The best dog breed for you based on your state

Trying to figure out the best dog breed for you? Or just want a fun way to explore what dogs match different parts of the country? Whether you’re moving, curious or looking for your next furry companion, consult this list to find the dog breeds that suit different states.

It's true, each state, pup and person has a distinct personality. Whether you still live there or left long ago, your state’s dog persona may reveal something about you, too.

Browse KSL Classifieds pets →  

Finding the best dog breed for your state

Alabama | Bloodhound

You’re talkative and friendly, and an expert at social media stalking, just like this nosy sleuth-hound.

Find a hound →

Alaska | Alaskan malamute

You’re tough enough for arctic weather, but also kind of a diva. You need your family nearby and tons of cuddles.

Find an Alaskan malamute →

Arizona | Chihuahua

With a personality as big as the Grand Canyon, it’s hard to not love your company, even if you’re a little spicy. 

Find a Chihuahua →

Arkansas | German shorthaired pointer

You were born to roam the Ozarks with the birds. You need lots of attention, but you’ll always bring back a sweet treat from the woods for those you love.

Find a German shorthaired pointer →

California | Afghan hound

Living life one glamourous photoshoot at a time? That’s Hollywood, baby! Even with your high-maintenance life, you're quite the goofball.

Find a hound →

Colorado | Australian shepherd

If your friends aren’t down to summit a mountain at the drop of a hat, are they even your friends? 

Find an Aussie →

Connecticut | Cavalier King Charles spaniel

You love history and the refined things in life. You’re a bit of a homebody but can be playful in the right circumstances. 

Find a Cavalier King Charles spaniel →

Delaware | Bichon frisé

You’ve had important roles throughout life, but you’re a little comedian at heart. It makes you happy to see your family and friends having fun. 

Find a Bichon frisé →

Florida | Pomeranian

A little bad weather never stops you from having a good time, as long as your favorite people are there.

Find a Pomeranian →

Georgia | Labrador retriever

Well you’re just the sweetest peach around, aren’t ya? If someone needs cheering up, you’re the first person they call. 

Find a Lab →

Hawaii | Portuguese water dog

You’re not a people pleaser, you’re just eager to please and love showing people a good time in the water. Wanna catch some waves, anyone?

Find a Portuguese water dog →

Idaho | Bernese mountain dog

Potatoes and hugs — that’s your motto. You’re also the biggest helper on the family farm and the best at wrangling kiddos. 

Find a Bernese →

Illinois | Rottweiler

Always in a silly mood, you’re never not down for deep dish pizza and paintball with your best friends.

Find a Rottie →

Indiana | Beagle

A Hoosier hound like yourself works hard (for treats and meats) and plays even harder. 

Find a beagle →

Iowa | Golden retriever

You’re everyone’s favorite! And you’re always down for some good ol’ American fun, whether playing ball or fetching some snacks.

Find a golden retriever →

Kansas | Cairn terrier

You’re fearless in the face of danger and willing to face any foe (like a wicked witch) for your companion.

Find a terrier →

Kentucky | Treeing Walker coonhound

Nothing stirs your soul quicker than some bluegrass music and deep conversation with family. 

Find a hound →

Louisiana | Catahoula leopard dog

Much like Louisiana’s state dog, you’re wild, affectionate, assertive and won’t tolerate bad behavior from others.

Find a Catahoula →

Maine | Newfoundland

You’re built to watch over things, whether that’s stormy seas or a cabin full of wee kiddos. 

Find a Newfoundland →

Maryland | Chesapeake Bay retriever

For you, a worthwhile goal and independent reflection by the sea sound better than goofing off and small talk. 

Find a Chesapeake Bay retriever →

Massachusetts | Boston terrier

You're a perfect American gentleman or gentlewoman, yet contagiously goofy and happy. 

Find a Boston terrier →

Michigan | Siberian husky

A little cold never hurt anybody. Neither did your loud voice and silly, sassy attitude. 

Find a husky →

Minnesota | Samoyed

Another winter diva! You like to make your opinion loud and clear — rain, shine or snow. 

Find a Samoyed →

Mississippi | Plott hound

You are mellow and quite the gentleperson. But that doesn’t stop you from having a rip-roarin’ hunting adventure in the wilderness. 

Find a hound →

Missouri | Boxer

You’re incredibly popular and love going outside to play in all Missouri’s (state) parks with your friends. 

