13 Popular Dog Breeds in Florida and How They Handle the Heat
September 28, 2026
Florida households keep dogs in huge numbers, and the breeds they choose don’t always match what a heat-and-humidity climate would suggest. Florida’s favorite dog breed is the goldendoodle, a designer breed created by crossbreeding a golden retriever and a poodle, despite a curly double coat that runs against typical hot-weather advice. That contradiction sits at the center of any conversation about popular dog breeds in Florida: owners pick companions for temperament and looks first, then adjust care routines around the subtropical weather.
This guide walks through 13 of the state’s most common breeds, from small lap dogs to muscular guardians, and explains what each one needs to stay comfortable through Florida’s long, humid summers. For readers comparing notes with other regions, this breakdown of popular dog breeds nationwide offers useful context on how Florida’s list lines up with the rest of the country.
Important Note: Breed rankings vary by data source. A MetLife Pet Insurance search-trend study named the goldendoodle Florida’s top breed based on Google search interest, while a separate U.S. News & World Report analysis of pet insurance records placed the Labrador Retriever first. Both breeds show up repeatedly among Florida favorites regardless of which methodology is used.
1. Poodle
The poodle, like every domestic dog, belongs to the species Canis lupus familiaris, and it comes in three official sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Its dense, curly coat sheds very little, which makes it a common pick for allergy-sensitive households and the foundation breed behind Florida’s beloved goldendoodle crosses.
That same coat needs regular attention in a humid climate. Unlike sleek, short-haired dogs, a poodle’s curls can trap moisture and heat close to the skin if grooming lapses, so professional trims every six to eight weeks matter more here than in drier states. Short coats generally help with heat tolerance, but other factors like size, health, and activity level also play a role in how well a dog handles warm temperatures, and poodle owners in Florida often compensate with lighter summer clips and indoor exercise during peak afternoon heat.
Pro Tip: Schedule poodle grooming appointments more frequently in summer; matted fur traps heat and moisture, raising the risk of skin irritation in Florida’s humidity.
2. Maltese
The Maltese is a toy breed built for laps and apartments, and it shows up consistently on Florida popularity lists. The most popular dog breeds in the sunshine state of Florida include Maltese, Goldendoodle, and Jack Russell Terrier, according to Petland Florida’s survey of breeder and adoption data.
Its long, silky white coat is single-layered rather than insulating, which helps somewhat in warm weather, but the hair still mats easily in Florida’s humidity if it isn’t brushed several times a week. Because Maltese dogs weigh only four to seven pounds, they overheat faster than larger breeds and do best with short outdoor sessions and plenty of air-conditioned downtime. This makes the Maltese one of the more manageable choices for owners searching for dog breeds suited to Florida’s high-rise condo communities along the coast.
3. Goldendoodle
Few breeds capture Florida’s current taste in dogs better than the goldendoodle. Florida’s favorite dog breed is the goldendoodle, a designer breed created by crossbreeding a golden retriever and a poodle, and Tampa ranked among the most active U.S. cities for searching dog breeds online. Separate insurance-industry data backs up the trend at a national level, too.
Smaller breeds were the clear trend among Florida dog owners, with Chihuahuas taking the runner-up slot followed by Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus, and the goldendoodle as the only larger breed to crack the top five. Goldendoodles inherit variable coat types from their poodle and golden retriever parents, so heat tolerance ranges widely between individual dogs; a loosely curled, single-layer coat handles Florida summers far better than a thick, wavy double coat.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier rounds out Petland Florida’s list of the state’s three most common breeds, alongside the Maltese and goldendoodle already covered above. This small, high-drive terrier was originally bred for fox hunting in England, and that working history still shows up as boundless energy and a strong prey drive around lizards, squirrels, and Florida’s abundant backyard wildlife.
Its short, wiry coat sheds heat reasonably well, but the breed’s intensity means owners need to manage exercise timing carefully. Midday runs in July are a recipe for exhaustion, so most Florida Jack Russell owners shift walks and play sessions to early morning or dusk, which also matches general veterinary advice for any breed suited to Florida’s climate.
