Golden Retriever tops social media popularity rankings
Golden Retrievers are the most popular dog breed on social media, according to new research analysing millions of posts shared on Instagram and TikTok.
The findings come from HonestPet, a puppy sourcing company, which examined hashtags for more than 500 dog breeds across the two platforms. Combined totals were used to create a ranking of the top 20 most socially celebrated breeds, based on how often they appear in posts and videos.
Golden Retrievers claimed first place with a combined total of 46.3 million posts, made up of 40.1 million on Instagram and 6.2 million on TikTok. Originally bred as gun dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl, Golden Retrievers are now widely kept as family pets, therapy dogs and service animals, a versatility that appears to translate well to social media.
French Bulldogs followed closely in second place with 44.9 million posts, including 40.6 million on Instagram and 4.3 million on TikTok. Bred in England as miniature Bulldogs before becoming popular in France in the 1800s, the breed remains particularly dominant on Instagram. Chihuahuas ranked third overall with 44.3 million combined posts, despite their small size, driven by 38.8 million Instagram posts and 5.5 million TikTok videos.
Poodles took fourth place with 27.9 million posts across both platforms. Originally bred in Germany as water retrievers, they now appear in standard, miniature and toy sizes. Bulldogs ranked fifth with 27.1 million posts, while German Shepherds placed sixth with 26 million, reflecting the continued popularity of breeds originally developed for working roles.
The Shiba Inu ranked seventh with 19.4 million posts, followed by the Beagle in eighth place with 16.3 million. The Maltese placed ninth with 15 million posts and the Pug completed the top ten with 13.1 million. Breeds ranking from eleventh to fifteenth included the Siberian Husky, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Pomeranian and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, each attracting between 7.1 million and 10.8 million posts.
The lower half of the top 20 featured the Bernese Mountain Dog in sixteenth place with 4.9 million posts, the Boxer in seventeenth with 4.9 million, the Chow Chow in eighteenth with 4.9 million, the Akita in nineteenth with 4.7 million and the Greyhound in twentieth with 4.5 million. Many of these breeds were originally developed for tasks such as herding, guarding or hunting, yet continue to maintain a visible presence online.
The research also highlighted differences between platforms. French Bulldogs led Instagram activity overall but fell to third place on TikTok. Golden Retrievers, by contrast, showed stronger performance on TikTok, which contributed to their overall top ranking.
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM at Hampton Roads and in-house expert at HonestPet, said, "These results reflect both historical breeding purposes and modern lifestyle compatibility. Golden Retrievers take the top spot because they're versatile, photogenic, and have temperaments that make them ideal family pets and service animals. It’s also popular to characterise Goldens as goofy, playful animals that resonate with audiences all over social media.
"What's fascinating is how many traditional working breeds remain popular despite our shift to more urban living. German Shepherds, originally bred for herding, remain highly valued as both family pets and working dogs, showing the adaptability of these breeds. Social media gives us an insight into how these breeds work and how we can live alongside them. It is more interesting to see a dog excel at the job it was bred for than just to see it napping by the window, although a blend of both tends to bring in the most views.
"For families considering their first dog, social media can provide valuable insights, but it's crucial to research breed-specific needs beyond their online popularity. A breed's energy level, size, and temperament should align with your lifestyle for a successful match."
