Most Popular Dog Breeds in California
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Before we get into the most popular dog breeds in the United States, specifically California, let’s talk about the Golden State in general. When folks think of California, they usually think of LA. Beaches and palm trees, warm weather all year long, and an abundance of space to appreciate the outdoor lifestyle. However, the reality is that CA is a huge place! As a matter of fact, it’s the second-biggest state in the continental U.S. which measures in at 163,696 sq. miles. So here, Innovet Pet Products goes over which is the most popular breed of dog in America, specifically in California.
While any breed may adapt and make the Golden State their forever home, there still are some favorites among the residents of California. To offer you a better idea of which dogs make the top of the list, the folks at Innovet Pet Products has put together the top 5 most popular dogs in California, as of today.
Standard Poodle
Is this one a curveball right off the bat? What is the most popular dog in the united states, specifically in California? The Standard Poodle that comes in at #5 on our list really should not shock you as Poodles often are a classic favorite, and popular dog breeds. As it’ll come to the fast-paced lifestyle of California dogs, alert and active include two of the leading qualities a dog should have. Standard Poodles are beloved for their grace and beauty and serve as the ideal Hollywood show dog for residents of California. Apart from their physical appearance, Poodles are attentive and intelligent, which makes them the ideal companion for owners around the U.S.
The Poodle’s lineage stretches back into the folds of time. Considered to have derived from Asia then settled into Germany hundreds of years later, it isn’t until the French gave light to the dog breed that we realize its ‘real’ beginning. What we do know is that in the fifteenth century, the Standard Poodle became among the most popular dog breeds in France, oftentimes exclusively owned by nobles and royals.
At that time, there were 3 dog variations (all were pure, which means they did not breed with other dogs to generate different variations): the Miniature Poodle, the Mid-Sized Poodle, and the Standard Poodle.
Today, the Mini and Standard are the most common, with Standard Poodles having a bigger presence.
As the years passed, the Standard Poodle started to be utilized by duck hunters. Their stamina, athleticism, as well as striking intelligence made them outstanding hunting dogs. However, their intelligence truly was what set them apart from additional breeds, and so traveling circuses started to train them to be show and trick dogs. The more the dog breed streamlined, the more French aristocracy started to incorporate them into their lifestyles, in which ultimately the posh, regal reputation developed. Then, the dog became the national canine of France.
Later on, the Poodle migrated with the original colonists, and in 1887, was recognized by the AKC (as one dog breed, even though the Standard and Miniature were included). The Poodle remains to be among the top 10 most popular dog breeds worldwide.
Standard Poodles define the term grace. They naturally are dignified, carry themselves with a very confident demeanor, and have an entire reservoir of love to provide to the ones closest to them. Oftentimes—and it’s a common misconception—the personality of the Poodle is thought of as aloof to strangers, snobby, and unfriendly, in general. While that may be the case (as most owners that invest in purebred Poodles do so for the showmanship) it actually isn’t the Poodle’s innate dog personality.
They’re startlingly intelligent. They aren’t just well-known show dogs due to their regal stature or perfectly groomed coats they are show dogs because they are intelligent enough to process and learn their training. Maybe among the most trainable and docile dogs across the complete variety of dog breeds, what’ll make the personality of a Poodle trait so popular is that they may be virtually anything.
Apart from that, they are fairly levelheaded. The Poodle’s behavior may be a little protective and guarded of their loved ones, yet they aren’t an aggressive breed. They will bark and make outstanding watchdogs because they will ensure any stranger recognizes their presence. However, if not correctly socialized, Standard Poodle’s have reputations of being standoffish towards other canines and people, introverted, and nippy. Also, poodle anxiety is common within this breed. More specifically, they’ll fall victim to separation anxiety, and aren’t the kind of dog that ought to be left alone for long time periods.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds might be a surprising choice for California, yet it ought to come as no shock that this one is beloved by many. What is the most popular breed of dog in the United States, especially in California? Admired for their obedience and bravery, German Shepherds often are sought out to be protectors within search and rescue teams and K-9 units. The German Shepherd’s aptitude for a working environment makes them talented at several service jobs. Overall, the Shepherd is an extremely well-rounded dog breed that likes protecting their owners, social interactions, and exercise.