5. Cane Corso
Interest in large, protective breeds has climbed sharply among Florida dog shoppers. The most-searched dog breeds in the U.S. are the cane corso, greyhound, and golden retriever, based on Google search-volume analysis from MetLife Pet Insurance, and Florida ranked among the states driving that curiosity.
The Cane Corso is a large Italian mastiff-type breed, muscular and short-coated, originally used to guard property and livestock. That short coat is an advantage in Florida’s heat compared with double-coated guardian breeds, but its size and strength mean it needs consistent training, secure fencing, and a household ready for a dog that can weigh well over 90 pounds. Anyone comparing large protective breeds might also look at how demand shifts in a drier climate through this look at Arizona’s most popular dog breeds, since desert heat management strategies often overlap with Florida’s humidity challenges.
6. Greyhound
The greyhound’s search-popularity spike in Florida is not a coincidence of looks alone. Veterinary sources point to its physiology as a genuine fit for the climate. Short-coated sporting and hound breeds tend to do best in Florida’s heat, and greyhounds are among the top choices veterinarians recommend for the state’s warm, humid conditions.
A greyhound’s minimal body fat and thin, single coat allow heat to dissipate quickly, and the breed’s sprint-and-rest energy pattern suits Florida’s climate better than breeds built for sustained outdoor activity. Many Florida greyhounds are rescues from the racing industry, which adds an adoption angle that appeals to owners already drawn to dog breeds suited to Florida’s warm-weather lifestyle. A similar heat-adapted profile shows up in this overview of Puerto Rico’s top dog breeds, another warm, humid U.S. territory with comparable climate demands.
7. Golden Retriever
The golden retriever remains one of the most recognizable family dogs in the state, and it earns that spot honestly. Golden Retrievers are known for being people-oriented and friendly, very tolerant of children and other pets, and popular in Florida’s suburban and rural areas, though a bit too large and active for tight urban apartments.
Its dense, water-resistant double coat was bred for retrieving waterfowl, which explains why so many Florida goldens gravitate straight toward the nearest pool or canal. That coat sheds heavily in warm weather, so regular brushing helps the dog regulate its temperature and keeps loose fur under control indoors. Families in North Carolina share a similar fondness for the breed, as detailed in this guide to popular dog breeds in North Carolina.
8. Chihuahua
No breed illustrates the gap between national and state-level rankings quite like the Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are the most popular dog breed nationwide, and they are very common in Florida, ranking among the Sunshine State’s top three, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ review of 2026 breed data.
The top three breeds in Florida are all in the nationwide Top-10 list, with the Chihuahua ranked second overall, the French Bulldog sixth, and the goldendoodle seventh. A Chihuahua’s tiny size and short coat make it naturally comfortable in warm weather, though its small body also loses heat fast indoors, so many Florida owners keep a light sweater on hand for chilly air-conditioned rooms even in summer.
9. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has dominated national popularity charts for several years running, and Florida’s cities reflect that trend strongly. For the fourth year in a row, the French Bulldog ranks as the No. 1 most popular dog in the United States, and its compact size and low exercise demands make it a natural fit for apartment living in Miami, Jacksonville, and St. Pete.
That popularity comes with a real health caveat specific to Florida’s climate. The French Bulldog’s short face makes breathing less efficient than long-nosed breeds, so it struggles to handle heat and needs careful management during Florida’s hot summers. Veterinarians note that brachycephalic breeds like the French Bulldog, along with pugs and Boston terriers, may be more susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration than dogs with normal-length muzzles.
- Walk French Bulldogs only during early morning or evening hours in summer.
- Keep outdoor sessions under 15 minutes when the heat index climbs above 90°F.
- Watch for excessive panting, gagging sounds, or gum color changes as early heat-stress signs.
Common Mistake: Assuming a French Bulldog can handle a normal midday walk just because it’s popular. Its flat face limits airflow regardless of fitness level, making it one of the riskier breeds for Florida’s afternoon heat index.
