The Most Popular Dog Breed From Each State
By Rhiannon King
11 months ago
Alabama – Beagles
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For starters, BEAGLE pups are just ADORABLE! The medium-sized hound dogs are strong favorites in Alabama because of their hunting ability, a past-time that is common in the Gulf Coast state of Alabama. Beagles and Retrievers make the best hunting companions. Due to their size and adaptable nature, Beagles are really popular pets for first-time owners and families. They are loyal and active dogs who make great four-legged friends.Alaska – Labrador Retriever
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Although the Alaskan Malamute is the official state dog of Alaska, the friendly, soft natured LABRADOR RETRIEVER knocks the Alaskan Malamute off the top spot as Alaska’s favorite mutt. Labradors are the number one favorite in Alaska due to their versatility, intelligence and wonderful temperament. Lab’s are said to have a full toolbox of charms, offering something for everyone. You’ll be hard pushed to knock Labs off the top spot in most states.Arizona – American Pit Bull Terrier
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Arizonans are fond of a breed which is not registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) – the PIT BULL. This breed is banned in some parts of America due to their ‘aggressive’ nature, however this does not knock it off the top spot in Arizona. German Shepherds are another favorite in Arizona, this may be due to both breeds having a reputation of being ‘tough’ canines yet very loyal companions.California – French Bulldog
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Last year (2022) the American Kennel Club made a shocking announcement by naming the FRENCH BULLDOG the most popular dog breed in America. California has followed in the Nations footsteps, crowning French Bulldogs as the favorite, knocking Labradors off the no1 spot. It’s no surprise that French Bulldogs, otherwise known as ‘Frenchies’ are so popular in the sunny climate of California due to loving the warm weather and chilling on the beach. You may even find Frenchies learning to surf.Colorado – Rescue Dogs
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Rescue dogs are super popular in Colorado. It's the state where all breeds are welcome. Coloradans are all about rescuing and raising unique mutts, giving them a safe and loving home. Rescue dogs tend to be mixed breeds therefore not recognized by the American Kennel Club. According to the American Kennel Club however, the ever-popular German Shepherd, Labrador and Golden Retriever are the ‘official’ top 3 breeds of Colorado.Connecticut – Australian Shepherd
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The fun-loving, hard-working, intelligent AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS are very popular in Connecticut, typically for their sheep herding abilities and smart, focused nature. Australian Shepherds otherwise known as ‘Aussies’ are derived from British herding breeds and can be trained in all areas; very rarely disobeying their humans. Aussies are known to be friendly, playful and affectionate, as well as great working dogs.Delaware – Golden Retriever
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The adorable GOLDEN RETRIEVER is one of the most popular breeds across the whole of America and in particular, Delaware. This may be due to the Golden Retriever being named the official state dog of Delaware in 2016. Golden Retrievers are eager to please and are highly sought after globally due to their soft, gentle nature and awesome personalities; making them the ultimate companion and family pet. Just look at them, you can't get cuter than that!Florida – German Shepherd
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In line with Labradors and Golden Retrievers, GERMAN SHEPHERDS are a steady favorite across the US and in particular, the State of Florida. German Shepherds are well known for their loyalty, intelligence and obedience, making them a very versatile breed; perfect family pets, guide dogs, herding and watchdogs. However, if you look at Florida’s wealthiest areas such as West Palm Beach and Miami, the French Bulldog is moving up the ranks of popularity, not yet pipping German Shepherds off the top spot.Georgia – English Bulldog
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Georgia is very well known for one particular dog, the ENGLISH BULLDOG. English Bulldogs have a strong link to Georgia, as the mascot of the University of Georgia is 'Una' the English Bulldog. Despite this, due to long periods of warm and humid weather in Georgia, the English Bulldog does not fair too well in the sunny climate and therefore the 3 well known favorites across the US; Labs, Beagles and German Shepherds still hold the top 3 spots in Georgia.Hawaii – Rottweiler
