Every year, new lists of the most popular dog breeds and names in America get released. For 2025, Chihuahuas have reclaimed the top spot as the most popular breed, while names like Luna also climbed to the top of the pack. But here’s the thing: popularity doesn’t always mean the best choice for you.
Choosing a breed should be less about what’s trendy and more about what fits your life, personality, and family. To understand why Chihuahuas are topping the list and what that says about dog owners today, we spoke with JustAnswer’s Dog Training Expert Sally Grottini. She has decades of experience in training, obedience, and behavior, and she shared valuable insights on what to think about before you pick your next pup.
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Why Chihuahuas are leading the pack
So, why are Chihuahuas America’s favorite breed again in 2025? According to Sally, there are a few big reasons tied to the way we live today.
First, there’s the cost factor. Vet bills have skyrocketed since the pandemic. Medications, vaccines, X-rays, and general care have all become more expensive. Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, usually come with smaller medical bills and fewer grooming costs. You can often handle their grooming yourself instead of paying for regular professional sessions.
Second, living spaces have changed. With more people renting apartments or condos instead of buying houses, small dogs fit better into compact living. Many rental properties even have size restrictions that limit larger breeds. A Chihuahua can easily zoom around a small apartment without destroying the place, and landlords are more likely to allow them.
Third, work-from-home life has shifted what people look for in a dog. With smaller breeds, it’s easier to use puppy pads during the potty-training stage. This means you don’t have to interrupt a meeting every few hours to run outside while your puppy is still learning.
Finally, Chihuahuas are portable and long-lived. You can carry them anywhere, and with a lifespan often 5 to 10 years longer than larger breeds, they give you more years of companionship.
All of this explains why Chihuahuas are trending. It also shows something bigger: breed popularity often reflects lifestyle shifts, not just personal preference.
The hidden challenges of popular dog breeds
Before you rush out to adopt the most popular breed, there’s something you need to know. Popularity comes with hidden challenges.
Sally points out that many breeds people fall in love with suffer from health problems due to overbreeding. For example, purebred dogs can face heart conditions, joint issues, allergies, and respiratory problems. Treating these conditions can be expensive. Sally gave the example of Apoquel, a common allergy medication that costs around $90 a month. That’s a major ongoing expense many pet parents don’t expect.
Behavioral challenges are also common. Some dogs struggle with separation anxiety, while others have strong prey drives, guarding instincts, or extremely high energy levels. If you don’t know what your chosen breed was originally bred to do, you could end up with a dog that constantly works against your lifestyle.
Sally stresses the importance of temperament testing. You might think you’re getting a cute, kid-friendly pup, but if the dog shows fearful or aggressive tendencies, that can become a serious problem for families with children.
The bottom line is that a breed might be popular because it looks adorable or because other people are adopting it. That doesn’t mean it will be the right fit for your home.
How to choose the right dog breed for your lifestyle
So, how do you avoid the trap of choosing based only on popularity? Start by asking yourself some key questions about the breed you’re considering:
- How big will it grow?
- How much grooming will it need?
- What health issues are common?
- What was this breed originally bred to do?
These questions help you see beyond the trend and into the reality of daily care.
Sally says one of the biggest mistakes families make is skipping the temperament test. A dog with a fearful temperament may never feel comfortable in a busy household. A possessive or aggressive temperament could make daily life stressful for everyone.
She also sees mismatches all the time. Some people adopt low-energy dogs but expect them to enjoy long hikes. Others pick anxious or fearful dogs and then try to force them into social settings, which rarely works. Grooming is another overlooked issue. Many pet parents fall for a dog’s beauty but underestimate the cost and effort of maintaining their coat.
Your best bet is to be honest about your routine, your family’s energy level, and your ability to keep up with the breed’s needs.
Personality matters when matching dogs and pet parents
Here’s where your own personality comes into play.
If you’re the kind of person who loves to be outdoors hiking, swimming, or boating, you need a breed that thrives on activity. If you’re a homebody who prefers quiet evenings, you’ll be happier with a calm companion that doesn’t constantly demand playtime.
Training can help smooth some rough edges, but it can’t erase a breed’s instincts. A herding dog will always have the drive to chase. A high-energy breed will always need exercise. You can’t train away what a dog was bred for.
That’s why Sally recommends choosing a breed that fits your lifestyle, even if it’s not a trendy one. If you try to change a dog’s nature to suit your preferences, neither of you will have an enjoyable experience.
8 practical steps before bringing home a popular breed
If your heart is set on a breed from the “most popular” list, you can still make it work. You just need to prepare. Here are Sally’s top tips:
- Research the breed: Use reliable sources like the AKC to learn about health risks, grooming needs, and natural behavior.
- Think about your family: Consider kids, elderly relatives, and how much space you have at home.
- Check health certificates: For breeds prone to hip, heart, or eye issues, ask for parental health records.
- Do a temperament test: This step can save you years of stress and mismatched expectations.
- Budget for grooming: If your breed needs regular grooming, factor that into your expenses.
- Plan for training: Sign up for classes early and stay consistent.
- Choose quality food: Learn what diet best supports your breed’s health.
- Provide stimulation: Stock up on toys that challenge your dog mentally and physically.
Sally says that many behavior issues stem not from the dog but from pet parents not understanding what the dog was bred for or failing to dedicate enough time to training. Preparation makes all the difference.
Finding the right fit goes beyond trends
The rise of the Chihuahua shows that trends in dog ownership often reflect bigger changes in our daily lives. Smaller, affordable, and easy-to-manage breeds are in demand because they fit the way many people live today. But the real question isn’t “What’s popular?” It’s “What’s right for me and my family?”
Your choice of dog breed says a lot about your lifestyle, your personality, and your priorities. Picking a dog that matches your reality, not just the latest trend, sets you up for a happier, healthier relationship.
So before you bring home that adorable pup, take a step back. Research the breed, understand its needs, and ask yourself whether you can meet them. And if you’re unsure, experts like Sally Grottini on JustAnswer can help guide you. Because at the end of the day, the best dog isn’t the one everyone else has. It’s the one that’s right for you.