The Shepherd–despite being one of the most popular dogs in U.S. and worldwide, for that matter–originated within the nineteenth century. One cavalry captain in Germany had an aspiration to develop the world’s top herding canine. Maybe he did not succeed with that specific goal, yet he absolutely developed among the most popular and best dogs worldwide.
The captain, Von Stephanitz, ultimately sought to narrow down an ‘alpha’ dog breed of the herding canine and traveled all throughout specific areas to evaluate the different dog breeds. Ultimately Von Stephanitz discovered the variations he liked, bred them, then later his breed was utilized by the Germans in the first World War, which makes this breed a working-class pup.
Despite the realization that most German Shepherds came back home with United States soldiers, they actually were around America before the war, they had their rise to fame because of how well they serviced the U.S. soldiers. However, some credit their popularity to one famous Hollywood celebrity: Rin Tin Tin.
However, during that time, because of the hatred that people of America had for Germans, the AKC named them the ‘Shepherd Dog,’ instead of the German Shepherd. Later on, their name was switched back, yet oddly though, the names almost divided the breeds within a healthy way: people in the U.S. bred German Shepherds for showmanship that inherently destroyed a few of their best characteristics, and German’s meticulously screened their dog breeds, wanting only to generate an alpha species among canines.
It’s among those personalities you are more than likely familiar with. You lay eyes on a gorgeous Shepherd, and while you may want to run and pet him, you know better, as his watchful eyes are assessing and questioning you. However, you also do not have to fear them, as their temperament isn’t aggressive. The pups are aloof naturally, and typically reserved around strangers. They are loyal to no end, and as they determine you are to be trusted, will exhibit a part of their personality which feels like a reward. They are very smart and have such an impressive variety in what they’re able to be trained to do, that they are in a working class all by themselves.
They are exceptional watchdogs, and it is possible to count on them to protect the kids. They require a lot of stimulation, exercise, and constantly need to be around the ones they love (separation anxiety is a big problem with these dogs, as they’ll panic without their owner’s presence).
Within some ways, it’s really the alpha dog personality: athletic, powerful, hyper-intelligent, confident, assured, assertive, calm, and with a size that makes you hesitate. And at home their behavior is quiet, loving, calm, and sometimes even spunky.
Terrier Mix/American Pit Bull Terrier
The U.S. likes their Pit Bulls, and California isn’t any exception! American Pit Bull Terriers are a workout fanatic’s ideal companion. They’re full of energy and may run around for hours without exhibiting any indications of fatigue. It isn’t any no wonder why this pup would be a popular option in a state in which being overly active almost seems mandatory. Well-known for their intelligence and athleticism, the Pit Bull Terrier is a great training partner which may keep up with any athlete. They’re also adept, as well as well-suited for obedient training or additional sports. And because of their huge hearts, they additionally make for wonderful family companions, too.
In earlier times, the dog was prized for its impressively strong build. Also utilized during times of war and as protectors, the breed has an aggressive look which might intimidate anything or anyone. In the 1920’s, they were bred for bull baiting and additional fighting practices. In the 80’s, they gained popularity after premiering in a few films and movies. The American Pit Bull today is fairly different from its ancestors, because of its loving and calm nature.
Staffordshire terriers also are closely associated and look like the American Pit Bull Terrier we have these days. Their wide head and muscular build are their most defining features.
Pit Bulls have bad reputations for being aggressive breeds. Shocking to most, the dogs are actually pretty loving. The obedient dogs are trustworthy and loyal, however, they’re also well-known to have a funny side, too. They’re quick learners and well-behaved as they’re trained early on and may be a good addition to any home. It’s vital that you remember that they also can, at times, be very stubborn. The dog’s strong-willed attitude comes out as they’re being made to do something that they don’t have any interest in doing.
