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New York is famous for being one of the most recognizable cities on Earth, but there’s much more to the Big Apple than meets the eye. As the most populous city in the United States, New York City boasts several pet-friendly parks and spaces for your dog to run and play. Many parks have designated off-leash areas where your dog can exercise and socialize with other dogs.
In New York, 49.7% of households own a pet, and 27% own a dog. With roughly 200 to 300 recognized dog breeds across the country, each with unique traits, needs, and quirks, choosing the right dog involves more than just preference—it also involves considering the costs and care requirements.
While breeds like the Frenchie and Labrador Retriever are popular, New Yorkers also love a variety of other breeds. Many people in New York have strong opinions about the best dog breed for their lifestyle.
Let’s explore the most popular dog breeds in New York and find out which ones have captured the hearts of New Yorkers.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in New York
1. Shih Tzu
Residents of the Empire State love the Shih Tzu for its friendly demeanor, long flowing coat, and sweet disposition. According to U.S. News, the Shih Tzu is the most beloved dog breed in New York and New Jersey.
Shih Tzus are friendly, loving, and good-natured, making them great pets whether you live alone or with a big family. With big, bright eyes and a tiny pink tongue poking out, Shih Tzus are undeniably cute, but they offer much more than their adorable looks.
Bred for companionship, Shih Tzus are expert snugglers and champion lap dogs. They love to stay close, following you from room to room and quickly curling up beside you if given the chance. They are a good match for more sedentary humans, as they don’t require long runs or tons of exercise and adapt well to apartment life. When friends visit, your Shih Tzu will happily greet them at the door, thinking she’s the guest of honor!
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, toy-sized terrier weighing no more than seven pounds, distinguished by its floor-length, silky coat of steel blue and rich golden tan. Yorkshire Terriers are consistently one of the top ten most popular breeds in New York.
Yorkshire Terriers, commonly known as Yorkies, were originally bred to hunt mice and rats in cotton mills and mines. Over time, they became popular lap dogs, cherished for their bravado, loyalty, and affectionate nature.
Yorkies are a great choice for New Yorkers. They are very affectionate and easily make friends with other dogs at the dog park, helping you meet new people. Energetic and lively, Yorkies need regular exercise to stay happy. A daily walk or a game of fetch is enough to keep them satisfied. Treats can help reinforce good behavior and make training easier.
3. French Bulldog
When you think of New York City, you might picture teacup-sized canines peering out of designer purses. And you’d be right—according to CBS News, the French Bulldog has been New York City’s most favorite breed for the 10th consecutive year.
French Bulldogs are known for their adaptability to different living environments, making them ideal for city life. They do well in small spaces, are not noisy, and are very fond of people. Despite being dogs of few words, their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. Frenchies happily adapt to life with singles, couples, or families and do not require a lot of outdoor exercise. They get along well with other animals and enjoy making new human friends.
These small dogs, averaging 11 to 13 inches in height and about 28 pounds, have become increasingly common in New York. However, Frenchies can have a diva side if given everything they want, so it’s important to set clear boundaries from day one. Otherwise, they might develop ‘small dog syndrome’ and make a lot of noise to get their way.
Their charm, adaptability, and affectionate nature make French Bulldogs a beloved choice for New Yorkers.
4. Golden Retriever
New Yorkers love small pooches, but they’re opening their hearts to big dogs, too. New York is certainly not alone in preferring Golden Retrievers; 38 states in total were found to favor the breed, according to Daily Voice. Golden Retrievers are popular for their kind nature and ease of training. They are also beloved by iconic celebrities such as Ryan Reynolds, Nick Jonas, Oprah Winfrey, and Jimmy Fallon.
There’s a reason the Golden Retriever is considered America’s dog: it is the perfect family pet. Golden Retrievers are gentle, love children, and are very intelligent and stable. They enjoy running and playing outside, and are known for being easy to train. Once out of puppyhood, they usually adopt a very settled temperament.
Renowned for their good behavior, Golden Retrievers are kind and extremely gentle. Their intelligence makes them highly capable working animals, often excelling as service dogs or therapy dogs. They quickly learn various tasks and are excellent problem-solvers who can follow complex commands.
5. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are the adorable result of cross-breeding a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This popular breed is loved for its health, intelligence, gentle nature, fun-loving personality, and adorable looks. With their cute name and curly coat, Goldendoodles are a favorite among New Yorkers, especially those with allergies, as they often shed very little or not at all.
Goldendoodles are known to be good-natured, smart, and sweet family dogs. Their calm demeanor allows them to adapt well to family life, taking each day in stride.
They love to learn and enjoy interacting with each family member, making every moment enjoyable for both the dog and the family. Their versatile and affectionate nature makes Goldendoodles a delightful addition to any household.
6. Poodle
According to NBC News, the Poodle is Manhattan’s most popular dog breed, edging out the Labrador Retriever and Dachshund to top the list. Poodles come in three different sizes and are a bit high-maintenance, requiring daily brushing to keep their coat from getting matted. However, their fur doesn’t shed, making them a good choice for people with mild allergies.
Poodles appeal to sophisticated people who, while they may not have a lot of space in their New York apartments, have plenty of love for a petite canine companion. Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds, and their intelligence and eagerness to please make them excellent service dogs. Besides being smart, Poodles are instinctual, energetic, loyal, and alert.
They are people-oriented and love to please, and they have a high rating in friendliness. They do well with children and are friendly towards strangers and other dogs when properly socialized. Their combination of intelligence, friendliness, and adaptability makes Poodles a beloved choice for many New Yorkers.
7. Labrador Retriever
The lovable Labrador Retriever is one of New York’s top dogs and is likely to stay the leader of the pack for years to come. Though Labs are considered a larger breed, they maintain a puppy-like mentality throughout their lives. They love being at the center of family life, and once they find out what makes you laugh, they’ll keep everyone engaged with their playful antics.
Labs are smart and highly versatile, being used for everything from hunting to bomb-sniffing to assisting people with disabilities. They love people unconditionally, regardless of size, shape, or age. Their sweet and loving personalities make them especially popular among families with children.
Labradors adapt well to their owner’s lifestyle, whether it’s active or relaxed. They are loyal and intuitive, often offering comfort without being asked. Labs enjoy activities but also love to chill, making them perfect companions who bring joy and support to any household.
Conclusion
New York’s most popular dog breeds are well-suited for apartment living and city living. These breeds are cherished by dog owners for their adaptability, making them excellent family pets and companion dogs.
From the playful nature of small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier to the affectionate temperament of larger breeds like the Golden Retriever, these dogs are perfect for city dwellers seeking loyal and loving companions.