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Hawaii strays from the traditional norm with ROTTWEILER’S ranking highly. Hawaiians tend to stray from the norm and do things their own way, not making this a surprise. Rottweiler’s otherwise known as ‘Rotties’ are said to be courageous, affectionate and protective dogs, with experienced owners describing them as the most loving and gentle breed. New and less experienced owners may however find them challenging at times, due to their protective instincts and robust personalities.Idaho – Border Collie
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Idaho is known for its sparsely populated farmland and vast open spaces, making the BORDER COLLIE a top tier pooch. This is due to their great herding abilities and high intelligence; making them fantastic working dogs on the farm! It's been said that Border Collies will try and heard just about anything! Similarly, to other parts of America, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are also very popular in the state of Idaho.Illinois – Doberman Pinscher
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DOBERMAN PINSCHERS are rising up the popularity ladder in Illinois, in particular, Chicago. Doberman’s are fiercely loyal, obedient, alert and fearless; making for a great family dog. Doberman’s fit well into active families and love large living areas, making Illinois the perfect home. Siberian Huskies are also on the rise in Illinois. Illinoisans must love to deviate from the norm and enjoy the high-energy, mischievous mutts.Indiana – Boxer
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Similar to Colorado, Indiana put Rescue Dogs at the top of the ranking. Hoosier’s are not big on purebred pups and tend to opt for the breeds which are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Indiana has large numbers of BOXER mixes and Pit Bulls. Fun fact: I bet you didn't know, Boxers are typically used by people who suffer from epilepsy and as guide dogs for the blind.Kansas – Cairn Terrier
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Kansas has a strong affiliation to the CAIRN TERRIER due to its link to the iconic film, the Wizard of Oz. Cairn Terrier’s however, are quite a rare breed in America and therefore don’t quite make the top 10 breeds in Kansas. Similar to the majority of US states, the Bull Dog, Labrador and German Shepherds are all very popular in the state of Kansas.Kentucky – Beagle
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BEAGLES are ranked #1 on Kentucky’s list. The Kentucky Humane Society called its latest campaign ‘beaglemania’, for one reason and one reason only - ITS TRUE LOVE FOR BEAGLES! The bluegrass state submitted the Beagle, and only the Beagle as their favorite dog to the American Kennel Club. Beagles are loving, gentle and often lazy; perfect for families with children and other pets (or more Beagles if you live in Kentucky).Louisiana – Catahoula Leopard Dog
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The CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG is believed to be the first purebred breed developed in North America and has been the Louisiana state dog since 1979. Fun fact: The Catahoula Leopard Dog has a strong work ethic and were originally bred to hunt wild hogs. Despite being Louisiana’s state dog, it is still ranked behind the notorious favorites: Labrador, Beagle and German Shepherd.Maine – CATS
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Dog lovers, turn your head now! Maine is renowned for its cat lovers and is named the ‘Cat State’. This isn't so surprising when the official state cat is the ‘Maine Coon’, which (clues in the name) originates from Maine. It is thought Maine Coons were bred to survive the hostile New England Winters and are far more suitable for Maine’s infamous dark and cold weather than a lot of dogs.Maryland – Chesapeake Bay Retriever
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In 1964, Maryland was the first state to appoint an official state dog, the CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was originally a purpose bred dog to withstand the freezing waters of Chesapeake Bay. They are known for having tons of energy, waterproof coats and are fantastic swimmers. Although Maryland remains loyal to the athletic and tenacious Chesapeake Bay Retriever; Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Labradors triumph on the popularity front.Massachusetts – Boston Terrier
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The BOSTON TERRIER is the official mascot of Boston University. The first purebred dog in the whole of the United States, the Boston Terrier is friendly, people orientated and comedic, making it a strong favorite for the people of Massachusetts. Boston Terriers were originally bred as fighting dogs but since then have evolved and are known for their friendliness and sociability.Michigan – Siberian Husky
