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What are the top 5 dog breeds in California?

  • Writer: Vickie Foster
    Vickie Foster
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

Can you guess the 5 most popular dog breeds in California? Try your hand at picking the state’s most favored pooches before continuing on. Sorry no prize for this contest.  You’ll have to be content with the bragging rights.


Group of dogs sitting side by side with leashes on, in front of bright pink wall

While this list may represent what breeds are currently the most popular in California, at Thousand Hills Pet Resort we don't play favorites—all of our furry guests are loved equally!


For a little fun, let’s check out what breeds are getting the most love in the Golden State, according to the American Kennel Club.


  1. French Bulldog


Grey french bulldog standing in grass with leash and collar

The top contender on the list is the French Bulldog. Often referred to as frenchies, the French Bull Dog also took the number 1 spot on the pedigreed dog registry’s national list. Frenchies have reigned supreme in the United States for four years in a row now. Resembling miniature bulldogs with large, erect “bat ears”, the breed owe their popularity to their traits of being “playful, alert, adaptable and completely irresistible,”  according to the kennel club. Californians love their French Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs love the warm climate and active lifestyle of the typical Californian.


  1. Labrador Retriever

Yellow labrador retriever wearing a teal collar in front of a bright blue sky

Ranking a close second in our popularity poll is the Labrador Retriever. A breed that is popular throughout the U.S., Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited pups that have enough affection to go around for everyone.  If looking for a medium-to-large dog these pooches fit  the bill. Labs are companionable housemates who bond with the whole household, and they socialize well with neighbor dogs and humans alike with energy to spare. Labradors are also the most common dog used in Thousand Hill’s sister non-profit, New Life K9s, PTSD service dog program. Learn more about New Life K9s’ work here.


  1. Golden Retriever


Happy, greying golden retriever walking on stone path through grassy area, facing the camera

Third down on our list is the Golden Retriever. An exuberant breed of Scottish descent  and a great beauty. Not only are they excellent workers in hunting and field work, but they are wonderful guides for the visually impaired as well. These luxurious coated canines have an endearing love of life when not at work. Goldens are outgoing, and trustworthy. Being relatively easy to train adds to their popularity. A Golden Retriever takes a joyous and playful approach to life and this puppyish behavior stays with them throughout their adulthood. 


  1. Dachshund


Aging, brown dachshund dog standing on a wooden pier with sunset in background

The long and short of it at number 4 is the Dachshund. This breed’s long, low body type and bold personality make this pooch a hit with his enthusiasts. Dachshunds come in two sizes; standard-size (that is usually 16 to 32 pounds) or miniature-size (11 pounds or under). They also have three separate coat types: smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired. Dachshunds are not distance runners, great at leaping, or strenuous swimmers but these tireless furry wonders are game for anything. They make fierce watch dogs because they have a big dog bark and are protective of their own. While they are courageous to the point of rashness, they can also be a bit stubborn. This is a trait that their owners overlook due to their endearing nature.


  1. Cane Corso


Grey cane corso dog with green collar standing in a grassy field with blue sky in background

Last and certainly not least in terms of stature is the Cane Corso at number 5. This big dog is smart, trainable, assertive and confident, making the breed a perfect protector. The largest of our popularity contest, the Cane Corso is nearly 28 inches at the shoulder and can weigh more than 100 pounds. All this is topped off with a large head, and muscles rippling beneath a short, stiff coat. Enough to intimidate any intruder. But they are eager to please, and intensely loyal to their humans. They are also assertive and willful, which means they can end up having the upperhand of an unwitting owner. 


Did you guess any of the breeds? What is your favorite pup? Let’s be honest, the best breed (or mix) is the one who fits your lifestyle! 





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