But not every breed fits every L.A. lifestyle. I\u2019d like to help you with that.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles is a dog town, no bones about it. In this weeklong series, we dig into the obsession.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve had dogs ever since I was a young child, growing up on a ranch with Great Pyrenees, Komondors and Anatolian Shepherds, which protected our goats from coyotes \u2014 and followed me as I ran around our land. I loved reading books about dogs as a kid, whether they were encyclopedias of breeds or classics like \u201cHank the Cowdog.\u201d I watched dog shows and just generally immersed myself in all things canine. <\/p>\n My dog, Maggie May, is a 13-year-old black Lab\/Australian cattle dog mix. I have been stopped on hikes by people asking me how I got her to be such a great trail companion. One hiker asked me if I\u2019d train her sweet energetic boxer. The answer is: Maggie May fits our family\u2019s lifestyle really well, and I also have spent a lot of time understanding how I can best set her up for success. Success being not chewing the water hose in half. Twice.<\/p>\n Below, I\u2019ve tried, with a splash of humor, to recommend dog breeds that I think many everyday Angelenos will enjoy having in their lives. Without wading too deeply into the debate over where you should adopt a dog, I will say: It is important to adopt a dog that best suits your lifestyle and your family\u2019s needs. <\/p>\n I mention specific breeds, but please read each with an asterisk: I am not suggesting a dog has to be purebred to be pure fun. Instead, I\u2019d like you to do what\u2019s best for you. And if your favorite type of dog isn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s not a slight. I could write many pages about our four-legged companions, but alas, I\u2019ve got a word count.<\/p>\n Here are my best informed suggestions of which dog breeds are best for a variety of Angelenos. <\/p>\n For the social butterfly looking to take their buddy everywhere (maybe even in your bag): Chihuahua Chihuahuas are the classic L.A. dog: They\u2019re confident. They know their worth, and they will give you an earful, especially if you threaten the people they love. As a bonus, they often don\u2019t mind being carted along in a bag because they know how royal they are. <\/p>\n Loaded with energy, these affectionate and playful dogs should not be underestimated. When paired in a home with a larger dog, the Chihuahua is almost certainly the one in charge. They will enjoy running around your apartment or yard, especially because they\u2019re spending time with you. <\/p>\n Chihuahuas were bred for Mexico\u2019s warm climate and, thus, might appreciate a sweater or a cuddle when it\u2019s chilly outside. <\/p>\n Anyone in L.A. who has lived in a building that allows dogs will know that Chihuahuas can be communicative (read: yappy). With proper training, you might be successful in persuading them not to bark at the mail carrier, but otherwise \u2014 hey, you always know when you have a visitor. <\/p>\n For the screenwriter who\u2019d like someone with earnest eyes to listen to them: Pit bull You\u2019re crunched on a deadline, and you cannot decide whether your main character is coming off as rugged as you\u2019d hoped. Do they just seem like a jerk? <\/p>\n If you need to talk it out, look no further than the adoring pit bull, who will happily listen to you anytime. Well, unless they\u2019re napping, but given their loyalty, they\u2019d probably wake up for you, especially if you come with treats in hand.<\/p>\n The American pit bull terriers are strong, faithful companions who\u2019ve gotten a bad wrap. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a robust position statement<\/a> that outlines this history and includes important guidance on how behavior will vary widely within a specific breed. In short: A dog\u2019s breed only means so much, and in the case of the pit bull, it doesn\u2019t automatically mean aggression. Pit bulls need to be socialized to be around other dogs like any other breed of dog on this list.<\/p>\n Far from the harmful stereotype, pit bulls are often friendly, eager to please and loyal. The breed \u201cis not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers,\u201d according to the United Kennel Club. I prefer the pitties with big block heads because they\u2019re easiest to kiss on their big goofy noggins. <\/p>\n Just remember to thank them when you win your Oscar!