9 Most Popular Dog Breeds In Virginia In 2024
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Virginia’s slogan, “Virginia is for Lovers,” truly captures the essence of the state. It’s a place for lovers of family, history, mountains, beaches, and so much more. And it’s no secret—Virginians LOVE their dogs!
Virginia is a fantastic state for pet lovers, offering a wide range of pet-friendly attractions and destinations. With 55.5% of Virginia households owning a pet and 35.6% specifically owning a dog, it’s clear that Virginians cherish their furry friends.
Whether you’re exploring scenic hikes, beautiful beaches, or bustling cities, Virginia has something for everyone, including your canine companion. According to a YouGov survey, dogs bring companionship, unconditional love, and emotional support. Many dog parents share how their pets give them purpose, help them through tough times, and prevent feelings of loneliness or isolation.
With all this love pouring in, let’s take a look at the most popular dog breeds in Virginia that capture the biggest chunk of affection.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in Virginia
1. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, with its charming personality and friendly face, is the most popular dog breed in Virginia. The breed gained widespread popularity in America in the 1970s when President Gerald Ford owned a Golden Retriever named Liberty. Their smiling faces, shiny coats, wagging tails, big ears, and unconditional affection easily capture everyone’s hearts.
Originally bred as hunting dogs, Golden Retrievers have become beloved family pets thanks to their tolerant and friendly nature.
Despite their playful and sometimes goofy behavior, Golden Retrievers are quick learners and excel in various roles, including rescue and detection work in disaster situations. Their intelligence is beyond doubt, making them great companions for fetch, hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities that Virginia has to offer.
Golden Retrievers have a double-layered coat. The outer layer is waterproof, protecting them when they swim, while the inner layer keeps them warm during Virginia’s colder months. However, Golden Retrievers are predisposed to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, cancer, thyroid problems, heart issues, and seizures.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds, though a relatively new breed dating back to 1899, have quickly become one of the most popular dog breeds in Virginia. Known for their versatility and intelligence, they excel in almost any task, which is why a large percentage of police dogs worldwide are German Shepherds.
German Shepherds are also one of the healthiest dog breeds, often living up to 13 years with proper care. They love to exercise and are free from weight problems, making them perfect companions for activities like jogging, hiking, and hunting. Their adaptability to various lifestyles and living situations makes them a favorite in Virginia. While a home with a large yard is ideal, they can also thrive in apartments as long as they get enough exercise.
Loyalty is a hallmark of the German Shepherd. They not only protect their owners but also all family members in the household. Their double coat helps them tolerate both cold and hot weather, making them well-suited for Virginia’s climate.
However, be prepared for some shedding, as German Shepherds are a high-shedding breed. Regular grooming is essential to manage the excess hair in your home.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Originally bred to hunt mice and rats in cotton mills and mines, the Yorkshire Terrier has transitioned to become a beloved lap dog in America, especially popular in Virginia. Known for their bravery, loyalty, and affectionate nature, Yorkies pack a lot of personality into their small frames. Their energy and attitude make them wonderful companions for those willing to invest time in training.
Yorkies have a single coat, meaning they lack an undercoat and can benefit from a jacket in Virginia’s cold weather. Their hair coat also makes them low-allergen and low-shedding, but regular maintenance, including daily brushing, is necessary to keep it looking its best. Yorkies thrive on attention and activity and are not content being carried around all the time. Despite their small size, they are spirited and enjoy long walks to exercise their little legs.
While Yorkies are adorable and full of character, they can be challenging to house train, especially for first-time dog owners, according to PetMD. Like other terriers, they have a high prey drive and must be secured when outside or in a fenced yard. Yorkies often exhibit a fearless attitude around other dogs, even those much larger than themselves. Proper socialization as puppies is crucial to ensure they interact well with other dogs and people.
4. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is an excellent choice for both families and single people, making it one of the most popular dog breeds in Virginia. According to US News, Chihuahuas make up 4% of dogs in the country. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas possess fierce and bold personalities, standing out as alert and brave dogs who rarely seem afraid of anything.
Chihuahuas are also known for their loyalty. When properly socialized, they can get along well with other dogs and even cats. Their compact size allows them to be easily carried in small purses, bags, or dog strollers.
However, don’t be deceived by their size—Chihuahuas are very energetic and perky. They can be quite protective and may act prickly around strangers, as they prefer having all of their owner’s attention.
Chihuahuas are particularly prone to certain health issues. According to a study of Chihuahuas treated in veterinary practices, they are susceptible to dental disease, obesity, and retained baby teeth, which can negatively impact their health.
5. Shih Tzu
These tiny, teddy bear-like dogs are taking the world by storm! With their adorable smushed faces, flowing fur, and larger-than-life personalities packed into a petite frame, it’s no wonder they have found their way into the homes and hearts of dog lovers in Virginia.
