As you’d expect, dogs in Florida are pretty common. They are all over the state, and the state’s favorite dogs are pretty similar to the favorite dogs of the rest of the country. However, there are some significant differences. Figuring out which breeds are most popular in Florida is a bit difficult. Most of the statistics we have been on a national level, and no kennel club registers dogs just in Florida.
However, many organizations do have surveys from time to time, giving us a good idea of which dogs are most common in Florida.
The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Florida
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in the United States and the most popular dog in Florida. They are prevalent in the suburban and rural areas, where these larger dogs fit in better. However, you can also find them in urban areas.
Labs are popular primarily because of their love of people and ease of training. They are great family dogs as long as you carefully consider their activity needs, which are pretty high. They are best for active families with large yards, which is why they are not common in urban areas.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are also common throughout the United States, and they are also extremely popular throughout Florida. They are known for their protective nature and ease of training. They are incredibly obedient to their people, which is why they are so popular.
However, they need to be socialized and trained properly, or they can be too protective. As long as they are raised properly, they are loving, loyal canines.
3. French Bulldog
Frenchies are common in urban areas since they are smaller and don’t require much exercise. In fact, because of their squished faces, they really can’t exercise much in hot conditions.
Their squished faces do not allow them to breathe correctly, which leads to all sorts of problems. For this reason, we highly recommend that you carefully choose a breeder. Of course, you cannot completely avoid health issues with this breed.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for being people-oriented and friendly. They are great with larger families and very outgoing. Therefore, they are very tolerant of children and other pets. They are popular in Florida’s suburban and rural areas but are a bit too large and active for urban areas.
5. Bulldogs
Bulldogs are another very popular dog in Florida and the rest of the United States. We highly recommend them for those who need a smaller dog. However, even though they are short and considered medium-sized dogs, they are very bulky.
Therefore, they have a bit more weight than you’d expect them to have. Bulldogs are friendly and calm and make excellent family dogs. They are bulky enough to withstand children and calm in most situations.
6. Poodle
You may not expect Poodles to rank very high on the list, but they are one of the most popular dogs in Florida. These larger dogs need a lot of exercise, training, and grooming.
We highly recommend that they are only adopted by those with plenty of time on their hands. Otherwise, their care can be a bit much. However, they are incredibly obedient and easy to train.
7. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are large and bulky dogs, and they are popular in the rural parts of the state. They are known for being very loyal and loving guardians. They are great with children and other pets as long as they are socialized properly.
It is vital that they are trained since they can be wary of strangers. Rottweilers are great for many families, but they require the proper care and training.
8. Dachshund
Dachshunds are tiny and ideal for smaller spaces. They are popular in the more urban areas, as that is where they are best suited. Because these dogs are so short and long, they have some health problems associated with their back. Therefore, we highly recommend purchasing from a quality breeder since health testing can lessen the chance of chronic problems.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
These small dogs are becoming increasingly popular in Florida, and they are suited to smaller environments. However, because they are so small, some complications may arise—especially if you haven’t had a smaller dog before.
For instance, they have a hard time getting up onto taller surfaces, like couches and beds, and they are also more likely to be preyed upon by predators if left outside. Therefore, ensure you have the environment to care for these dogs.
10. Boxer
Boxers are pretty common throughout the whole United States. However, they are less common in Florida than in other areas. They are active and fun-loving, which is why they are often adopted. They are great for those who are looking for a friendly, goofy dog.
They love people, but they can be suspicious of other dogs and need training to keep them well-behaved. They are also energetic, so they need wide, open spaces.
Conclusion
Florida is home to quite a few dogs. Many popular dogs in Florida are also some of the most adopted breeds in the rest of the United States. The population in the cities is a bit different. As you might expect, smaller dogs are more common in the city since there are more apartments and fewer large backyards for the bigger dogs. However, the same small dogs are popular in cities that are common throughout the rest of the state, like the French Bulldog.
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