10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Mexico (With Info & Pictures)

Almost 80% of Mexican pet owners keep dogs, making them the most popular pets in the country. Globally, Mexico has one of the highest dog ownership rates of any nation. But what dog breeds are most popular in this country? While hard data is difficult to come by, we’ve compiled a list based on what information was available.

In this article, you’ll learn the 10 most popular dog breeds in Mexico and gain some basic knowledge about each one.

The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Mexico

1. Mestizo

The most popular dog in Mexico isn’t purebred. The “mestizo” or mixed-breed takes that crown, by a not-insignificant margin. Based on a survey examining the thousands of dogs registered by DogHero, a pet lodging company, mestizos make up about 25% of all pet dogs in Mexico. Most mestizos are small to medium-sized dogs with a wide variety of appearances. Many of them were rescued, as street dogs are extremely common in Mexico.

2. Chihuahua

The second most popular dog in Mexico is this tiny, sassy pup, fittingly the dog breed probably most closely associated with the country. With ancestry going back at least 1,000 years to the time of the Aztecs, Chihuahuas are long-time residents of Mexico. Chihuahuas are small dogs with the attitude of a much bigger one. They may have long or short coats in a variety of colors.

Without proper training and socializing, these pups may become territorial and aggressive, snapping first and asking questions later. They make up about 9% of the Mexican dog population.

3. Schnauzer

Schnauzers are the third most popular dog in Mexico. These athletic, outgoing pups hail from Germany originally but now make up about 7% of pet dogs in Mexico. Good family dogs, Schnauzers are playful and sturdy enough to serve as companions for children. Small enough to live comfortably in small spaces, Schnauzers also make alert watchdogs. Their wiry coat requires regular grooming and comes in black, salt, and pepper, or black and silver coloring.

Schnauzers were bred as rat and rodent hunters originally, but they usually get along with other pets, even the small ones. Just don’t leave them both unattended together or you may run into trouble.

4. Poodle

Considered one of the smartest dog breeds, Poodles are a popular choice for Mexican pet owners. They make up about 4% of the dog population. The Poodle’s curly coat is considered hypoallergenic and comes in black, white, or apricot coloring. They require regular grooming to keep their coats under control. Friendly, playful, and extremely intelligent, Poodles are easily trained to follow commands and perform tricks.

Originally from Germany, Poodles are most associated with France, where they were popular as lap dogs for the wealthy and circus performers for the everyday person.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

These tiny terriers with long, flowing coats are the most popular dogs in the Mexican state of Monterrey. The perfect apartment pet due to their small size and minimal shedding coat, Yorkshire Terriers aren’t just a pretty face. Although they may look like lap dogs, Yorkies are all terrier in their attitude. Feisty and tough, these pups will rule the house if given the chance.

Blue and tan, Yorkies pack a lot of personality into a tiny body. Often depicted sitting on the laps of wealthy ladies in Victorian England, Yorkies were originally bred for the same purpose as other terriers: to hunt rodents.

6. Pug

Pugs are the third most popular breed in Monterrey. Impossibly adorable as puppies, the Pug possesses an irresistible personality. Social, affectionate, charming, and mischievous, life with a Pug is never boring. The breed is susceptible to health issues thanks to their flat faces and does not tolerate heat well. Pugs are short-coated dogs, black, fawn, or silver.

They are famously fond of eating, often with the figures to prove it. Pugs love people, and their wrinkly, expressive faces are simply delightful. With ancestors who lounged in the laps of Chinese emperors, Pugs can be forgiven for expecting everyone to adore them.

7. Siberian Husky

Originally bred as cold-weather sled dogs, Siberian Huskies may seem like an odd choice for Mexican pet owners. However, Huskies make up about 3.4% of the Mexican dog population. Active, friendly, and talkative, Siberian Huskies are full of pep and personality. They are gorgeous dogs, often sporting ice-blue eyes. Their thick coats shed profusely on a seasonal basis. Bred to work in packs, Huskies usually get along well with other dogs but usually chase smaller animals.

Huskies can be stubborn and hard to train and require daily exercise to burn off their endless energy.

8. Labrador Retriever

America’s most popular breed makes up only about 2.9% of the Mexican dog population. Labrador Retrievers are the ultimate family pet, friendly to all, and full of energy and enthusiasm. Sporting short black, yellow, or chocolate coats, Labs love to swim and chase balls. They are smart dogs, eager to please, and a pleasure to train. Highly food motivated, they will easily eat themselves into an unhealthy weight.

Labradors need plenty of vigorous daily exercise, especially when young, making them a challenge for small-space living.

9. Pit Bull

“Pit Bull” is generally used as a catch-all term to describe dogs with large heads, strong jaws, and muscular builds. Several different breeds are commonly labeled Pit Bulls, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Dogs of this type are a common sight in Mexico. Pit Bulls suffer from unfortunate stereotyping as dangerous dogs. Truthfully, they are fiercely loyal and affectionate dogs who love people.

Without proper socialization, their loyalty and affection can be twisted, causing the dog to develop behavioral issues, including aggression. Pit Bull-type dogs were originally bred for bear and bull baiting and often do not do well with other animals, including other dogs.

10. Xoloitzcuintli

The national dog of Mexico, this breed is often called the “Mexican hairless dog,” although they do come with hair as well. The Xolo is available in three sizes and has a calm, intelligent personality. They may be a variety of colors, including black, gray, red, and liver. The Xolo is a loving, active, and playful breed that makes an excellent watchdog. Their ancestry traces back 3,000 years in Mexico, to the time of the Aztecs when the breed was considered the dog of the gods.

Why Are Small Dogs More Popular In Mexico?

As we’ve seen, most of the popular dogs in Mexico are small breeds. This is most likely because many Mexican pet owners live in tight quarters, such as apartments or small houses, within cities.

Another reason for the prevalence of small breeds could be the cost of dog food. Large dogs may eat as much as 10 times more than small one, a difference that translates into a not-insignificant cost.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, the love of dogs crosses international borders. Which breeds are most beloved in each country, however, is subject to change. Many factors play into dog breeds becoming the most popular. In Mexico, available living space is one of the most important. As a country of dog lovers, Mexico will no doubt factor into the growth of the global pet market in the years ahead.

See Also:

• 7 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Arizona: Updated (With Pictures)
• 6 Most Popular Dog Breeds in North Carolina: Update (With Pictures)