2026 Popular Pet Breeds Rankings for Dogs, Cats, and Small Animals Announced

2026 Popular Pet Breeds Rankings Released

iPet Insurance Co., Ltd. has announced the latest results of its annual survey on popular pet breeds, showcasing data from insurance contracts initiated over the past year. This year’s report continues to highlight dog and cat breeds while also including small animals, offering a comprehensive view of pet ownership trends in Japan.

Overview of Survey Results

- Top Results: The rankings for both dog and cat breeds remain largely unchanged, with the mixed breed "Dog A" retaining its position at number one for dogs. The Shih Tzu has made a comeback into the top 10 after two years.
- In the canine category, the Shiba Inu has entered the top 5 among owners over 30, while the American Shorthair has surged into the top 5 amongst cat breeds for those 50 and older.
- Small animals have shown varied preferences, with hamsters, rabbits, chinchillas, degus, birds, and ferrets all making strides into the top ranks.

Comprehensive Rankings for Dogs and Cats

The top 5 rankings for both dog and cat breeds remain consistent with last year. The Shih Tzu rejoining the top 10 indicates a growing interest, as the Maltese has also climbed in the rankings. In the cat category, slight fluctuations have been noticed among American Shorthair, Siberians, and British Shorthairs, which moved down the list from their previous positions.

Age Group Specific Rankings

When it comes to age-specific dog ownership, the overall top 3 remains steady across all generations. Notably, Pomeranians have emerged as the 4th favorite among those in their 20s and 30s, likely due to their popularity on social media platforms. More mature owners, particularly those over 30, have shown a preference for the Shiba Inu, further reflective of the challenges posed by housing conditions for younger households when it comes to pet ownership.

Among cat owners, consistent preferences for the leading breeds persist, yet shifts can be noticed in subsequent positions depending on age. The Ragdoll pops up as the 3rd favorite for the younger demographics, whereas the Munchkin, popular among those aged 40 to 60, ranks in at 3rd, with its derivative, the Minuet, slotting in at 5th. The American Shorthair again proves popular among seniors, illustrating its established reputation as a gentle companion over the years.

Rankings for Exotic Animals

The report also highlights rankings for exotic pets covered under iPet’s “My Cute Pet” insurance. Among small animals, the Dwarf Hamster topped the rankings, followed by the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit and the Golden Hamster. Notably, various hamster species dominate this arena, showcasing the allure of smaller pets for Japanese owners.

Rare Breeds Spotlight

For the first time in six years, the report introduces several unusual dog and cat breeds that have recently become insured under iPet’s coverage. This includes the Sussex Spaniel, recognized for its intelligence and affinity for water, and the distinctive Cymric, noted for its unique tailless or short-tailed features.

Resources for Pet Owners

iPet’s service website provides insightful guides on specific dog and cat breeds, outlining potential health issues, characteristics, and ownership tips for each breed. As part of their mission, they have also developed the “My Pet HAPPY PROJECT”, which offers curated information for exotic animals, ensuring that pet owners have access to essential care knowledge.

Links to guides:

As we move into 2026, iPet Insurance Co. remains committed to providing insurance solutions that safeguard the well-being of every dog, cat, and exotic animal, nurturing the bonds between pets and their families.

Survey Methodology

The survey collected data from pets insured with iPet between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, covering various breeds of dogs, cats, and exotic animals.

For more information on last year's rankings, click here.