<\/p>\n For the beach lover who\u2019s ready for adventures in the ocean: Labrador retriever Ball? Ball? Ball?<\/p>\n If Labrador retrievers could speak<\/a>, that question would likely comprise at least 40% of their thoughts. <\/p>\n One of the country\u2019s most popular breeds, the Labrador retriever is a classic family dog that enjoys, well, most things in life, but especially fetching tennis balls and swimming in any body of water you allow them to dive into. As you observe their big goofy head navigate toward the stick you threw in the river, you\u2019ll notice their otter tail serving as their rudder as they swim back to you. But watch out: They will absolutely share the love and dry their bodies next to you with a full-body shake. <\/p>\n Your Lab will love trips on a hot day to one of the dog-friendly beaches in the L.A. area. This trip will provide you and your doggo not only with a great time, but also with some of the best people-watching you can experience (along with so many dogs to pet!).<\/p>\n Labs are happiest in an active household, but when they\u2019re tuckered out, prepare yourself for a cuddle fest \u2014 and to be amazed at how much space one dog can take up in your bed. <\/p>\n For the Angeleno looking for a friend to play poker behind a dumpster with other forest animals: This article is about dogs That\u2019s a raccoon, and you might be stoned. <\/p>\n For the movie-loving homebody who\u2019d love a cuddle muffin to watch films with: English bulldog Are you someone who swipes left on the dating apps when you read that yet another person wants to take you hiking? Would you like a faithful companion who will happily hang out on the couch with you as you binge the latest streaming series? The English bulldog, classified in the \u201cnon-sporting<\/a>\u201d breed category, might be the best friend you\u2019ve been waiting for.<\/p>\n These affectionate goofballs<\/a>, with their perfect wrinkly cheeks and jowls, will bring a tremendous amount of love<\/a> into your life. Known for being<\/a> \u201ckind but courageous, friendly but dignified,\u201d bulldogs are famous for their shenanigans, naps and love.<\/p>\n Like any pet, bulldogs can turn naughty when bored. They do require some exercise, as any pet does, but their hot girl summer needs do involve a lot of air conditioning. \u201cSummer afternoons are best spent in an air-conditioned room as a Bulldog\u2019s short snout can cause labored breathing in hot and humid weather,\u201d according to the American Kennel Club. Or perhaps<\/a> time at the beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n An absolute unit, the typical male grows<\/a> up to 50 pounds, while female bulldogs get up to 40 pounds. Even though they will look at you as you eat your sandwich, their sweet eyes piercing into your soul, you must be mindful of how often this lovable chonk gets treats as they\u2019re prone to weight issues.<\/p>\n And when you fall asleep together watching \u201cFootloose\u201d for the 100th time, both of you might wake up in a puddle of your own drool. These slobbery guys, though, make up for it with their never-ending affection for you and your family.<\/p>\n For the \u2018Star Wars\u2019 fan who wishes they could adopt an Ewok: Brussels griffon The real-life inspiration<\/a> for furry inhabitants of Endor, Brussels griffons are wiry-coated playful sweeties with a sensitive side. \u201cKnown for their complete devotion to their immediate families, they thrive on affection,\u201d according<\/a> to American Brussels Griffon Assn. <\/p>\n Sometimes resembling a distinguished countryman with a well-kept beard, Brussels griffons can make<\/a> good apartment dogs as long as their owners are willing to keep up a good, active routine for them. <\/p>\n They can be stubborn as they\u2019re smart, and they might think their idea is better than yours. They don\u2019t like to be left alone and, instead, would enjoy someone who could either take them with them to work or work from home (or live in a home where they can just generally be around their family as much as possible). <\/p>\n In short, if you crash landed<\/a> on a forest moon and earned the trust of a Brussels griffon, they\u2019d very likely go to battle for you against the Empire \u2014 and look very cute doing it!