9 Most Popular Dog Breeds In Maryland In 2024

Shih Tzus are a breed of contrasts: they can be both loving lapdogs and stubborn mischief-makers. The Shih Tzu may be a natural beauty, but maintaining that beauty requires consistent grooming. Shih Tzu are one of the best dog breeds for hot weather. Their single coat of hair, unlike fur, helps them stay cooler in warm climates.

These lively dogs are full of energy and zest for life, so don’t expect them to sit quietly in your lap all day. Shih Tzus are eager learners when things go their way, responding well to reward-based training. However, they can be quite stubborn if they feel coerced.

WebMD says Shih Tzus can develop bone and joint problems such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Patellar Luxation, and Hip Dysplasia. It’s important to contact your vet immediately if you notice any abnormal movement or signs of pain and discomfort.

3. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog, or Frenchie, has surged in popularity in recent years, especially in Maryland. However, longtime enthusiasts caution that with this rise in popularity comes potential problems. They advise prospective owners to thoroughly research before bringing a Frenchie home.

Known for their fun-loving personalities, Frenchies have a knack for finding humor in everything. Even with their natural scowl, their playful nature and infectious smiles shine through, delighting everyone around them. However, their Bulldog heritage means they can be quite stubborn, and they won’t hesitate to dig in their heels if they feel coerced.

French Bulldogs make excellent pets for all household members, from small children to elderly adults. Their coat care is fairly straightforward, but their wrinkles and other areas require daily maintenance to prevent skin issues. Frenchies prefer short play sessions throughout the day rather than one long session.

It’s crucial for Frenchie owners to be aware that these dogs can easily overheat, especially in hot weather combined with exercise, which can be fatal. According to Forbes, the leading cause of death for Frenchies is brain disorders, followed by cancer and respiratory complications.

4. Golden Retriever

Known for their sunny disposition, trainability, and love of tennis balls, Golden Retrievers are a perennial favorite with families in Maryland! Always cheerful, Goldens make perfect therapy dogs—even when you don’t need therapy. Adding a Golden to your family is like adding a best friend who’s always happy, loving, eager to please, helpful—and maybe a little goofy!

Despite their long coats, grooming is relatively easy. However, their double coat can make them prone to overheating in hot and humid conditions, making them less heat-tolerant than breeds with thinner coats.

Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs who love swimming and retrieving, but they enjoy any activity that involves a challenge and plenty of exercise. Orvis reports that their intelligence and eagerness to please make them one of the most trainable breeds.

Common health problems in Golden Retrievers include hip dysplasia, cancer, thyroid and heart issues, as well as seizures. They are also prone to skin issues such as hot spots, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help manage these conditions and keep your Golden happy and healthy.

5. Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are admired in Maryland for their friendly demeanor, curly locks, and status as perfect companions. As a delightful mix of the Poodle and Golden Retriever, Goldendoodles combine the best attributes of both breeds into one adorable package. They are known for their happy nature, adaptability, and gentleness with children.

Goldendoodles are social creatures who love interaction, playtime, and family activities. However, grooming can be time-consuming, requiring consistent care that includes twice-weekly brushing for most and daily for those with curlier coats. Their sensitive skin and coats make them ill-suited for harsh outdoor climates, so extreme weather conditions, whether hot summers or freezing winters, can pose serious risks to their health and well-being.

Active dogs by nature, Goldendoodles need regular walks and play sessions but are also adaptable enough to enjoy both relaxation and activities like fetch. Their intelligence, inherited from both the Poodle and Golden Retriever, makes them easy to train, thriving on positive reinforcement.

The common health concerns for Goldendoodles include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and certain eye conditions.

6. Pembroke Welsh corgis 

There’s a reason Pembroke Welsh Corgis were The Queen’s choice for decades. Smart, active, and eager to please, they seamlessly transition from their working-class roots to any setting, including the homes of Maryland residents. Pembrokes are known for their friendliness, treating everyone as equals, and welcoming new friends with enthusiasm.

They love playing with kids, although they might occasionally nip at their heels as if herding cattle. Pembrokes are also great for those who appreciate a vocal dog. However, their double coat means they shed a lot and require regular grooming, especially during shedding season. Typically, brushing once a week is sufficient.

Pembrokes don’t do well in extreme temperatures and should be kept indoors during very hot or cold weather. Despite being low-maintenance, they need plenty of exercise. US Service Animals points out that their energy levels require more than just a stroll around the block—they need at least an hour, preferably two, of running, playing, and walking.

These intelligent dogs are excellent at following directions and are quick and energetic, thanks to their herding background. While generally healthy, they can experience back problems.

7. Havanese

People in Maryland love Havanese because these dogs adore people. Naturally happy, Havanese love to share their joy with everyone they meet. They can save you thousands in therapy fees, acting like a furry antidepressant. Havanese are great with kids, toddlers, the elderly, other dogs, and other pets.

However, their light coat tends to tangle and mat easily, so missing a day of brushing can lead to extra work the next day. While Havanese are well-suited to hot weather, they’re not meant to live outdoors. These small but energetic dogs need plenty of activities, but they can meet their exercise needs indoors or in small spaces.

According to Omlet UK, Havanese are a delight to train. They are eager to please and love to show off, responding well to rewards like treats, games, or praise. However, forceful training methods can shut them down, as they are very sensitive.

Most Havanese live healthy lives, but some conditions are more common in this breed. They can experience low blood sugar due to their small digestive systems. Eye conditions like cataracts and retinal dysplasia are also more frequent in Havanese.

8. Miniature schnauzers

The Miniature Schnauzer is a favorite in Maryland, and for good reason. These dogs combine playfulness, spunkiness, and intelligence in a compact, sharp-dressed body that makes their owners smile both with their antics and their affection. They are alert watchdogs, brave enough to stand up to trouble.

Professional grooming is recommended to keep a miniature schnauzer looking its best. While their coat occasionally needs significant grooming, it is easy to care for day-to-day and doesn’t shed much. They are all-weather dogs, tolerating both hot and cold climates well.

Miniature Schnauzers are among the more obedient and easy-going of Terriers, though they can still be a challenge at times. They are very energetic but calm down once they’ve had some exercise. They enjoy playing games like fetch, keep-away, tug, and Frisbee.

Generally, Miniature Schnauzers are a healthy breed. Common concerns, as identified by the Royal Veterinary College, include dental disease, obesity, anal sac impaction, vomiting, and ear infections. These issues are also common among many dog breeds. Regular vet check-ups and a good care routine can help manage these health concerns.

9. Australian shepherds

Best friend, essential farm dog, search and rescue hero—the Australian Shepherd is many things to many people. One thing all Marylanders agree on: Aussies are awesome! People love Aussies because they feel more like equals than pets. Plus, with their teddy bear-like appearance, they’re irresistibly cute.