Los Angeles has long been one of the world’s most pet-friendly cities and one of the nation’s most dedicated pet owners.
In California, more than half of the population owns at least one pet, and more than 40% of them are dogs, according to reviews from the world population. In Los Angeles County alone, 9.3 million of the 3.3 million households have pets, as reported by the Los Angeles Almanac.
But even as pet ownership increases, Los Angeles is facing an unprecedented shelter covering the overcrowded crisis.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in LA
There are many different breeds in Los Angeles, but some are more popular than others. According to a recent report from the American Kennel Club, these are the five most popular varieties in the city.
French Bulldog Bulldog Golden Retriever German Shepherdra Brador Retriever
The report highlights national trends. French Bulldogs has been ranked as the most popular variety in major US cities for the third year in a row.
Its popularity comes at a rapid price. Kathy Brady, national foster parent manager for the French Bulldog Rescue Network, points out that French bulldogs are one of the most expensive breeds, with puppies selling between $3,000 and $4,000.
“And even after that initial cost, they remain expensive varieties due to health issues,” Brady said. “Whether you have allergies, elongated palate, or often very obstructive airway syndrome requiring surgery, French bulldogs demand important economic commitments.”
Ethical discussions about breeding dogs
For many, dog breeds are more than a preference, representing temperament, size, and even personal history. However, as Los Angeles shelters are capable, the ethics of purchasing dogs from breeders and adopting them from rescues is becoming increasingly urgent debate.
D’Lora Wismar, a board member of the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue, witnessed the impact first hand.
“It seems there’s a huge puppy boom this year. I don’t know what’s going on, but since the beginning of this year, I’ve been keeping my dog for almost a day,” Whismer said.
That influx means shelters are overwhelmed, with many dogs being abandoned by owners who underestimated their pet ownership liability.
Why breed-specific rescue may be the answer
There is good news for those looking for a particular breed while they want to avoid supporting unethical breeding practices. Many of these popular varieties are readily available in shelters and rescues.
“The best reason to get rescued is probably to learn more about dogs than anywhere else,” Brady explained. “They live in foster homes so they can tell you if their kids are good, how they interact with other dogs, even if they need a house with no stairs.”
Many people abandon their dogs because they could not predict behavioral issues, lifestyle mismatches, or full pet ownership commitment.
“I’m biased towards senior dogs,” Brady said. “Puppies aren’t broken, they bite everything and can’t leave them alone. They have a 15-year commitment beyond that. Seniors are already trained, have low maintenance and just finding a place to sleep.”
Where to Ethically Adopt a Certain Dog Breed
If you are looking for a specific variety but want to adopt it ethically, there are many endemic rescue organizations. A simple online search using the breed’s name and the word “rescue” will lead to available dogs who need a home.
There are several rescues dedicated to the most popular varieties in Los Angeles.
Additionally, local rescues like Animal Rescue Mission match the right pets and family and provide access to breed-specific dogs from the shelter.
In the case of adoption
“Even if you’re now in a particular breed, there’s a greater chance that you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for through rescue,” said Shira Scott Astrof, founder of Animal Rescue Mission. “French, poodles and many other purebred dogs end up at shelters with record numbers. The crisis hasn’t been this serious.”
Bob Cheslow, executive at Westside German Shepherd Rescue, emphasizes the importance of research before hiring.
“Even within a single variety, there is a wide range of personality,” Cheslow said. “We work hard to ensure that the dogs you get fit your lifestyle, because our dogs are originally full of dogs that were sold for thousands of dollars.
All experts agreed to one thing. No matter what breed, training is essential.
“Every dog needs training, time and commitment,” Cheslow added.
With so many shelters and rescues offering breed-specific adoptions, Los Angeles residents have plenty of opportunities to find the perfect pet without contributing to the unethical breeding and overpopulation crisis.
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