new breeds capturing the public’s imagination, one thing’s for sure: the nation’s love affair with dogs and cats isn’t going anywhere. Whether you’re searching for a Maltipoo in Malibu or a Savannah cat in Savannah, there’s a perfect pet out there for everyone—just a Google search away.