Rhode Island might be the smallest state in the country, but its dog-loving population is anything but small. Ask around Providence, Newport, or Warwick, and the popular dog breeds in Rhode Island range from five-pound Chihuahuas to eighty-pound Bernese Mountain Dogs sharing sidewalks, dog parks, and back porches.
Every one of these companions, regardless of breed, belongs to the same species, Canis lupus familiaris — selective breeding, not biology, separates a teacup Chihuahua from a mountain dog built for hauling carts through the Alps. Survey data on the state’s favorite breeds varies depending on who is counting: pet insurers, the American Kennel Club, and national preference surveys each produce slightly different top-10 lists.
This guide breaks down nine breeds closely tied to Rhode Island and explains what makes each one a fit, or a mismatch, for the Ocean State’s compact homes, salty winters, and walkable coastal towns.
1. Chihuahua
Rhode Islanders have earned a reputation as Chihuahua people in Rhode Island, according to a 2025 ranking built on data from the 2025 American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owners Survey to determine the most popular dog breeds in each of the 50 states. Separate research from U.S. News confirms the trend, noting that toy breeds – Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers and shih tzus – take the top spots in five states: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Rhode Island and West Virginia…