Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

12 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Pennsylvania: 2025 Update (With Info & Pictures)

golden retriever happily lying on the grass

If you are thinking about moving to Pennsylvania and want to know a little more about the dog breeds there, you have come to the right place. Pennsylvanians love their dogs, and while you can find all sorts of dog breeds in the state, we’ve highlighted 12 of the most popular for you here.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

The 12 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Pennsylvania

1. Golden Retriever

Red Golden Retriever
Image Credit: Hollysdogs, Shutterstock
Height 20 to 24 inches
Weight 55 to 75 pounds
Lifespan 10 to 12 years

Golden Retrievers are popular all over the country, and Pennsylvania is certainly no exception. Golden Retrievers are great family dogs, and you can find them throughout the state and country. Whether you’re a single person, you already have other pets or you have a family and kids, a Golden Retriever is a great choice.


2. Poodle

curly little poodle on a beige background
Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock
Height 10 to 24 inches
Weight 14 to 70 pounds
Lifespan 12 to 15 years

Poodles are an intelligent, loving, and hypoallergenic dog breed, and they’re extremely popular throughout the state of Pennsylvania as well. Poodles come in all different sizes, so you can find a Poodle that fits into a small apartment, or you can find larger ones that work great for larger properties and homes.


3. Goldendoodle

Image Credit: Paul Speed, Shutterstock
Height 17 to 24 inches
Weight 40 to 90 pounds
Lifespan 10 to 15 years

Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are popular in Pennsylvania, so it’s no surprise that a mix of the two breeds is popular in Pennsylvania too. Because a Poodles size can vary so much, it makes sense that a Goldendoodle’s size will vary. Just keep in mind that the Golden Retriever genes will always keep a Goldendoodle reasonably large though.


4. Labrador Retriever

Puppies Of Labrador Retriever dog Sitting On The Lawn
Image Credit: sobaka777, Shutterstock
Height 22 to 24 inches
Weight 55 to 80 pounds
Lifespan 10 to 12 years

Labrador Retrievers are another super friendly and loving dog breed that’s popular throughout Pennsylvania. They get along great with other dogs and kids, and they make great companions through and through. They’re excellent companion dogs, and it’s not hard to see why they’re so popular.


5. Pitbull

Blue Brindle Pitbull sitting in grass
Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina, Shutterstock
Height 18 to 21 pounds
Weight 30 to 60 pounds
Lifespan 8 to 15 years

Pitbulls can be a bit intimidating to some, but they’re among the most popular dog breeds in Pennsylvania. However, it’s also common to see them in shelters, so if you’re thinking about getting a Pitbull, ensure you’re getting them for the long haul. When treated properly, they’re amazing dogs that get along great with kids and other pets.


6. Beagle

beagle dog crawling
Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock
Height 13 to 16 inches
Weight 20 to 25 pounds
Lifespan 12 to 15 years

Beagles are excellent hunting dogs, and with a strong hunting heritage throughout Pennsylvania, it’s no surprise that the Beagle is so popular. They’re smaller dogs that hunt in packs and by scent, so, often, you’ll find that someone with a Beagle has more than one. That way, they’re more effective when hunting!


7. Chihuahua

chihuahua dog getting a bath in the bathtub
Image Credit: Studio217, Shutterstock
Height 6 to 9 inches
Weight 3.5 to 6.5 pounds
Lifespan 12 to 14 years

When you think about popular dog breeds and Pennsylvania, the Chihuahua might not be the first dog breed that comes to mind. But the truth is that lots of Pennsylvanians have them. This is especially true in cities where people want a pup but don’t have as much space, so a Chihuahua’s small size comes as a perk.


8. German Shepherd

Black German Shepherd mix with floppy ears at a park
Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock
Height 22 to 26 inches
Weight 50 to 90 pounds
Lifespan 9 to 13 years

The German Shepherd can be a bit more challenging for novice dog owners, but that hasn’t kept them from becoming so popular throughout Pennsylvania. They’re highly trainable, and if you have a bit of space, they can be a great fit. Just ensure you know what you’re doing so you can train them properly before bringing one home.


9. Boxer

pitbull boxer mix puppy sitting and looking up at camera
Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock
Height 21 to 25 inches
Weight 55 to 70 pounds
Lifespan 11 to 13 years

Boxers are another large dog breed that’s popular in Pennsylvania, especially in rural areas with more space. Boxers are great family dogs with the right socialization and training, just know that you need to train them properly early on because of their larger size.


10. Mutt

mutt dog in the autumn time
Image Credit: 12photography, Shutterstock
Height Varies
Weight Varies
Lifespan Varies

Mutts are dogs with more than one type of parent breed, and they are popular throughout all of Pennsylvania. People typically won’t breed mutts intentionally, but once they’re in Pennsylvania, they don’t have any problem finding a loving home!


