Discover the Most Common Dog Breeds in Mexico

Did you know Mexico is, by far, one of the Latin American countries with the highest presence of dog pets? According to data collected by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), 57 out of every 100 Mexican households have a pet. 85% of these are dogs, equivalent to around 19 million dogs.

The remaining 15% are cats, meaning around 3 million felines. Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Puebla are the cities with the highest number of dogs. Thanks to the Pet Census produced every year by the company DogHero, today you'll discover which are Mexicans' favorite breeds. Shall we dive in?

The 10 Dog Breeds Mexicans Love Most

The Brazilian pet services company DogHero enjoys great popularity in Mexico and regularly conducts surveys on various categories among the dogs and cats registered on its platform. So, this past 2020 was no exception, and here are the results on the most popular dog breeds in Mexico.

1. Mixed Breed

With a wide margin, 25.59% compared to the second highest-rated, the Chihuahua at 9.14%, we find the dog with no defined breed. There are several reasons why these dogs, combining traits from different breeds, are the most beloved.

Biologically, they're better equipped to adapt to changes in their environment, requiring less care. Thanks to their genetic diversity, they tend to live longer and show unique physical traits, making them very special.

Since most of them come from the street, they're very grateful, and living with them tends to be easy and rewarding. All these reasons quickly explain why Mexicans have a special fondness for mixed-breed dogs.

Mixed-breed dog

2. Chihuahua

This charming breed originates from Mexico, just like the Mexican wolf-dog Calupoh, or the Xoloitzcuintle, a curious hairless breed the Aztecs believed accompanied their owners to the underworld. Back to Chihuahuas — you should know these small dogs are enormously affectionate and full of personality.

They love human company, but can become demanding if not properly trained from puppyhood. They adapt perfectly to life in a small apartment and don't require excessive care.

Chihuahuas

3. Schnauzer

Intelligent and territorial, this German breed has 3 varieties: miniature, standard, and giant. That said, its beard and whip-like tail are its most distinctive traits. It ranks among the 12 smartest dog breeds in the world, making it easier to train.

Due to its strong protective instinct, the Schnauzer can bark a lot around strangers. To prevent this, early socialization is a good idea, especially if it'll be living with other pets. It feels a strong attachment to its family, which it'll defend bravely and with determination.

4. Poodle

This is another very intelligent, small-sized breed that adapts perfectly to any environment. It enjoys grabbing its owner's attention and is always up for play and interaction, especially with the youngest members of the household. Beyond stimulation and regular brushing of its curly coat, the Poodle doesn't require much more care.

It's an excellent hunter and swimmer, largely because during the 15th century, nobles and aristocrats used it to retrieve waterfowl. There are four varieties: standard, medium, miniature, and toy. All of them show off a lovely curly coat and expressive dark eyes.

Poodle

5. Maltese

Of Italian origin, it barely reaches 3 kg. It's another excellent pet breed thanks to its affectionate, sociable character. It gets along with children and other pets right away. It'll enjoy playing with all of them if properly socialized from a young age.

These are intelligent dogs unafraid of challenges. In fact, they show a good aptitude for training, always relying on positive reinforcement. Despite its fluffy white coat, it's vulnerable to temperature changes. In summer, you'll need to protect it from heatstroke, and keep it warm in winter.

Since it tends to tangle easily, it needs brushing 2 or 3 times a week. Its eyes and ears need weekly cleaning, and the fur covering its ears needs trimming to prevent infections.

6. Siberian Husky

Bred by the Chukchi tribe, this breed was used to pull sleds during their long journeys through northeastern Siberia. So, besides its undeniable beauty, these dogs have great work capacity and physical endurance.

They're very affectionate and loyal toward their human family. They're very active and appreciate spending many hours outdoors. Thanks to its intelligence, training won't be too hard, but you'll need to socialize it from puppyhood if it'll be living with other pets.

Siberian Husky

7. Pug

As a brachycephalic breed, it's prone to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or right after intense exercise. These are very affectionate, playful dogs, and life with them is, without a doubt, lovelier.

The Pug builds a strong bond with its family. If you have to spend much of the day away from home, separation anxiety is quite likely to show up. To prevent this, give it enough games and challenges to stay stimulated, and when you get back, dedicate some quality time to pampering it. Due to its tendency toward obesity, it needs daily physical activity.

8. American Pit Bull Terrier

Despite its bad reputation, these dogs are extremely loyal and affectionate. It's believed they descend from the Roman Empire. That said, today's American Pit Bull Terrier originated in 19th-century Great Britain. Mastiff-type dogs were used in its breeding, meant for fighting bulls and bears.

When such fights were banned, they began crossing them with Terriers to make them lighter and pit them against each other instead. Thanks to the work of dog enthusiasts in the U.S., a new breed emerged, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and its negative reputation faded into the past. With proper training, they can perform many tasks.

They're very protective, active, and intelligent. It won't hesitate to confront anyone if it senses you're in danger. It needs intense daily physical activity to stay healthy and balanced.

Pit Bull

9. Labrador Retriever

This is one of the best-known, most beloved dog breeds worldwide, and Mexico is no exception. It has an excellent temperament: affectionate, intelligent, confident, and sociable. These traits explain why it's used for assistance therapy, rescue work, or as a guide dog for the visually impaired.

It's an easy-to-train breed that enjoys learning new tricks, as well as physical exercise. Playing with kids is its favorite activity — in fact, it's very patient with them.

Labrador

10. Yorkshire Terrier

Don't be fooled by its mischievous look and lovely coat — the Yorkshire shows off a strong personality and always gets what it wants. If it picks you as its favorite, you'll have a lifelong friend. As is common in toy breeds, its metabolism is fast. Because of this, the healthiest approach is offering small, frequent meals.

Its nail wear is lower than larger breeds'. You'll need to trim them regularly, as well as brush its teeth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, especially on the back teeth. From a year old, you can treat it with oral care snacks. Brush its coat daily and bathe it monthly.

It's likely one of Mexicans' favorite breeds matches your own. Beyond dogs' physical traits, their temperament is what draws us closer to loving, caring for, and respecting them more every day. Do you agree?