Virginia State Dog, Popular Breeds, and Finding the Right Breed
Virginia is among the handful of states in the US that has an official state dog – the American Foxhound. This breed is believed to have been developed by George Washington and is one of the rare breeds that’s native to America.
Other breeds that are popular in Virginia include Beagles, German Shepherds, and Labradors.
If you’re interested in puppies for sale in Virginia, Puppy Hero lists several reputable breeders in the state. If you’re still not sure which breed to choose, here are some tips.
- Size: The dog’s size and the size of your living space are both important. If you live in a small apartment in Virginia, there just may not be enough space for a large dog, such as a Great Dane or Siberian Husky. If you live in a small Virginia home and don’t have a backyard, a dog with high exercise needs, such as a Border Collie or German Shepherd, may not have the space he needs to stay active and healthy.
- Lifestyle: It’s important to choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and activity level. If you love to go for long walks, hikes, or runs in Virginia, then a high-energy dog will be ideal to keep up with you. On the other hand, if you are a laidback family or individual in Virginia, then it’s best to pick a breed whose exercise needs are minimal.
- Schedule: Some breeds are independent and can do reasonably well if left alone for several hours each day. Examples include Akita Inus, Bull Terriers, Pugs, and Chow Chows. Others, like Toy Poodles and Australian Shepherds don’t like being left alone. If you are thinking of bringing a new puppy into your Virginia home, choose a breed that matches your schedule.
- Traits: It’s important to understand the inherent traits of a dog breed. For instance, some breeds such as hounds have a high prey drive while others such as terriers have a strong chase instinct. It’s also important to look at traits such as fur, especially if someone in your Virginia household is allergic to animal fur.
- Climate: Last but not least, you should take into account the climate where you live when choosing a dog breed. Virginia enjoys a near-perfect climate that’s neither too hot nor too cold, so this is not a big issue, but there are certain dog breeds that are more adaptable than others.