<\/p>\n For the animal lover who doesn\u2019t want a dog who needs a lot of walks: a cat Yes, you can Google yourself down many rabbit holes about which dog breed is the calmest \u2014 like the whippet<\/a>, which is commonly referred to as the \u201clazy man\u2019s dog\u201d \u2014 but all dogs need walks and exercise. So, my friend, it sounds like you need a cat. <\/p>\n And you\u2019re in luck. It\u2019s kitten season<\/a>, the time of year when shelters see a massive increase in the number of tiny precious felines. L.A. County Animal Care and Control<\/a> generally has a large range of kitties to choose from, ranging in age from lil\u2019 baby to old sweetie. Not sure if you\u2019re ready? Consider fostering<\/a>. Undoubtedly, one sweet tabby will purr its way into your heart and become a \u201cfoster fail.\u201d Walks and hikes<\/a> optional.<\/p>\n For the WFH runner nursing their heart after a breakup: vizsla The Hungarian vizsla is a red-coated sweetheart who will adore you so much, it\u2019ll be hard to remember your ex\u2019s name. High-energy, highly adaptable, the vizsla loves to play and enjoys having a job or an activity. \u201cFor centuries these rugged but elegant athletes have been the pride of Hungarian sportsmen, and their popularity in America increases with each passing year,\u201d according to the American Kennel Club<\/a>. <\/p>\n That means once you take your final Zoom call, your vizsla will be ready to run and run. And run. <\/p>\n Known as a \u201cVelcro dog,\u201d your vizsla<\/a> would like to go everywhere with you. If they had opposable thumbs, your vizsla could very well swipe your credit card to finance an advertising campaign announcing how much they love you that would rival the number of \u201cI Am a Scientologist\u201d billboards<\/a> around L.A. A viszla by your side, you\u2019ll be a religious leader with a follower of one. One very cute, very sweet follower \u2014 who likes belly rubs.<\/p>\n For the nature lover who keeps Googling whether they can adopt a coyote: ??? Listen, I know you see them slinking around Elysian Park or your neighborhood, and you think, \u201cCan I pet that dog?\u201d No. That coyote<\/a> doesn\u2019t want to live with you. That desert wolf wants to chase rabbits and eat pizza and chicken that toddlers and drunk people dropped on the sidewalk. <\/p>\n There are an estimated<\/a> 5,000 coyotes in L.A. They\u2019re doing great, and if you want to help them, consider volunteering or supporting organizations<\/a> that advocate for a peaceful coexistence with humans. But don\u2019t pet that dog!<\/p>\n For the hiker who trots through Griffith Park every day: Australian cattle dog Also known as blue or red heelers, the Australian cattle dog is what you might get if you crossbred the Energizer Bunny with a dingo (which it\u2019s actually<\/a> related to). These dogs have stamina. Parents of children 7 years old and younger will recognize the breed from the heartwarming children\u2019s program \u201cBluey<\/a>,\u201d about cartoon pups Bluey, Bingo and their parents, Chilli and Bandit.<\/p>\n The cattle dog is a high-energy herder who thrives on activity. Your cattle dog would love leading you up the Fern Dell Trail in Griffith Park and bask in your glory if rewarded with treats on the Griffith Observatory lawn. And if you\u2019re curious to try trail running or mountain biking, your cattle dog will be right there with you. <\/p>\n Speaking both from experience and the literature, I can vouch for the heeler\u2019s intelligence. Maggie May has never been one fooled into taking a pill wrapped in cheese or peanut butter. She isn\u2019t always one to give back her ball but can be persuaded, especially by children. These dogs aren\u2019t huge barkers, but they might yowl at you, especially if you aren\u2019t getting the leash for a walk quickly enough. <\/p>\n Heelers can be wary of strangers but can be socialized to be more trusting. Maggie May goes to church with me every Sunday and accepts all hugs, rubs and scratches from visitors and members alike. As with any dog on this list, Maggie loves love. <\/p>\n Regardless of what breed or mix you welcome into your home, I hope that dog brings you tremendous joy, comfort and companionship. And I hope that if I ever spot you with them, I can pet that dog. <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n