Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Florida in 2026

Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and it gets hot in the summertime with only a couple of months during the winter offering a reprieve from the heat. Since Florida is such a hot state, some pet owners get dogs that love the water due to the many beaches that surround the state or the many homes that have swimming pools. Florida is also home to senior citizens living the retired life, and these age groups tend to go with smaller dogs.

Join us as we list the top 10 most popular dog breeds in Florida. And if you ever move to the Sunshine State or already live here and are thinking about getting a dog, we hope this list will be beneficial to you. We’ll list them by medium to large breeds and small breeds. If you are ready, let’s begin!

The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Florida

Medium to Large Dog Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are gentle, intelligent, loyal, and extremely friendly; they also love the water, which makes them perfect for Florida’s hot climate. According to the American Kennel Club, Labs are among the most popular dog breeds in the country and have been for the past 31 years.

Labs make wonderful family companions, and if you live in Florida, your Lab will love a day at the beach, and if you have a swimming pool, your Lab will probably get in every chance it gets. Labs have an abundance of energy, and swimming provides excellent exercise.

2. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is another extremely popular dog in the United States because they have such terrific traits and characteristics. These dogs are affectionate and love to be with their families. They do well with children and other pets and are simply a pleasure to have around.

Goldens love water and will take a dip any chance they get. These dogs were bred for hunting companions and to also retrieve fowl from the water, so it stands to reason. If you happen to live in a part of Florida that is not surrounded by oceans, and you don’t have a pool, you can always buy a kiddie pool for your Golden to splash around in.

3. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd may have a bad reputation for being aggressive, but this isn’t necessarily true. Socialization is key with these dogs, and with the proper upbringing, these dogs will do well with children and other pets, and they make excellent guard dogs.

German Shepherds are intelligent and very athletic, earning them jobs in police work and the military. These dogs are highly energetic and athletic, which makes them more likely to love water and become good swimmers.

4. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler can have an intimidating look, and they can reach up to 135 pounds. Don’t let their looks fool you; they are loyal dogs that protect their families fiercely and are popular in Florida. They are excellent guard dogs and fast learners but owning one in Florida might prove challenging because some homeowners’ insurance does not cover the breed.

Despite the negative view by insurance companies, the Rottweiler was in the top five dogs owned in the Miami area in 2017.

5. Poodle

The Poodle is a popular dog breed to own in Florida, and if you have allergies, they are considered hypoallergenic because they shed very little. Poodles are among the top five popular breeds to own in Florida. These dogs are intelligent and easy to train.

However, they need adequate exercise, so be sure you have the time to devote to these doggies if you are considering getting one.

Small Breeds

6. Maltese

The Maltese are popular among retirees living in the Sunshine State. They only weigh up to 7 pounds, and they are playful, gentle, and affectionate. These dogs are adaptable to any climate, and they make good watchdogs. They shed very little, but they do require daily brushes to keep the hair untangled and unmatted.

They do have a ton of energy, but they only need occasional exercise, which is another perk for senior citizens wanting to own one.

7. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog can adapt anywhere, and as long as they are by your side, they are happy. Affectionately known as a “Frenchie,” these dogs are popular in Florida, particularly in West Palm Beach. It’s hard to resist their squishy little faces and cute personalities, and if you live in Florida, they will tolerate the climate just fine.

Ensure that you don’t leave them outside for long periods, as it may become hard for them to breathe due to their tight nostrils.

8. Miniature Schnauzer

When it comes to companion breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer fits the bill. These adorable pups weigh between 9–20 pounds and are balls of energy. They are popular in urban areas of the state, and they can tolerate the heat quite well. They are affectionate, friendly, and do well with apartment living.

They have a wiry double coat, they shed minimally, and their bearded faces are hard to resist. These little dogs are muscular and tough but not aggressive.

9. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier only weighs between 3–7 pounds, but they have big personalities. These little dogs are perfect for seniors, families with children, and apartment living. They have long, silky hair that requires regular grooming, and their fur feels somewhat human.

Because of their hair texture, the coat doesn’t trap heat, making them suitable for hot climates. They can live anywhere from 11–15 years, and they are affectionate and good with children.

10. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are one of the oldest breeds out there. They are popular in Florida and ranked in the top 10 popular dog breeds in the Sunshine State. They can be sassy and charming simultaneously, and they almost have a Napoleon attitude if not properly trained.

Their little “apple” heads are unmistakable to the breed, and their thin coat allows them to live in hot climates, which is perfect for Florida. In short, Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with big personalities.

Conclusion

We couldn’t find a true consensus on the most popular dog breed in Florida per se, but given the climate and the senior citizen population, we can make an educated guess.  We do want to point out that even though these dogs do well in the hot climate of Florida, you should refrain from leaving your dog outside for long periods.

Ensure your dog has plenty of water when on an outdoor adventure, and if you don’t have a swimming pool or live close to the beach, you can try a kiddie pool for your dog to cool off in.

See also:

• 14 Most Popular Dog Breeds in California (with Pictures)
• 6 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in North Port, FL (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Olena Brodetska, Shutterstock