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Wisconsin is renowned for its natural beauty, with picturesque lakes, rolling hills, and lush forests. The state’s strong sense of community and thriving economy make it an excellent place to live and work. These features also contribute to Wisconsin being a very pet-friendly state, offering plenty of areas for exploration. All of Wisconsin’s state parks, from Devil’s Lake to Kettle Moraine, welcome pets, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures with your furry friends.
In Wisconsin, dogs are celebrated at various events, including dog walks and pet parades, ensuring that every pup has its day in the sun. According to data from the World Population Review, at least one-third of Wisconsin households own a dog.
With so many dog lovers in the state, you might wonder what Wisconsin’s favorite dog breeds are. Americans have a soft spot for all kinds of dogs, whether big or small, lazy or active—they’re all adorable in their own way. If you’re curious to learn more about the most popular dog breeds in Wisconsin, keep scrolling to read the list.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in Wisconsin
1. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever holds the top spot as Wisconsin’s favorite dog breed and is also America’s seventh-favorite. Known for their stunning golden coat, Golden Retrievers are medium-sized dogs that are intelligent, easy to train, and make wonderful family companions due to their friendly nature.
According to the AKC, Golden Retrievers excel in various roles, including hunting, fieldwork, guiding the blind, and search-and-rescue missions. They also enjoy participating in obedience and other competitive events, showcasing their versatile skills and endearing zest for life.
While Golden Retrievers often appear indestructible with their happy-go-lucky demeanor, they can still suffer from health issues. Common problems include hip dysplasia, skin conditions, allergies, and cancer. Golden Retrievers have a strong love for food, which can sometimes lead to obesity. This means that owners need to monitor their diet and ensure they get plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are also among the most popular dog breeds in Wisconsin. True to their name, they started as herders in the German countryside. Over the past century, they have become indispensable in various roles, including service, patrol, and military work. Their incredible intelligence and vibrant personalities bring immense joy to families worldwide.
German Shepherds are known for their speed, capable of reaching up to 30 miles per hour. They are also incredibly loyal and courageous, retaining their ancestral trait of protecting the herd, making them excellent guardians. However, these dogs are not suited for lounging on the couch all day or living in an apartment without adequate outdoor space. They require both mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
According to Forbes, German Shepherds are not a low-maintenance breed. They need constant training and attention due to their lively personalities and strong work ethic. Health-wise, they require special care as they are prone to musculoskeletal disorders and digestive issues. Despite these challenges, their loyalty and intelligence make them a favorite in Wisconsin.
3. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are incredibly popular in Wisconsin, thanks to their delightful personalities. A cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, this breed combines the intelligence of a Poodle with the friendly obedience of a Golden Retriever, making them excellent guide and therapy dogs.
Goldendoodles form strong bonds with family members and other pets in the household. They thrive on social interaction, enjoying the company of both dogs and humans. Like most Poodle mixes, Goldendoodles shed very little, making them a great choice for people with mild allergies. Their coats are shaggier than a Golden Retriever’s but not as curly as a Poodle’s, requiring minimal grooming.
According to PetMD, Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10–15 years, though they can be prone to common health conditions of both parent breeds. While no dog is guaranteed to be free of health issues, purchasing from a reputable breeder can help ensure you get a healthy puppy.
4. Shih Tzu
Also known as the “little lion” or “lion dog,” the Shih Tzu is a beloved toy breed in Wisconsin. Bred for centuries not only for their beautiful silky coats but also to be exceptional companions, Shih Tzus embodies everything one could want in a dog friend. They are intelligent, lively, friendly, trusting, and affectionate. Unlike other toy breeds, Shih Tzus doesn’t yap excessively or demand much—except plenty of affection. It’s no wonder Shih Tzu owners develop strong bonds with these dogs.
Shih Tzus is perfect for anyone who enjoys having a lap dog. Their personality and energy level make them a great fit for both small and large living spaces, as long as there’s a lap available for them. A simple daily walk and lots of snuggles will keep them happy.
These dogs also make excellent family pets. However, due to their long coats and short noses, Shih Tzus doesn’t handle heat or humidity well. If you live in a hot climate, it’s important to have air conditioning to keep them cool. According to WebMD, Shih Tzus can develop bone and joint problems such as Intervertebral Disc Disease, Patellar Luxation, and Hip Dysplasia.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small, affordable, fun, loyal, and easy-to-care-for pets, making them one of the most popular breeds in Wisconsin. With their small heads, big eyes, and perky ears, Chihuahuas are easily recognizable and beloved by many.