11. Dachshund

dachshund dog wearing hawaiian lei on a white background
Image Credit: Luis Carlos Torres, Shutterstock
Height 7 to 12 inches
Weight 16 to 32 pounds
Lifespan 12 to 16 years

The Dachshund is another dog breed with strong hunting roots, which instantly makes them popular in Pennsylvania. They hunt by scent, and with a little training, you can teach them to hunt all sorts of animals. However, they are better lap dogs these days. If you have a family in Pennsylvania, a Dachshund might be the perfect pup for you.


12. Bulldog

Big English Bulldog in the room close up
Image Credit: Olga Aniven, Shutterstock
Height 12 to 16 inches
Weight 40 to 50 pounds
Lifespan 8 to 10 years

The Bulldog is a bigger dog by weight, but they’re still small enough to live in compact quarters like apartments. This blend makes them a popular choice for people in both smaller and larger living areas, which is why you can find them all throughout the state.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know a bit more about the different dog breeds you can commonly find throughout Pennsylvania, the next time you are in the state, you’ll easily spot them. Just keep in mind that while these 12 might be the most popular, there are still plenty of other dogs you can see throughout the area.


Featured Image Credit: Angel Luciano, Unsplash

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Is My Female Dog Peeing on the Bed All of a Sudden? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

It can be confusing and unexpected for your fully housetrained dog to start having accidents in the house. It’s especially unsettling if your...

Why Does My Puppy Pee So Much? 12 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Puppies bring an endless amount of love and joy to a home, but there’s no question that your first few months with them...

Best Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dogs love to play fetch, but not everyone has the time or the patience to stand out in the hot sun and throw...

My Dog Doesn’t Want to Go Outside: 5 Vet-Verified Possible Reasons

Most dogs love going outside. However, when your furry friend suddenly avoids the outdoors, you may have reason to worry. Often, dogs have...

More related

6 DIY Dog Hats You Can Make at Home (With Pictures)

Hats designed for dogs immediately add a boost of cuteness to your adorable pup. You can find all kinds of dog hats, and...

8 Different Types of Mastiff (With Info & Pictures)

With their muscular, majestic looks and reputation as a loyal guardian, the legendary Mastiff has been a companion to mankind for more than...

What Seasonings Can Dogs Have Safely? 6 Vet-Approved Options

We all know that seasonings can be extremely dangerous to dogs if they get a hold of the wrong ones. Knowing what’s in...

10 Best Dog Foods for Labradoodles in 2025 — Reviews & Top Picks

Whether you have just brought a Labradoodle into your home or are a long-time owner, you want the best for your pet. Providing...

Keep reading

Water Enhancers for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Info, Pros, Cons & FAQ

Hydration is a key component to having a healthy dog, as a dehydrated dog can become ill, and their body won’t function as it should. You might be desperate to find ways to increase your pet’s liquid intake, which may...

beagle dog drinking water from metal bowl

Can Dogs Eat Longan? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

For humans, few fruits match the burst of musky sweetness that a longan fruit offers, but can dogs eat longan? Dogs can eat a small amount of longan, providing the shell and pit of the fruit are removed. However, just...

Can Dogs Eat Longan

Can Dogs Eat Liverwurst? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

Liverwurst is a type of sausage made primarily of liver, spices, and other ingredients. If that sounds like something your dog might enjoy, you’re not wrong, but can dogs eat liverwurst? Liverwurst often contains toxic ingredients, so you’ll need to...

Can Dogs Eat_liverwurst

PetPlate Dog Food & Supplement Subscription Review 2025: Door Delivery For Your Pup Made Fresh

Are you considering switching your dog to a dog food delivery service but struggling to find one that includes enough variety to suit your dog’s needs? If that’s the case, PetPlate might be the best choice for you. This subscription...

DOG_SAPR_PetPlate Human-Grade Dog Food

10 Best Foods for Pregnant Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Congratulations, you have a pregnant dog! Now, this is where the hard work really starts, which includes making sure she’s getting the right nutritionally balanced diet. After all, she is eating for six or maybe even seven puppies! She needs...

Pregnant dog eating food from the floor

Best Low-Calorie Dog Treats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dog treats can be used as a training aid to reward your dog for good behavior or as a nice gesture. However, since you choose to treat your dog, those small snacks count toward the daily caloric intake. If you’re...

jack russell terrier having treats

Finn Dog Supplements Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

Have you ever found yourself searching high and low for the perfect supplements to meet your dog’s needs? It can be confusing with the number of products on the market, and many of them are designed in fancy and eye-catching...

DOG_SAPR_Finn Dog Supplements

Can Dogs Eat Teddy Grahams? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Before changing your dog’s/ cat’s diet or introducing new ingredients or supplements that they haven’t eaten before, especially when it comes to human food, make sure to consult your veterinarian first. Every dog/cat is different and requires an individual approach...

Can Dogs Eat Teddy Grahams