The Best Texas Dog Breeds: Everything You Need to Know
If you live in Texas, you may be curious about which dog breeds are the right choice for your home. While it varies based on your preference, the good news is that we’re here to help. In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about the best Texas dog breeds. In fact, we’ll even cover some dog breeds that got their start out in Texas. Read on to learn everything you need to know.
Are There Any Texas Dog Breeds?
Before we dive into some of the best Texas dog breeds, you may be wondering if there are any dog breeds that can call Texas home. While there aren’t many, you’ll find that the Blue Lacy was recognized as the official state dog in 2025.
This is due to the fact that the dog originated during the 1800s to herd cattle and livestock. Today, the breed is still popular, but you’ll find that these dogs tend to do better in more rural areas where they can be put to work due to their high energy levels.
The 4 Best Texas Dog Breeds
There are a handful of great dog breeds in Texas, so this can make choosing the right breed for you challenging. What’s more, some breeds are better than others, so we take you through the four best Texas dog breeds below.
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua has been one of the most popular dog breeds in Texas for a long time. You’ll find that Chihuahuas are popular dogs due to their small size and tolerance for the Texas heat during the summer months. Sure, they can be a little sassy, but you’ll find that Chihuahuas tend to be adaptable to most living situations.
This is why you’ll find them in small apartments across Dallas and Austin, but also out in the suburbs of these cities.
2. Labrador Retriever
Another great dog breed for Texas is the Labrador retriever. These dogs are medium-sized dogs with a lot of energy, so you’re a little limited on where you can live with them. However, as long as you have a home with a backyard, Labrador retrievers make great canine companions.
At the end of the day, it’s all about having enough time and energy to train, play, and walk them. If you can’t meet these needs, unfortunately, you may want to consider a smaller and less intensive dog breed.
3. Blue Lacy
As the’ state dog of Texas, it’s hard not to include the Blue Lacy, which is a medium-sized herding dog. These dogs are a great choice if you live in a more rural part of Texas. For example, if you have a ranch and animals that you need to herd, you can’t go wrong with the Blue Lacy.
That said, if you live in a city or suburb and don’t have time to walk, train, or play with a Blue Lacy, you may want to consider other options. However, if you want to introduce a little bit of Texas heritage into the family, you can’t go wrong with this popular dog breed.
4. German Shepherd
While not native to Texas, the German shepherd has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and this includes Texas. German Shepherds are smart, trainable, and easy to care for as long as you have the time to train, walk, and play with them. Speaking of time, you’ll need at least 30 minutes to an hour of daily activity to keep these dogs happy.
It’s also important to note that German shepherds are medium-sized dogs, so you need enough space to accommodate them. Thankfully, as long as you have a home with a backyard, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Find the Best Texas Dog Breeds Today
Finding the best Texas dog breeds has never been easier. Sure, you can scramble to find breeders in your area, but with the tools offered by Dog Academy, you don’t have to worry about coming up empty-handed. These tools will help you find the best Texas dog breeds in your area through reputable breeders who understand the importance of healthy breeding practices.
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