10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the Philippines

Dogs are a man’s best friend, and in a country famous for its family ties, that adage is true tenfold. The Philippines is home to several dog breeds, many of them imported from other countries, and the tropical climate means that there are some breeds that are more popular than others. Currently, the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI) lists over 85,000 purebred dogs in its studbook. If you’re curious as to which kinds of dogs are common in the country, here’s a list of the top ten most popular dog breeds in the Philippines.

Shih-Tzu

• Average Weight: 4kg to 7.2kg
• Height: 20-28cm at the withers
• Life expectancy: 10-16 years
• Temperament: Lively, intelligent, affectionate, friendly
• Origin: China
• Hypoallergenic: Yes

Shih-tzus are a popular breed in the Philippines for their lively attitude and friendly disposition. Also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog and recognizable because of their long, sleek fur, shih-tzus have a distinctive underbite as part of their breed standard. Shih-tzu puppies have a dense, soft puppy fluff that changes into the famous long, silky coat of adulthood once they reach the age of 10 to 12 months. Originally bred as companions, this dog breed has recently become more visible in training and obedience competitions thanks to their intelligent nature.

Pug

• Average Weight: 9kg
• Height: 30cm at the withers
• Life expectancy: 12-15 years
• Temperament: Stubborn, docile, clever, playful
• Origin: China
• Hypoallergenic: No

Pugs are one of the most popular dogs around due to their distinctive squashed faces and playful nature. Squat and thickset, these are sturdy yet compact dogs who are bred to be companions. Their deep wrinkles are said to be good luck in Chinese culture, and it’s said that pugs whose wrinkles spelled the character “prince” were the luckiest of all. The pug is a happy and affectionate dog, and can be easily socialized to get along with small children and other animals. They also make good watchdogs without being too noisy, and are relatively inactive when indoors, making them good house or apartment dogs.

Pomeranian

• Average Weight: 1.9kg to 3.5kg
• Height: 20cm at the withers
• Life expectancy: 12-16 years
• Temperament: Extroverted, intelligent, sociable, playful
• Origin: Central Europe
• Hypoallergenic: No

Originally bred from sled dogs, pomeranians are some of the most excitable and energetic small dogs around. They are intelligent and adaptable, making them good choices for first-time owners. They’re also extremely affectionate with family, and can be considered good dogs for households with small children. Start training your pomeranian puppy at an early age, and you’ll find that it picks up tricks and behaviors quickly, making it a quick study. Teacup pomeranians do tend to be yappy, and can have a lot of energy if left alone too long, but with proper care can make great companions.

Siberian Husky

• Average Weight: 16kg to 27kg
• Height: 50cm to 60cm at the withers
• Life expectancy: 12-15 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, alert, gentle
• Origin: Siberia
• Hypoallergenic: No

With its noble, wolflike carriage, a Siberian husky is the closest many dog owners will get to owning an actual wolf. While the tropical climate in the Philippines might make these dogs difficult to care for, their beautiful coloring, intelligence, and friendliness make them popular companions nonetheless. Huskies are athletic dogs, and their fondness for escaping can make them a bit of a handful for first time owners. However, they are incredibly good with children and other dogs, making them great family pets. If you do decide to bring home a husky puppy, make sure you have plenty of water and cool air conditioning, as their thick coats can mean they overheat quickly in the warm climate.

Beagle

• Average Weight: 9kg to 11kg
• Height: 33cm to 41cm at the withers
• Life expectancy: 12-15 years
• Temperament: Even-tempered, intelligent, determined, amiable
• Origin: United Kingdom
• Hypoallergenic: No

Originally bred as a scenthound, the beagle is used to running and is one of the sportiest, most athletic dogs around. Compact and friendly, these dogs are fun-loving and are excellent companions for active families. They are extremely affectionate, and are friendly towards kids, other dogs, and strangers. However, beagle puppies can be somewhat difficult to train, and they need creative training methods due to their stubbornness and independence. They’re also known as “chow hounds,” and have a tendency to overeat if their food isn’t monitored, so make sure their food bags are kept out of sight for the most part.

