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I’m shocked! This is New Jersey’s favorite dog breed!

I don’t know when it happened – people started adopting and purchasing rare dog breeds from around the world, to fill their family’s need for a companion dog.

I remember the time you walked into the ASPCA and saw a dog that seemed friendly, cute and came out a rescue. This is how I got my dog ​​Sparky who was a great find at the Monmouth County ASPCA.

What a wonderful dog, sadly he passed away at the age of twelve, but he brought a lot of happiness.

Many here in New Jersey now need to acquire this special breed of dog and will search high and low for them, including adopting dogs from third world countries and the Far East.

The cost of these high-breed dogs is high: thousands of dollars for special breeds.

Photo by Jaycee Xie or Unsplash

Photo by Jaycee Xie or Unsplash

Showsight Magazine analyzed the data and produced the most popular dog breeds here in New Jersey and across the country.

The results left me perplexed because I had never heard of the most popular dog breed in New Jersey today, the Cane Corso.

Yes, the Cane Corso is the most popular breed here in New Jersey.

The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff, known for its stoic, loyal, even temperament and calm nature.

The average Cane Corso male is a large dog that measures between 60 and 70 cm and weighs on average about 45 kg. The life expectancy of the great dogue is on average 10 to 12 years.

Photo by Sophie Hollins on Unsplash

Photo by Sophie Hollins on Unsplash

It looks like a cool dog, but you better bring your wallet too to own one.

According to Lemonade Insurance, the average purchase price will be between $1,750 and $4,000, depending on coat color.

The cost of microchipping, vaccinations, and regular puppy shots will be an additional $2,000 to $4,000. Food costs average $750 to $1,000 per year, and with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, the cost is substantial.

Annual veterinary exams, including heartworm, flea and tick checks, and medications, add an additional $300 to $1,000 per year.

Grooming, pet insurance, boarding, toys and miscellaneous expenses add another $1,500 per year.

Photo by Abbie Love on Unsplash

Photo by Abbie Love on Unsplash

Americans are increasingly turning to large dog breeds as pets. It could be that it’s the guard dog mentality that causes families to abandon smaller dog breeds in favor of larger dogs.

Showsight magazine points out that of the top five most sought-after dog breeds, four of them are large dogs. These include:

  • Cane Corso
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Belgian Malinois
  • German shepherd

This is surprising because it wasn’t that long ago that the results were all for smaller dogs.

Go out and get a dog, but I suggest you start with your local ASPCA. Maybe you’ll find another Sparky.

WATCH: Longest-living dog breeds

Gallery credit: Sophia June

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of Big Joe Henry, host of New Jersey 101.5. All opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.

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