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

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

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

Do Pugs Bark a Lot? How Much & How to Stop It

What’s not to love about a Pug? These quirky little dogs bring great joy to their family’s lives, not least due to being...

10 Beautiful Types of Husky Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

The Husky is a popular dog that was bred in the far North to make a superb sled-pulling dog. The term was given...

Outward Hound PupPak Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Review Summary Outward Hound is a well-known doggie brand that makes all kinds of dog-related products, so you may already own some things...

8 Best Deshedding Shampoos for Dogs in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Even if you brush your dog every day, it isn’t possible to stop them from shedding altogether. However, there are a few ways...

More related

Dog Vomiting: What to Do When Your Pup Throws Up (Vet Approved)

Seeing your dog throw up is concerning, and after you’ve had the unpleasant experience of cleaning up after your pet, what do you...

German vs American Rottweiler: The Key Differences (With Pictures)

Rottweilers are among the most popular breeds in the world. They were initially drovers that herded and protected cattle but were later used...

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Peanut butter is considered a healthy, tasty treat for dogs, although it should only be fed in moderation and owners should avoid sweetened...

Leucistic & Albino Pugs: Vet-Verified Info & FAQ

If you have a white Pug, you might wonder how rare they are and if they have albinism. White Pugs are indeed extremely...

Keep reading

What Is Fish Meal in Dog Food? Vet-Approved Safety Facts & FAQ

If you’re a dog owner who likes to read pet food labels, you’ll probably find quite a few unfamiliar ingredients listed. One such product is fish meal, commonly found in allergy-friendly diets. But what is fish meal in dog food,...

Wet and dry pet food made of natural ingredients

11 Best Limited Ingredient Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Limited-ingredient dog foods can be a lifesaver for dogs with allergies. Because they contain few ingredients, there is less of a chance that dogs with allergies will react to them. However, even if your dog doesn’t have allergies, they may...

dog eating scattered food

Can Dogs Eat Kumquats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

A kumquat is a small citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia that looks similar to an orange. They aren’t nearly as common as mandarin oranges but can still be found in kitchens around the world. Before you share your snack...

Can Dogs Eat Kumquats

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

Sweet potatoes can be an excellent treat to give your dog occasionally. They’re soft when cooked, tasty, and nutritious. Dogs are omnivores and so can derive important nutrients from both plant and animal sources. As much as dogs benefit from...

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins

Is Sportmix Dog Food Made in the USA? What You Need to Know

Sportmix dog and cat food are manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, a subsidiary of Nunn Milling Company, Inc. This is a fourth-generation, family-owned business that started in 1926 in Evansville, Indiana. All Sportmix pet food formulas are made exclusively in...

pouring dog food in food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Icing? Vet-Reviewed Facts

Whether you are planning to make a cake to celebrate a milestone in your dog’s life or you simply want to let your dog have a taste of icing, the sweet taste is guaranteed to catch their interest. Icing is...

Can Dogs Eat_icing

8 Best Dehydrated Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dehydrated dog food continues to grow in popularity as more dog owners are becoming aware of its benefits. This type of food is prepared by slowly removing moisture from whole foods at low heat. This process helps food retain more...

dachshund dog eating from elevated bowl

7 Best Dog Foods for Urinary Health: 2025 Reviews & Top Picks

While urinary health isn’t a very popular subject, it’s critical to your dog’s overall well-being. Kidney stones and urinary tract infections can be very painful and dangerous to your dog. In addition to the trauma on your pup, certain types...

beagle puppy eating from a feeding bowl