Labrador Retriever

• Average Weight: 25kg to 36kg
• Height: 55cm to 62cm at the withers
• Life expectancy: 10-14 years
• Temperament: Even-tempered, intelligent, outgoing, gentle
• Origin: Newfoundland
• Hypoallergenic: No

The labrador retriever is the most popular dog breed in the world, with over a hundred thousand registered dogs worldwide. This is a dog that was first bred as a fisherman’s helper, and its good-natured personality and hardworking attitude have made it a favorite of dog owners across the globe. The labrador is a great companion for the tropical Philippine weather, as its short coat is easy to keep clean and glossy. It does shed a lot however, and is not hypoallergenic unlike other breeds. A labrador puppy is intelligent and can pick up new tricks and commands much faster than its peers, making it the perfect training subject. Labradors do have a tendency to get a little mouthy, however, and aren’t afraid to complain, so make sure to curb that behavior early on.

Chihuahua

• Average Weight: 1.5kg to 3kg
• Height: 15cm to 23cm at the withers
• Life expectancy: 12-20 years
• Temperament: Devoted, lively, alert, courageous
• Origin: Mexico
• Hypoallergenic: No

A favorite of socialites and lay people alike, the chihuahua is more than just its stereotype of a yappy toy dog. Despite its small size, it has a big personality, and can hold its own in competitions of obedience and ability. Surprisingly, the chihuahua is also one of the top 10 watchdog breeds of any size, showing that it packs a punch in such a small frame. This dog breed adapts well to apartment living, and is particularly good for novice owners. It’s sweet and affectionate with family, but can get a little aggressive with strangers, so make sure to make introductions first. Its short coat makes it easy to groom, and the amount of shedding is fairly minimal, making it perfect for condo living.

Chow Chow

• Average Weight: 20kg to 32kg
• Height: 46cm to 56cm at the withers
• Life expectancy: 9-15 years
• Temperament: Aloof, loyal, independent, quiet
• Origin: China
• Hypoallergenic: No

Chow chows are a breed of dogs with a long and proud history, and are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They have a distinctive, mane-like coat of fur that in some cuts can look distinctly lion-like— appropriate, because these dogs have somewhat cat-like personalities. They adapt fairly well to apartment living, and unlike other dogs can be left alone without kicking up much of a fuss. If you’re looking for a cuddle buddy, this might not be the breed for you, but they can be fiercely loyal and protect the home well. To keep your chow chow puppy from getting too territorial, make sure to socialize it at a young age to ensure it doesn’t get too spooked by new arrivals.

German Shepherd

• Average Weight: 22kg to 40kg
• Height: 55cm to 65cm at the withers
• Life expectancy: 9-13 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, obedient, loyal, alert
• Origin: Germany
• Hypoallergenic: No

The german shepherd dog, or GSD as it’s sometimes known, is one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. German shepherds are primarily working dogs, and their courage and fierce loyalty make them excellent companions. Despite stereotypes, they are extremely affectionate with family and are great with kids and are fairly easy to groom. They do shed a lot, but are easy to train and highly intelligent. Your german shepherd puppy will have a lot of energy, so make sure you help it get a lot of exercise and play.

Poodle

• Average Weight: Toy Poodle – 2.7kg to 4kg; Miniature Poodle – 7kg to 8kg; Standard Poodle – 21kg to 27kg
• Height: Toy Poodle – 24cm to 28cm; Miniature Poodle – 28cm to 35cm; Standard Poodle – 45cm to 60cm
• Life expectancy: 12-15 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, active, faithful, trainable
• Origin: Germany, France
• Hypoallergenic: Yes

Poodles are incredibly impressive dogs, with lots of size variety within the breed. While they may seem like dogs meant for posh lifestyles, you’ll find that behind all the glitz and glam are intelligent, sociable, affectionate family dogs. Poodles were initially bred for hunting waterfowl, so they are extremely intelligent and quick-thinking dogs. They adapt well to condo living and are good for novice owners, and they shed minimally, making them one of the neatest and easiest to care for long-haired breeds around. They do have a high potential for weight gain, so make sure that your poodle puppy is getting lots of exercise while it’s still young.

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Looking for ideas for where to take your furry friends? Try out this list of 10 pet-friendly restaurants in Metro Manila for some ideas.