Not to be confused with National Puppy Day which is March twenty-third, today is National Dog Day.
Like babies, all dogs are cute. Okay, maybe you don’t agree about the babies or the doggies, but we can agree that most of them are. Everybody has a favorite dog and a favorite type of dog. It can be a big strong dog like a German Shepard or a Pit Bull. It can be a little tiny yip-yip dog like a Yorkshire Terrier or a Chihuahua. I’ve had two dogs in my life. One was a medium-sized dog, a black and white Border Collie named Biko, and he was super energetic, as most Border Collies are. He was very Type A, always had to know what everyone was doing at all times, and was extremely affectionate. Then there was Funky, a little hyper black and brown Yorkshire Terrier mix that was equally affectionate, loved to pee anywhere and everywhere, and was best friends with his much larger Collie brother. He was the perfect dog, except for all the peeing, of course.
Although I love those little guys, I can’t say that either one is my favorite breed. Growing up there were two dogs that I loved to see when we would go and visit them. One was Duke, a German Short Hair that I’d get to play with when we visited my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins in Philadelphia. Although he would bite me, a lot, I still enjoyed walking him whenever I got the chance. The other was Crackers, a Beagle that loved to play all day. He lived with family friends who we would see from time to time. From as early as I can remember to when I was eleven or twelve going to see that fun little doggie was one of the happiest times of my life. So, without a doubt, because of my memories of Crackers, Beagles are by far my favorite breed of dog. They’re primarily used for hunting, but they make great family dogs because of their high intelligence and love of affection and attention.
That’s my favorite, let’s see if your fave is on the list of top dog breeds in New Jersey. According to PuppySpot.com, here are the top five most popular dogs in the state.
Goldendoodle
You mix a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, and this is what you get. Want one? Get one here
19 June 2021, Saxony-Anhalt, Magdeburg: A mini goldendoodle carries a tennis ball in its mouth. Photo: Stephan Schulz/dpa-Zentralbild/ZB (Photo by Stephan Schulz/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Golden Retriever
These are great family dogs and are a favorite in any state. Check out a few here
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Finlay the Golden Retriever during Crufts at National Exhibition Centre on March 13, 2022 in Birmingham, England. Crufts returns this year after it was cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 20,000 competitors will take part with one eventually being awarded the Best In Show Trophy. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)
Labrador Retriever
Labs have been one of the most popular dogs in America for decades. See some puppies here
A black labrador plays with a stick on the grass on Friday, 31st of July 2015, Melbourne, Australia (Photo: Steve Christo) (Photo by Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images)
Poodle
They’re one of the most intelligent and are easily identifiable. More here
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 15: A white Standard Poodle poses for a photo during the coronavirus pandemic on May 15, 2020 in New York City. COVID-19 has spread to most countries around the world, claiming over 308,000 lives with over 4.6 million infections reported. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
German Shepherd
Strong and affectionate. Find one here
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 14: Rumor the German Shepherd poses for photos after winning Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden, February 14, 2017 in New York City. There are 2874 dogs entered in this show with a total entry of 2908 in 200 different breeds or varieties, including 23 obedience entries. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