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SIBERIAN HUSKIES have entered the top 5 most popular dog breeds in Michigan. They are fantastic outdoor dogs who can withstand the immensely cold and long winters; which you’ll typically find in Michigan. Michigan is one of the only states featuring Huskies in its official top 5. Siberian Huskies are well loved because of their wild wolf-like appearance. Similar to many other states, yes, you’ve guessed it; Labradors, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are also fond favorites.Minnesota – German Shorthaired Pointer
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Minnesota is one of a kind with the GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER featuring in the top 5. German Pointers are renowned for loving physical activity but also adore being around their human families. Pointers are adventurous, friendly, intelligent and loyal making them the perfect family pet. They stay childlike all their life, never losing their sense of adventure and fun. And just look how cute they are!Nevada – Bulldog
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People of Nevada LOVE the BULLDOG. Bulldogs are super easy pets to have because of their minimal care, manageable grooming needs and little exercise requirements. Bulldogs are very adaptable and can live almost anywhere; in large acres of land or in small inner-city apartments; just as long as a familiar face is always nearby. Fun fact: Bulldogs make a lot of noise without barking. They have a condition which can make it hard for them to breathe; making them very loud snorers!New Hampshire – Chinook
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The CHINOOK is the official state dog of New Hampshire; a rare breed of sled dog. They were originally bred to pull heavy freight but now tend to be used for carting and search and rescue work. Chinook’s however are not particularly popular in the State of New Hampshire; instead Labs, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are the top 3 most popular breeds, 'surprise, surprise'!New Jersey – Yorkshire Terrier
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YORKSHIRE TERRIER (Yorkies) are one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the US. In keeping with most other states, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Labradors are very popular in New Jersey; but interestingly Yorkshire Terriers are on the rise. Fun Fact: Yorkies’ coat has a similar texture to that of human hair and they originally started out as vermin catchers- Eww!New Mexico - Chihuahua
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This may come as no surprise that the CHIHUAHUA is the official state dog of New Mexico; named after the Mexican State of Chihuahua. Chihuahua’s are the smallest dog breed in the world, but they have BIG, usually comical personalities. Chihuahua’s can be great family dogs and perfect companions for children due to their patient, loving and gentle nature.New York – Shiba Inu
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SHIBA INU’S are hugely popular in the Big Apple. Surprised? I was too! These mutt's aren't the usual type you think you'd see in 250 square-foot apartments and high-rise buildings; considering they were originally hunting dogs from Japan. Shiba Inu's are a lot of dog, ranging from 13-17 inches tall. You might have thought ‘designer dogs’ would be the most popular in NYC!North Carolina – Plott Hound
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Have you ever heard of a ‘PLOTT HOUND’, because I haven’t? Plott Hounds are the official state dog of North Carolina and were bred for the purposes of hunting Boar. Plott Hounds have a rugged exterior and strong frame making them a tough but loyal companion. The Plott Hound is a rare all-American dog with an unusual bark; typically, high pitched with a sharp tone.Ohio – Designer Breeds
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The GOLDENDOODLE (Golden Retriever and Poodle mix - right) and SHIPOO (Shih Tzu and Poodle mix - left) are very popular in the State of Ohio. However, these mutts are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Poodle and Golden Retriever are both recognized within the top 5 most intelligent dogs, making the Goldendoodle super smart. Shipoo’s were first bred in North America to create a hypoallergenic, lovable and friendly pooch. These pups make the best of friends!Oklahoma – Australian Cattle Dog
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Oklahoma City has a unique and interesting top 5; including the AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG, Bulldogs, Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas. With forests, ancient mountain ranges, mesas, prairie and highlands; the Australian Cattle Dog is perfect for all terrains and climates. They have a unique body type and range of skills from being mixed with Collies, Dalmatians and Dingoes. Similar to the Siberian husky, they also have a wolf-like appearance.Oregon – Bernedoodle