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Small dogs dominate Florida’s favorite-breed lists, and the Yorkshire Terrier is a consistent presence near the top. Chihuahuas took the runner-up slot in Florida’s rankings, followed closely by Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus, with only the goldendoodle breaking into the top five as a larger breed.
The Yorkie’s long, fine coat is often clipped short in Florida to reduce matting and heat buildup, a practical trade-off that also cuts down on grooming time. Because the breed weighs just four to seven pounds, sun exposure and pavement heat pose a bigger risk than air temperature alone, so booties or shaded walking routes are common recommendations for the breed statewide. Owners weighing a similar-sized companion for a cooler climate might compare notes with this rundown of Washington’s most popular dog breeds, where coat and cold tolerance take priority over heat management.
11. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu shares the same top-tier ranking spot as the Yorkshire Terrier in Florida’s small-breed lineup, appearing directly alongside it in state breed-popularity data referenced earlier. Bred centuries ago as a companion dog for Chinese royal households, the Shih Tzu carries a long, flowing double coat that many Florida owners keep trimmed short year-round specifically to manage the state’s humidity.
Its flattened face gives it some of the same breathing limitations seen in French Bulldogs, though generally to a lesser degree. Shih Tzus do best with indoor, air-conditioned living and short outdoor breaks rather than extended yard time, which makes them a reasonable pick for owners in dense Florida communities. Interestingly, the breed also ranks among the favorites in much cooler regions, as shown in this look at Maine’s favorite dog breeds, suggesting its appeal has less to do with climate and more with its manageable size.
12. Bulldog
The Bulldog holds steady as one of Florida’s most recognizable family dogs, prized for a calm temperament that suits a range of households. Bulldogs are another very popular dog in Florida and the rest of the United States, and despite their bulky build, they are friendly and calm, making excellent family dogs.
Like the French Bulldog, this breed’s short, flattened muzzle limits airflow, which becomes a real concern during Florida’s summer heat index spikes. Brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs may be more susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration than dogs with longer snouts, so most Florida veterinarians recommend indoor air conditioning as a non-negotiable rather than a comfort extra. Households in cooler climates face a very different set of considerations, as this guide to Illinois’ popular dog breeds illustrates.
13. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever anchors nearly every list of Florida’s most common breeds, and multiple independent data sources agree on its top position statewide. According to the U.S. News & World Report analysis of pet insurance data, the Labrador Retriever ranks as Florida’s most popular breed, and a separate breed-info review reached the same conclusion.
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in both the United States and Florida specifically, prevalent in suburban and rural areas though also common in cities, largely because of their love of people and ease of training. Their short, dense coat and natural love of swimming make them an easy match for Florida’s pools, lakes, and coastline. Labrador Retrievers are gentle, intelligent, loyal, and extremely friendly, and they love the water, which makes them well suited to Florida’s hot climate. Missouri dog owners show a comparable enthusiasm for the breed, detailed further in this breakdown of Missouri’s popular dog breeds.
Pro Tip: Even strong swimmers like Labs need supervised water time in Florida; warm, still water heats up fast and reduces the cooling benefit dogs normally get from swimming.
Choosing among these 13 breeds comes down to matching coat type, size, and energy level to Florida’s year-round warmth rather than picking on looks alone. Short-coated, athletic breeds like the Greyhound and Cane Corso tend to regulate heat more naturally, while flat-faced favorites such as the French Bulldog and Bulldog need dedicated air conditioning and careful exercise timing regardless of how popular they remain. Small companion breeds like the Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu fit Florida’s condo and townhome lifestyle well, provided owners stay mindful of pavement heat and sun exposure.
Whichever breed ends up in a Florida household, the state’s humidity and heat index deserve as much attention as temperament and size when planning daily walks, grooming schedules, and summer routines. Readers curious about how feline preferences compare across the country can also check this overview of popular cat breeds for a broader look at America’s favorite companion animals.