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Tennessee ranks 15th in population in the US, and with a substantial number of residents, it’s no surprise that the state is also home to many dogs. According to PawlicyAdvisor, 47% of Tennessee residents own at least one dog, making it one of the highest dog ownership rates in the country.
Tennessee is a pet-friendly state, offering numerous amenities for our furry friends. It features an abundance of dog parks, hiking trails, dog-friendly rentals, and hotels. The state’s favorable climate is another plus, providing an environment that dogs love.
With so much to offer, Tennessee is an ideal place for dogs of all kinds. However, certain breeds are more popular than others. Let’s explore which dog breeds are the most beloved in Tennessee.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in Tennessee
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are an adorable toy breed that is highly popular with residents throughout Tennessee. Due to their small size and minimal exercise needs, they adapt well to city and apartment living.
As the smallest of all purebred dogs, Chihuahuas—or Chis as they are affectionately called—are intelligent and full of personality. They are loving and extremely loyal pets, typically doing well with children and other animals when properly introduced.
Chihuahuas are easily trainable thanks to their intelligence. They excel in agility and obedience trials and can even serve as good service dogs, particularly for the blind, or as emotional support animals. However, they can be prone to phobias such as separation anxiety and fear of traffic or crowds.
Despite their special needs, Purina notes that Chihuahuas are generally low-maintenance dogs. They don’t require much space and have modest exercise needs, which can be met with regular walks and playtime. Additionally, Chihuahuas are known for being one of the cleanest dog breeds.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, may be small in size, but their personalities are BIG! These tiny dogs are full of character and are incredibly popular in Tennessee. They are known for their fun and feisty nature, keeping their owners entertained with their lively antics.
They love accompanying their humans everywhere, and their small size makes them perfect travel companions. It’s common to see Yorkies peeking out of purses in public places around Tennessee.
One of the standout features of Yorkshire Terriers is their luxurious coats, which are often compared to human hair. HillsPet points out that while their beautiful fur is a delight to look at, it requires regular grooming. Yorkies are generally friendly, though they can be cautious around strangers.
Training a Yorkie can be a bit challenging due to their boisterous and bossy nature, and they tend to bark quite a bit. However, with a consistent training plan, they can learn to behave well. As a toy breed, Yorkies are delicate and can be prone to injuries from falls, jumping off furniture, or rough play. It’s important to handle them with care to keep them safe.
3. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are incredibly popular in Tennessee for their friendly nature and ability to get along well with other pets. They are the perfect mix of good looks, intelligence, and playfulness. Known as a “designer breed,” Goldendoodles were bred to combine the lovable traits of both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, they shed very little and are hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for families with allergies.
Goldendoodles are ideal family dogs due to their extreme friendliness and social personalities. They come in various fur types, colors, and sizes, so there’s sure to be one that fits your preferences. These energetic and playful dogs love to exercise and enjoy activities like agility training. While they are happy to relax on the sofa and make great cuddle buddies, their true talents shine in more active pursuits.
Their intelligence makes Goldendoodles easy to train, allowing them to quickly learn basic commands like sit, stay, and come, as well as fun tricks like roll over, shake, and dance. According to Forbes, their high energy levels and intelligence mean they require dedicated time and effort from their owners.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is popular in Tennessee for its cordial and affectionate personality, as well as its long, luxurious coat. Their small size, moderate energy, and easygoing nature make Shih Tzus an excellent family dog that is perfect for apartment living.
Shih Tzus are social, friendly, and always happy to be by your side, embodying the true spirit of a companion breed. They are just as content going for a walk as they are curling up next to you on the couch. However, their strong attachment to their owners means some Shih Tzus can suffer from separation anxiety, requiring special training to help them cope with being alone.
Shih Tzus generally gets along well with kids and other pets. However, as with all toy breeds, caution is needed around young children or large dogs that could accidentally injure them during play.
Intelligent and alert, Shih Tzus will investigate unusual sights and sounds, often barking to alert their owners. PetPlan notes that their enviable, luxurious coats require extra grooming, but they shed less than their long locks might suggest. Many owners opt to visit professional groomers to keep their Shih Tzu’s hair cut short for easier maintenance.
5. German Shepherd
German Shepherds have become one of the most popular dog breeds in Tennessee. These dogs are generally playful and energetic, making them great companions for children and the elderly. Known for their devotion, vigilance, and protective nature, German Shepherds are among the best breeds for watchdog and protection duties.
They enjoy training and learn quickly, but they can sometimes test their handler’s determination. While some German Shepherds may display overly aggressive behavior toward people and other pets, this can be corrected with proper training. They will bark in response to perceived threats but are not overly noisy or excitable.
German Shepherds are prone to skin problems that can cause itching, fur loss, and odors, requiring extra attention during bathing. Their double coat sheds considerably, especially during shedding season, necessitating daily brushing. Outside of shedding season, brushing once or twice a week will suffice.
Britannica states that German Shepherds are hardy in both cold and moderately warm weather, making them adaptable to Tennessee’s varying climate.
6. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a world-class lap dog with irresistible looks, guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face with its wrinkly face, bat-like ears, and sturdy body, making it a famous dog in Tennessee. They love children, which is one of the main reasons they continue to be so popular in the state.
French Bulldogs have a great temperament compared to other breeds. They remain gentle and calm even when kids get rowdy. They are relatively easy to groom and only need occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy. Though they are average shedders, it’s important to start grooming your French Bulldog at an early age.
While French Bulldogs don’t bark much, they are quite opinionated and love to “talk.” Owners often believe their Frenchies speak their own language, expressing themselves with a variety of sounds, from whining to snorting. This endearing trait is one of the reasons they are so adored.
Despite their size, WebMD notes that French Bulldogs can be stubborn and manipulative, so consistent training is essential. They have relatively low energy levels and don’t need much exercise, making them suitable for various living environments.
7. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in Tennessee. This beautiful, exuberant, and loving breed is a devoted companion, always ready for action. Whether it’s a game of fetch, hiking, swimming, or other exercises, Golden Retrievers are natural athletes who excel at various sports. They are versatile and are used for everything from hunting to rescue and service dog work.
Despite their playful, sometimes goofy demeanor, Golden Retrievers learn quickly and can master a multitude of skills, including search and rescue operations during disasters. They are often employed as therapy dogs due to their empathy and unconditional love, helping to calm and comfort people of all ages, from young children to elderly patients.
Golden Retrievers retain their exuberant puppy behavior longer than other breeds, often remaining playful and silly into adulthood. They are known for eating almost anything, from their dinner to toys, paper, and crayons, so it’s important for owners to limit treats, measure food carefully, and feed them only at mealtimes to prevent overeating.
AKC states that like other retrievers, Goldens love to carry things around, whether it’s sticks, toys, clothing, or anything else they can get their paws on.
Wrap Up
Tennessee is home to many beloved dogs, with some breeds standing out as favorites. The Labrador Retriever remains the most popular dog breed, known for its friendly and versatile nature. Other popular dog breeds in the state include the playful Beagle and the affectionate Golden Retriever.
As the American Kennel Club announced, these breeds continue to capture the hearts of many Tennesseans. Whether you’re looking for a loyal companion or an energetic playmate, Tennessee’s most popular dog breeds offer a perfect match for every dog lover.
