Americans’ Favorite Dog Breeds: A State-by-state Look
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.
Have dog lovers on Rhode Island been inspired by former President Barack Obama? He has two Portuguese water dogs, Bo and Sunny, and their introduction to the White House made the breed a talking point. Presidential connections aside, this dog is affectionate, smart and easy to train.
There are endless reasons to fall in love with a boxer – just as the people of South Carolina have. This dog, whose history goes back as far as 2500 B.C. to the ancient Assyrian empire, has been one of the top breeds in the U.S. for many years. If you have a Boxer, you have a loyal companion for life.
Known as “the American gentleman” in the dog world, the Boston terrier may well be popular in its namesake city, but it’s even more of a hit in South Dakota. Bright and friendly with impeccable manners, it makes a great urban pet. However, it still needs regular exercise and will love playing outdoor games and taking part in agility and obedience training.
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