Find a boxer →

Montana | Great Pyrenees

You’re big — big into protecting others and big into patrolling the mountains of Big Sky country, all while chill as a cucumber.

Find a Great Pyrenees →

Nebraska | Collie

One of the nicest folks around, you probably care for the elderly and volunteer with children in your spare time. 

Find a collie →

Nevada | Chinese crested

Hey there, strange lookin’ beauty. You’re always down to try new looks, activities and food. Wanna get weird and head to Las Vegas?

Find a Chinese crested →

New Hampshire | Shiba Inu

You like to vacation in woodsy lakeside cabins, then scream (excitedly) at your neighbors when you have visitors in town. 

Find a Shiba Inu →

New Jersey | American Staffordshire terrier

It may take some time for you to warm up to people, but deep down you just want to head to the boardwalk and get a corndog with your pals. 

Find a terrier →

New Mexico | Basenji

Clowning around in a desert town is your favorite thing to do. That and yodeling.

Find a basenji →

New York | Miniature schnauzer

Outgoing and bossy? Quick-witted and adaptable? You fit right in with big city folk.

Find a miniature schnauzer → 

North Carolina | English setter

You’re graceful in every sense of the word. You enjoy nature, and you’re a delight to be around.

Find an English setter → 

North Dakota | Saint Bernard

Big heart and a big helper — you’re kind, patient with kids and ready to shovel your neighbor’s walk in a blizzard.

Find a Saint Bernard →

Ohio | English bulldog

You’re a fan favorite. You’re probably a relaxed musician who will eventually be admitted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

Find an English bulldog →

Oklahoma | Redbone coonhound

You’re always snoofin’ for love and attention, even if it takes you on wild adventures through open plains or backwoods forests.

Find a hound →

Oregon | Border collie

You’re an expert organizer, great at business and always down to party. Meeting with a publisher, running a coffee shop and a game of disc golf is a typical day for you. 

Find a border collie →

Pennsylvania | German shepherd

You’re sharp as a tack and thrive with structure. If ever there’s a crisis, a business to save, a country to run — you’re perfect for the job. 

Find a German shepherd →

Rhode Island | Papillon

You may be quiet and unassuming, but you’re packed full of personality, a seafood connoisseur and a bookshop owner.

Find a papillon →

South Carolina | Weimaraner

Well my, my, my! Aren’t you a classy lass? Elegant sportsmanship and a charming accent? Everyone dreams of your company.

Find a Weimaraner →

South Dakota | Anatolian shepherd

You’re rugged, stoic and knowledgeable of the prairies and mountains — the type people want around if the zombie apocalypse occurs. 

Find an Anatolian shepherd →

Tennessee | Bluetick coonhound

Tennessee’s official state dog is just as musical and soulful as you are. All you need is a guitar     at a campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Find a hound →

Texas | Blue Lacy

Once a Texan, always a Texan — just like the official state dog. You’re polite and respectful and appreciate good manners. 

Find a blue lacy → 

Utah | Goldendoodle

You’re a bit of a doofus, a little hyper, but overall you’re wholesome, obsessed with your family and always down for a hike.

Find a goldendoodle →

Vermont | Tibetan terrier

If ever someone had a mind for Zen, it’s you. Chilling in the fall foliage is what you live for. 

Find a terrier →

Virginia | American foxhound

Like this state dog, you love to sing (or bay) the blues until the sun comes up. You need wide open spaces and a couple friends to serenade.

Find a hound →

Washington | Blue heeler/Australian cattle dog

Always prepared — your car has spare water, clothes, snacks and rechargeable batteries. You never know when the next adventure will pop up.

Find a heeler →

West Virginia | Mountain Cur

Mountains call your name and you love having a close companion join you on remote adventures.

Wisconsin | American water spaniel

Like this official state dog, you have an affinity for sailing. You’re empathetic and kind — always willing to share your cheese curds.

Find a spaniel →

Wyoming | Pembroke Welsh corgi

You can wrangle anything and look cute from behind — the perfect cowboy.

Find a corgi →

Find your perfect dog on KSL Classifieds

When you’re ready to meet the breed that fits your style, explore thousands of local dog listings on KSL. From family-friendly favorites to hardworking herders, you’ll find puppies, rescues and more available right here in our community.

Browse all dogs on KSL Pets →