Population
Population of Pitbulls
Dogs labeled as "pitbulls" are the most popular dogs in the U.S. — more popular than Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Rottweilers, and others — according to a recent analysis of veterinary data. They are also the most commonly identified type in DNA-tested dogs.
While the American Pit Bull Terrier is a distinct breed, the term "pitbull" is not a breed but a generic label used to describe dogs based loosely on appearance — typically medium-sized dogs with traits from various terrier and bully-type breeds.
Because the term "pitbull" encompasses four distinct breeds commonly included in the pitbull-type category — along with a wide range of pitbull-type mixes — they are estimated to make up approximately 20% of the total U.S. dog population, or about 18 million of 90 million dogs, based on DNA and veterinary data.
20%
Dogs labeled as "pitbulls" are estimated to be 20% of the total dog population in the U.S.
#1
The American Pit Bull Terrier is the most commonly identified breed in DNA-tested dogs.
21
Pitbull-type breeds are the most popular dog type in 21 states.
Veterinary Data
A recent analysis of over 200,000 veterinary records found that dogs labeled as "pitbulls" are the most popular dog type in at least 21 states — and the most popular overall in the U.S. Additionally, veterinary data from Banfield shows that the pitbull population has increased over a 10-year period, while the popularity of other large breeds has declined.
Veterinary Breed Population Data
- Pitbulls are the most popular dog type in the U.S. overall.
- Pitbulls are the most popular dog type in at least 21 states.
Source: JustAnswer
Breed Population Changes
- Pitbull-type dogs: increased 24%
- Boxers: increased 6%
- German Shepherds: decreased 7%
- Labrador Retrievers: decreased 17%
Source: Banfield [PDF]
DNA Data
According to Embark, the
American Pit Bull Terrier is the
most commonly identified breed in DNA-tested dogs — more than twice as common as German Shepherds (the second most common) and nearly three times as common as Labrador Retrievers (the third most common).
Most Common DNA-Identified Breeds
- American Pit Bull Terrier: 14.8%
- German Shepherd Dog: 7%
- Labrador Retriever: 5.7%
- Chihuahua: 5.1%
- Australian Cattle Dog: 4.6%
Source: Embark Veterinary
DNA Results for Other Pitbull-Type Breeds
The American Staffordshire Terrier, the 10th most common breed, appears in almost 2% of Embark's results. Data is not available for the remaining two breeds commonly included in the modern pitbull-type category: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bully (not to be confused with the American Bulldog).
Source: Embark Veterinary
"Most Popular Breeds"
"Most popular breeds" rankings, commonly published in the media, include only
registered purebred dogs (typically from breeders) and do not reflect the actual population sizes of breeds in the U.S.
Breed Registration Data
There are an estimated 90 million dogs in the U.S. While there are no definitive population counts by breed, kennel club registration data (such as from the AKC or UKC) is often used to compile "most popular breed" rankings. However, this data includes only purebred dogs registered with a kennel club and cannot accurately reflect actual breed populations — especially since more than 50% of dogs in the U.S. are mixed breed. As a result, it significantly underrepresents pitbull-type dogs, as 98% of dogs labeled as "pitbulls" are mixed breed.
Because the vast majority of pitbull-type dogs are not registered purebreds, DNA and veterinary data offer a more accurate estimate of their population. Unlike registry data, these sources include both purebred and predominant pitbull-type mixes, and they provide a more comprehensive view of the national dog population — regardless of breed registration status or local breed-specific laws.