Labrador Retriever
This might be the quintessential choice as you think of which pup might thrive in California. Whether his dog owner is a suburban family inside Sacramento, or a young native of Santa Barbara in her 20s who likes to camp, the Labrador Retriever is an excellent match for most households. The dogs are amazingly versatile, and their high intelligence and gentle temperament makes them outstanding working or service dogs. The Labrador has been the #1 most popular dog within the U.S. for the last 10 years because of their delightful demeanor and versatility. Whether you have plans to spend a long day at the beach or lying on the sofa on a peaceful Sunday, the Lab is the quintessential dog of California.
The Lab Retriever breed—additionally known as Labradors or St. John dogs—originated inside Newfoundland, Canada. In the eighteenth century, they served as working-class canines for the island’s fisherman. The Labs were strong enough to swim long distances and intelligent enough to ‘retrieve’ unhooked fish. However, their use did not stop there, as the lovable pups were oftentimes pet’s which would come home with their pet owners after work.
Despite that, their heritage remains a mystery. Some believe they are a product of the Newfoundland Dog and additional local water dogs; other people believe they came from Europe and were exported to Canada later on. What we actually know is that the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury—after having the pups shipped to England in the nineteenth century—was the original one to call them Labradors.
Oddly enough, the Labrador—which is America’s most popular canine—almost went extinct by the 19th century’s end. If not for the dog’s survival in England, there is a probability that their lineage would have ended over a century years ago. However, in the start of the twentieth century, the Lab was imported to the United States from England, and the dog breed thrived even among the world wars.
In 1917, The AKC recognized the dog, and by the end of that century it was number one in the AKC’s most sought-after list—which it remains to this day.
French Bulldog
So, what is the most popular dog in the united states, specifically in California? Coming in at #1 as California’s most popular dogs is the French Bulldog. As you imagine a metropolitan lifestyle in California, a Frenchie is usually the ideal, companion. These adorable dogs may be walked along the beach or comfortably tucked underneath an arm, ideal for the fashion-forward California lifestyle. Frenchies enjoy being around people and always are looking for chances to say hi to a new pal, a must within a state with so many people. And best of all, Frenchies don’t need a ton of space, which makies them an excellent choice for both large and small living spaces. Overall, the French Bulldog is a real California canine, he will be down for whatever so long as he gets to come along!
What is the most common dog breed? The Frenchie originally derived from England. Back in that time they were strong, bulky dogs utilized for a cruel sport referred to as bull baiting. Some dog breeders adjusted the dog’s size by breeding them with more powerful dog breeds, like terrier and bull breeds so that they might be utilized for fighting.
On the flip side, some dog breeders developed a smaller dog that weighed under 25 lbs. With the occurrence of the England’s Industrial Revolution, most lace makers moved to the N of France, in which their craft still was necessary, and they brought their toy dogs with them. The people of France fell in love with the little dogs, and soon after, England was exporting Bulldogs to the French. Because of the French rapidly adapting to the Bulldogs, England did not want anything to do with them and began to call them French Bulldogs.
Back in that time, Frenchies had two kinds of ears, erect “bat” ears and “rose” shaped ears. As people in America began to visit France, they aslo fell in love with the dog breed, but they liked the erect bat ears over the rose. Now in the U.S., it’s fairly common to see a French Bull dog that has bat-like ears.
The Frenchie is a companion dog. They’re well-known to be extremely easygoing and also enjoy their playtime. Most owners of French Bulldogs report that they’re sociable, affectionate, and humorous. They love their human counterparts, yet almost to a fault. Frenchies are protective of their home and family and do not bark for no reason. While they are not big barkers, they’re still vocal with their snores, snorts, and grunts.
French Bulldogs do not require much exercise, but daily strolls help them keep a healthy weight. The majority of owners find that their dog adores a game of fetch with a tennis ball.
Conclusion
Did your favorite pup make this list? While these might be the most favorite pups in California, there still are an abundance of other dog breeds that own the streets of California! Whatever dog you pick to bring home, it’s possible to be sure that they’ll be a great companion for many years to come.
