Popular Dog Breeds of Northeastern Pennsylvania

I love living in Northeastern Pennsylvania, except when snow is predicted.

It's a laid-back, friendly place to live, and people here do love their animals.  There are quite a number of animal-oriented events held throughout the year (hopefully again, now that COVID restrictions are lifting), and a variety of ways to obtain the dog breed of your choice--whether through a reputable breeder, rescue or adoption situation.

Which Breeds are Popular in Northeastern PA?

I did some research on most-owned, most-requested, most-adopted breeds locally.  I matched my findings with what I not only photograph at various events, but also who I see coming for portraits to the studio or on location.  Here are the results.

1.  Doodles

Goldendoodles, Labradoodles and Bernedoodles seem to be the most popular locally.  These cuddly cuties are a favorite of mine to photograph.  Although the breed has received a bit of bad press (health related) in the past year, I have never met a Doodle that wasn't pleasant, cooperative and calm in studio.  But then again, as the old saying goes, I've never met a dog I didn't like.

Here is a great and thorough article on Doodles that I found while researching the different breed mixes. 

​2.  Golden Retrievers

My husband and I are very familiar with this breed, as we have owned two Golden Retrievers, on separate occasions, in our lifetime together.  Our first came from a local shelter at the age of four.  Sandy lived to the age of 14.  Our second came through a purchase from a local man who was an over-the-road truck driver and could no longer keep his dogs.  Ollie was one of my heart dogs, and was taken much too soon at the age of eight.  Goldens can be prone to cancer, and that is exactly what happened with Ollie.

Goldens are usually extroverts. Eager-to-please, they make great family dogs. They always seem happy, can be very  playful, and make great gundogs that are most willing to retrieve waterfowl for hours on end.  With an average weight between 55 and 75 pounds, goldens have thick, luxurious coats, which they do shed out in volumes.  Our Sandy was close to 100 pounds.  Her coat was reddish-golden and she was a large dog (big-boned, as they say).  Ollie was more in line with breed standards at 68 pounds and the best frisbee player we ever owned.

In the past year, I have seen four different goldens in my studio, and I am heartened to know the breed is still loved among many in this area.  Goldens can be loving, family-oriented pets, but they can also have a stubborn streak.

3.  Labrador Retrievers

Labradors are smart, outgoing, gentle, and trusting.  They possess an even temperament.  Their average weight can run anywhere from 55 - 71 pounds, and three coat colors are available: yellow, black or chocolate (brown).  

We adopted our dog Ike, a chocolate labrador retriever, from Caroline County Humane Society many years back.  He was two years old and he lived up to all of the labrador descriptive words.  He left us in 2011, at the age of eleven.  Ike was a one-of-a-kind dog, who we were lucky to have in our lives.  He taught me all about the good things that labradors bring to their relationship with humans.

4. Siberian Huskies

While doing my research, I am going to admit, this one surprised me.  While I have personally known Siberian owners, and have seen maybe one or two on my outings with my own dogs, I did not realize this breed was among the most popular in Northeastern PA.

I even discovered the Delaware Valley Siberian Husky Rescue in Horsham, PA.  

I do remember meeting a few huskies while doing photography work at shelters.  While huskies are friendly, loyal, family dogs, they do need their people to have breed experience.  They are relatively light for what they can do, weighing in at 60 pounds or less.  They are often quite playful, and like any dogs, need to be socialized from an early age.  The two pictured above were part of a sled-dog team I met at a winter event.

5.  Pugs and Puggles

I was not surprised at all by this breed being among the most popular, and I decided to put Pugs and Puggles together, as they seem to be almost tied in local popularity.  I do see them everywhere, from dog walking haunts that I like to favor, to the waiting room at the vet's office (just last week).

Puggles are a cross between a Pug and a Beagle, and carry the characteristics of both breeds.  

Pugs originated in China, and have often been the selected dogs of royalty (along with the Corgi). Their coat colors come in black, fawn, apricot and silver fawn.  They are playful and affectionate, love to snuggle, but can be barky (what my mother used to call - yappy).

Some Other Noteworthy Popular Breeds in Northeastern PA

While the breeds noted above were the ones that kept showing up in my various research sources, there are some others which should be mentioned.

Corgi
German Shepherd
Sheltie
​English Setter

I live in close proximity to a reputable Sheltie breeder as well as a reputable English Setter breeding kennel.  I have a number of friends who own Corgis, and who tell me the breed is popular across other areas of Pennsylvania.  I see many German Shepherds on my walks.

If your breed was not mentioned, please send a comment with the breed you own.  It will help my future research.

I am a member of a professional photography blog circle, featuring a number of pet photographers both nationally and internationally.  To read more about various breeds in other areas, start here with Linda Perdue of VP Shoots Photography, capturing memories of your pets and family in the Tampa, Florida area.  Look for the link at the end of each blog post.  It will take you to the next blog.  Follow the links until you find yourself back here again!

I am always interested in photographing your breed.  Give me a call to schedule!  

Enjoy your weekend!