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2026 Dog Breed Rankings: A Closer Look at Japan's Favorites

Anicom Insurance Inc., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 Dog Breed Rankings. As the leading provider of pet insurance in Japan, Anicom has been compiling these rankings since 2008, aimed at helping prospective dog owners make informed choices about their pet companions. The rankings not only spotlight popular breeds but also highlight the characteristics that often shape the pet ownership experience.

Top Contender: MIX Breeds Triumph Again

In this year’s rankings, the unwavering favorite is the MIX breed (dogs weighing under 10 kg), securing the top spot for the second consecutive year with a remarkable count of 30,061 dogs. Following closely behind are the Toy Poodle with 26,325, and the Chihuahua, which ranks third with 18,592. It's intriguing to note that small dog breeds dominate the top ten, suggesting a steady preference among owners for breeds that are easier to manage in urban settings. Although the top three breeds remain unchanged, there were some notable shifts in positions, indicating a dynamic landscape in dog ownership.

For instance, the Miniature Dachshund climbed from fifth to fourth place, and the Pomeranian moved up from sixth to fifth. Notably, the Kaninchen Dachshund made a significant leap from twelfth to tenth place, proving that even within established favorites, competition remains fierce.

Expanding the Rankings: 11th to 30th Places

The rankings from 11 to 30 continue to showcase a variety of small dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier (11th with 2,967), Bichon Frise (12th with 2,937), and Shih Tzu (13th with 2,782) maintain their strong presence in the market. Alongside the small breeds, a handful of larger dogs, including the Golden Retriever (14th with 2,420) and the Labrador Retriever (24th with 977), demonstrate that there remains a steady interest in larger companions. This diverse range underscores an inclination towards varying dog sizes, reflecting the preferences of new dog owners

Proportion of Breeds by Size

A deeper look into the top 30 breeds reveals that small dogs comprise about 70% of the rankings. The breakdown by size is as follows:

• - Small breeds: Approximately 70%
• - Medium breeds: Approximately 15%
• - Large breeds: Approximately 15%

This indicates that while small dogs are prevalent, there remains a notable presence of medium and large breeds, offering owners a broad spectrum of choices to suit their living environment and personal lifestyle.

Overall Trends in Dog Ownership

Looking at the overall standings from the top to the bottom of the rankings, a clear trend emerges: small dogs dominate, yet medium and large breeds maintain a consistent representation. Notably, there is a healthy variety of breeds, highlighting a diverse pet ownership landscape that is not heavily skewed towards a single breed.

This year’s rankings reaffirm a trend towards selecting dog breeds based on household environments and lifestyles. Each breed carries its unique set of historical characteristics, while individual dogs possess their own unique traits. Understanding the nuances between breed characteristics and individual personalities allows potential owners to find a dog that complements their way of life.

Methodology of Rankings

These rankings are compiled based on new contracts for 151,125 dogs born in the year 2025, who enrolled in Anicom’s pet insurance program from January 1 to December 31.

As potential dog owners explore their options, we hope they find joy and fulfillment in choosing a companion that fits seamlessly into their lives.

Anicom remains committed to supporting dog owners with resources and insights into the ever-evolving world of pet care.