7 Most Popular Dog Breeds In Pennsylvania In 2024

Around 65% of U.S. households own a pet, and many breeds are especially popular in Pennsylvania. According to puppyspot.com, nearly 5 million dog owners reside in the state, which equates to about 38.9% of residents owning a dog.

No matter where you are in Pennsylvania, you can easily find the nearest off-leash dog park, popular dog beach, great hiking trail, and many other places to play with your dog.

Dogs are known for their loyalty and friendliness, and many people find them incredibly cute. Dogs offer a connection to nature and fulfill our need to care for and love another being. They are devoted, protective companions who never tire of their owners.

Dogs listen, respond, and provide emotional support and joy in our lives, much like a friend. Our dogs are more than just pets; they are true companions!

Let’s explore the most popular dog breeds in Pennsylvania.

Most Popular Dog Breeds in Pennsylvania

1. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are a top favorite dog breed in Pennsylvania, known for their intelligence and trainability. They are loyal and often serve as police and military dogs. Beyond their working roles, they make loving house pets.

German Shepherds are high-energy and protective, requiring plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This can be achieved through training, sports, chew toys, or nose work games. They respond well to commands and enjoy having various tasks to do. The American Kennel Club describes them as “dogkind’s finest all-purpose worker.”

However, they are prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV).

2. Golden Retriever

Ah, the classic Golden Retriever! This athletic and highly trainable dog is very popular in Pennsylvania and is known for being family-friendly. Golden Retrievers love to run and play, making them a great fit for families with young children. They are also skilled workers, often used as hunting companions, guide dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs.

Golden Retrievers need more than two hours of exercise a day and enjoy playing fetch and swimming. They also need mental stimulation and respond well to training. With their long, thick coats, Goldens shed a lot and should be brushed daily or at least twice a week.

Golden Retrievers are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, ACL tears, and joint problems. Unfortunately, research suggests they have a higher risk of cancer than most dogs.

3. Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles have become one of the most sought-after dog breeds in Pennsylvania in recent years. A crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, this unique breed has won the hearts of many pet owners.

Goldendoodles are popular for their health, intelligence, gentle nature, fun-loving personalities, and adorable looks, the searches for Goldendoodles spiked in April 2020 and have continued to rise.

One reason for their popularity in Pennsylvania is their hypoallergenic coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies. Goldendoodles are also known for being gentle and family-friendly, making them ideal for households with children.

Goldendoodles are versatile dogs that enjoy hiking, swimming, and playing fetch, making them perfect for families who love outdoor activities. They come in various sizes—petite, mini, medium, and standard—making them suitable for a wide range of living situations.

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus, part of the toy group, are adored in Pennsylvania for their short stature, playful personalities, and cute hairstyles. They don’t need much activity and are happy with a few walks a day. Shih Tzus make lovely lapdogs and are known for being affectionate. According to HillsPet, Shih Tzus have perky, happy temperaments. They are lively and friendly and get along well with people of all ages, other dogs, and even different pets.

Shih Tzus can be vocal, so early training to discourage barking is important. They don’t shed much but need professional grooming every four to six weeks and daily brushing.

Shih Tzus have some health concerns, including ear infections, urinary tract infections, gastritis, skin infections, and periodontal disease. They are also prone to eye issues due to their flat faces, making them susceptible to dry eyes and runny eyes.

5. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is an adorable, athletic, and smart dog with a lot of personality packed into its compact body, making it a popular breed in Pennsylvania. These clever little dogs are known for their loyalty, charm, and big-dog attitude. Despite their small size, usually 5-6 inches tall and under 6 pounds, they are full of personality and very vocal, making them great alert companions.

Chihuahuas are quick learners and eager to please, responding well to positive training methods. They can compete successfully in dog sports like agility and obedience.

Bred to thrive in Mexico’s warm temperatures, Chihuahuas in Pennsylvania often need dog jackets or sweaters. At home, they love warm spots and may burrow under blankets with you at night.

According to the AKC, Chihuahuas are popular with celebrities, too. Marilyn Monroe had a Chihuahua named Choo-Choo, and Jamie Lee Curtis not only acted with Chihuahuas in movies but also owned one in real life.

6. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, have become very popular in Pennsylvania in recent years, making the list of the most popular dog breeds.

Frenchies are great for families. They’re loving, playful, and make cute noises. These small dogs—averaging 11 to 13 inches tall and 28 pounds—are popular because they don’t need much outdoor activity, adapt well to different homes, and are excellent watchdogs.

According to WebMD, Frenchies need up to one or two short walks per day. Since they have flat faces, they can have trouble breathing, so be careful not to over-exert them, especially in hot or humid weather.

Frenchies shed moderately and are considered low-shedders. They are also not very vocal and don’t bark much.

7. Poodle

According to Wikipedia, since the mid-20th century, Poodles have been very popular as pets and show dogs. They were the AKC’s most registered breed from 1960 to 1982 and remain a popular breed in Pennsylvania.

Poodles are smart and social and have beautiful but high-maintenance coats. They need lots of exercise and brain games to stay happy. Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They are generally proud, playful, friendly, and bright. Poodles are good with other pets, strangers, and children, making them very versatile.

Poodles require a lot of coat care. Instead of shedding heavily, their hair tends to mat, so they need brushing every other day. They also need professional grooming about every six weeks.

Poodles can have health issues like gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), Cushing’s disease, and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy.

Wrap Up

The most popular dog breeds in Pennsylvania, as highlighted by the American Kennel Club and a new study, showcase a variety of lovable pooches. From intelligent and trainable breeds like German Shepherds and Poodles to family-friendly companions like Golden Retrievers and Frenchies, Pennsylvanians have a diverse range of favorites.

Whether in cities or the country side, these puppies and their mutts bring joy and contentment to their owners across the state.