Americans’ Favorite Dog Breeds: A State-by-state Look
The tiny Maltese (it weighs less than seven pounds) is top of the list for dog owners in New Jersey. It makes a great family pet, as it’s an alert watchdog that’s always willing to impress on the agility course. It is also a relatively low shedder. To get the best from a Maltese, the American Kennel Club recommends consistent, rewards-based training.
Along with all the New Mexicans who adore the shih tzu, celebrity fans of the breed include Nicole Richie, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Colin Farell, Bill Gates and even Queen Elizabeth II, per the American Kennel Club. It’s no surprise, considering how loving — and lovable — this little dog is. Life with a shih tzu is guaranteed to be full of fun.
The super-cute Havanese is tough to resist – just ask New Yorkers! Their top-ranking breed, the national dog and only native breed of Cuba is sweet and playful, with a spring in its step. With moderate exercise needs, either indoors or out, the Havanese is perfect for those Big Apple city dwellers.
The American Kennel Club ranks the shih tzu as the 20th most popular dog breed in the U.S., but it’s No. 1 in North Carolina. As with all breeds, grooming is important. While many shih tzu owners keep their dog’s hair long, the breed looks just as cute with a short style.
The gentle, graceful Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a current favorite in North Dakota, and it’s a great choice. This toy spaniel breed is extremely adaptable, meaning it enjoys either city or country life. In fact, it’s happy to do whatever its owner does, provided it gets plenty of attention and affection.
Rottweilers need a moderate amount of daily exercise to stay fit and healthy and love walking, swimming and trotting. This athletic, muscular dog is always willing to do its share of hard work, including on the farmlands of Ohio, where it’s the No. 1 breed. According to the American Kennel Club, Rottweilers are quick to learn to cart and are masters in herding and tracking.
Basset hounds may be more on the “couch potato” end of the activity scale, but they’re actually incredible hunters. In fact, their natural ability to hunt is one of the reasons the American Kennel Club launched Basset Hound Field Trials in 1937. In these events, dogs run in packs of two or more after a rabbit or hare (but never actually catch their prey). The trials take place all over the country, including Oklahoma, where the love for the basset hound is strong.
Oregonians’ favorite dog breed has a very famous fan. Queen Elizabeth II has owned at least 30 Pembroke Welsh corgis over the decades, until her last one (Willow) reportedly died in 2018. According to Vanity Fair, the Queen was so attached to Susan, one of her earliest corgis, that she took Susan on her honeymoon with her after she married Prince Philip in 1947.
The love for the Rottie in Pennsylvania is clear. “Whether you live in the city or the country or somewhere in between, a Rottweiler can make a great pet anywhere. They are intelligent, loving, protective creatures that are good watchdogs, wonderful companions, and true friends,” write Morrisdale, Pa. couple Dusty and Casey Shaw on their official breeding website, Shaws Rotties. Provided a Rottie is well-bred and properly raised, it will be a calm, confident, courageous companion, says the American Kennel Club.
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