Bred purely for companionship, Shih Tzus form strong attachments to their human families, often exhibiting attention-seeking behaviors and even separation anxiety if not properly socialized.
They can also be a bit stubborn and have a lower tolerance for frustration, which might lead to barking and other attention-seeking behaviors. It’s important to teach them patience and coping skills through commands and activities, helping them manage their reactions when they don’t get their way.
Health-wise, Shih Tzus are predisposed to common issues seen in brachycephalic breeds, such as breathing difficulties, heart problems, overheating, and eye issues.
6. Labrador Retriever
Even people who don’t know dog breeds can easily identify the lovable Labrador Retriever, a favorite in Virginia. Labs are a larger-sized breed with a puppy mentality that lasts throughout their lives. They thrive on being in the middle of family activities and will go out of their way to make everyone laugh and engage in play.
Labs are a fantastic choice for families with kids, contributing to their popularity in Virginia. They have boundless energy for walking, running, jogging, or hunting, which they were originally bred for, but they are also content to lie by and watch while kids play. Loyal and protective, Labs will bark to alert you of strangers, making them great watchdogs.
Naturally easy to train and responsive to positive reward training methods, Labs are eager to please. They are smart and can quickly learn complex tricks, always ready to earn a treat for a job well done.
However, Labs tend to gain weight quickly if they are sedentary or overfed. ASPCA notes that obesity is a common health issue for Labradors, and they are also prone to hypothyroidism and diabetes. Other health concerns include ear infections, arthritis, cancerous and other growths, skin irritations, and allergies.
Despite these health issues, the Labrador Retriever’s friendly, loyal, and playful nature makes them a beloved breed in Virginia homes.
7. Cane Corso
Over the years, the Cane Corso has become increasingly popular across the United States, quickly rising to prominence as one of the most popular dog breeds in Virginia for families seeking a new pet. With their tough looks and powerful build, Cane Corsos are both attractive and endowed with many wonderful qualities.
Cane Corsos are fiercely loyal and have a strong desire to please their families. This loyalty also makes them highly protective, earning them a reputation as guardian dogs that will keep your family safe. Compared to other mastiff breeds, Cane Corsos are more observant of their owners and respond well to training.
Incredibly smart and alert, Cane Corsos thrives on having responsibilities or “jobs” to do. They require mental stimulation, regular training, and exercise.
According to the American Kennel Club, Cane Corsos are generally healthy dogs, but responsible breeders should screen for conditions such as hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, Demodex mange, and eyelid abnormalities. Additionally, as a large and deep-chested breed, Cane Corsos are susceptible to bloat, a sudden and life-threatening stomach condition.
8. Poodle
Poodles consistently rank among the most popular dogs in the U.S., and Virginia is no exception. Despite their glamorous appearance, Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers, adept at collecting waterfowl from rivers and lakes. Their popularity has surged over the past few decades, leading to a rise in Poodle mixes.
For those with allergies, Poodles are an excellent choice due to their minimal shedding. Their tight, curly coats trap most of the shed hair and dander, reducing the likelihood of triggering allergic reactions. Poodles come in three size varieties—tiny Toy Poodles, little Miniatures, and Standards—offering a size for every preference.
Poodles are known for their loyal and loving nature, making them a favorite among Virginia families. They are generally great with children and other pets in their household, though they can be wary of strangers. Easy to train and eager to learn, Poodles do have a stubborn streak, which only highlights their intelligence.
These dogs thrive on companionship, making them ideal for people who work from home or spend a lot of time alone. However, Poodles can suffer from loneliness and separation anxiety if left alone too often.
9. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a beloved companion dog and very popular in Virginia. This small, muscular breed is known for its heavy bone structure, smooth coat, short face, and distinctive “bat” ears. Prized for their affectionate nature and balanced disposition, French Bulldogs are generally active and alert without being overly boisterous.
French Bulldogs require minimal grooming and adapt well to small living spaces, making them ideal for apartment living. They are typically quiet and very fond of people, although their interactions with other animals can vary. It’s important to keep them in a fenced yard or on a leash outdoors, as they should never be allowed to roam freely.
French Bulldogs thrive in moderate temperatures and need careful supervision during Virginia’s temperature extremes. Their short faces make breathing less efficient, reducing their tolerance for heat, exercise, and stress. This breed’s breathing difficulties mean they need to avoid excessive heat and strenuous activity.
French Bulldog Club points out that maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for French Bulldogs, as obesity significantly increases the risk of many breed-specific health issues.
Wrap Up
Virginia’s most popular dog breeds include a variety of great family pets known for their loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability. From the ever-popular Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs to the playful and intelligent Australian Shepherd, these favorite dog breeds have won the hearts of Virginians.
According to the American Kennel Club, these breeds, along with many other dog breeds, make excellent companions and great family pets. Whether you’re looking for an energetic playmate or a loyal protector, Virginia’s popular breeds offer something for everyone.