Known for their loyalty to their owners, Chihuahuas are also very vocal and wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. They will alert you if someone approaches your home. Chihuahuas are intelligent and relatively easy to train for obedience.
One fun aspect of owning a Chihuahua is dressing them up for special occasions or simply to keep them warm. These dogs are also easy to feed, bathe, and groom. They require only about 20 minutes of exercise per day, which they can easily get indoors or on a short walk around the block.
According to PDSA, Chihuahuas can be prone to health conditions such as luxating patellas, where the kneecaps temporarily slip out of place, and hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn’t fit together perfectly, eventually leading to arthritis.
6. American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is a rare and special breed, highly valued by Wisconsin residents for its loyalty and talent. Recognized by the AKC as the official state dog of Wisconsin in 1986, this breed holds a significant place in the history of both the state and the entire Great Lakes region.
American Water Spaniels have coats that are either wavy or tightly curled, providing protection against the cold and repelling water, all while looking adorable. They are wonderfully friendly, sweet, and fluffy, making them great with children and exceptionally playful. However, they can be wary of strangers, so proper socialization is essential.
Bred as gundogs, American Water Spaniels are highly energetic and love to swim, run, and play. Known for their intelligence and trainability, they thrive when given a job to do and adapt well to various environments.
According to the American Kennel Club, American Water Spaniels typically live for an average of 10–14 years, although many live well into their teens with proper care.
7. Dachshund
If you’re a proud pet parent to a lovable, long-bodied Dachshund, you’re in good company and you’ll understand why they rank high in popularity in Wisconsin. Affectionately nicknamed “wiener dogs,” these muscular dogs are lively, playful, and clever, though they can be a bit stubborn.
Fiercely loyal, Dachshunds often form a close bond with one person and can get jealous or lonely if they don’t receive enough attention. Bred to burrow, they might chew and dig through your home if left unattended for too long. They are best suited for single adults or families with older children.
ASPCA notes that because they only need a couple of short walks a day and some indoor playtime, Dachshunds are great for city dwellers. They shed moderately and have average grooming needs, which vary depending on their coat type.
According to Purina, the most common health problem in Dachshunds is related to their body shape. Their long backs and short legs make them prone to spinal disorders and joint issues, such as Intervertebral Disc Disease, a condition where the discs in their spine are abnormal and fail to cushion the bones properly.
8. Labradoodle
Labradoodles have become one of the most popular dog breeds in recent years, and their popularity in Wisconsin is no exception. While their adorable appearance certainly helps, there are many other reasons why Labradoodles make great pets.
Firstly, Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and trainability. As a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle—both breeds renowned for their smarts—Labradoodles inherit the best traits of both parents, making them exceptionally bright dogs.
Secondly, Labradoodles are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies or those who prefer a dog that doesn’t shed much.
Lastly, Labradoodles are incredibly versatile. They can be trained for a variety of roles, from service dogs to agility competitors, and they make wonderful family pets.
According to Petplan, the most common health issues for Labradoodles include ear-related conditions, skin diseases, tumors, injuries, and lameness. Notably, one in twelve Labradoodles may experience skin disease. Despite these potential issues, their friendly, intelligent, and low-maintenance nature makes them a favorite among dog owners in Wisconsin.
9. Beagle
Beagles are excellent family companions and are among the most popular dog breeds in Wisconsin, and for good reason. Their low maintenance cost and affectionate, yet independent, temperament make them ideal pets for many families. Beagles are friendly and enjoy making new friends, whether they are humans, other dogs, or even cats.
Recently, the USDA has employed Beagles in airports to sniff out illegally smuggled plants and animal products. They were chosen for this work because of their strong noses and friendly appearance. Beagles are generally healthy dogs with short coats that don’t require complicated or expensive grooming. They can thrive in a variety of living conditions, from rural areas to big cities, showcasing their adaptability.
However, Beagles can be loud and bark more than some other breeds, which is something to consider if you live in a city or have close neighbors. They can also be stubborn, which might make training a bit challenging. Common health issues for Beagles include ear infections, obesity, allergies, cherry eye, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.
Wrap Up
Wisconsin is home to a variety of beloved dog breeds. The state’s favorite dog breed, the Labrador Retriever, continues to be a top choice due to its friendly and versatile nature. German Shepherds and Australian Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent herding dogs, popular for their loyalty and energy.
The adorable Shih Tzu and the lively Boston Terrier also rank high among American’s most popular dog breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs, with their gentle temperament are another great pick. Bernese Mountain Dog breed, known for their strength and loyalty, are cherished by many. Wisconsin’s love for all these diverse breeds highlights the state’s appreciation for both active and affectionate canine companions.