2 Tampa Bay Beaches Nominated For Best Dog Beach In The U.S.

It's no question, the people of Tampa Bay love their pups. Just a few weeks ago, one St. Pete spot was nominated best dog bar in the country, and now? Two Tampa Bay beaches are nominated for the best dog beach in the U.S. 

USA Today just released their nominees for the best dog beach in the U.S. and lucky for us, two Tampa Bay beaches made the cut. Throughout the most popular Tampa Bay beaches, you’ll find that dogs aren’t allowed.

But, if you know where to look, you’ll find there are plenty of beaches throughout the area that are dog-friendly beaches in Tampa Bay. So, which Tampa Bay beaches were nominated for the best dog beach in the U.S.?

The 2 Tampa Bay beaches nominated in USA Today's Best Dog Beach in the U.S. are Fort De Soto Park and North Clearwater Beach. Let's see why.

Clearwater Beach, the beach most tourists visit on their vacation to the area, is not a dog-friendly beach. According to the Clearwater Beach website, no animals are allowed on the public bathing beaches, but North Clearwater Beach is the exception.

Away from all of the noise at Clearwater Beach is the North Clearwater Beach which has white sand and open space. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach and this beach starts at Somerset Street in Clearwater.

The other Tampa Bay beach nominated for USA Today's Best Dog Beach in the U.S. is Dog Park Beach at Fort De Soto Park. With two fenced-in areas for both large and small dogs, Fort De Soto Park offers a large space for dogs to play freely on the beach and in the ocean.

USA Today says, "Florida’s historic Fort De Soto Park dates back to the late 19th century, and in the modern era, the surrounding region serves as a popular recreation site for dogs and their owners alike. Upon arrival, pets can take a dip in the warm Sunshine State water, with Fort De Soto allowing beach access to dogs in a designated area."

USA Today's voting for the best dog beach in the U.S. will end of June 24th at 12 PM EST. The winners for the best dog beach in the U.S. will be announced on Wednesday, July 3rd. To learn more about the other nominations including the four Florida nominees, click here to make your vote.

There's something truly special about having a close relationship with your pet. They say a dog is "man's best friend," and it's totally accurate. I have friends and family who truly feel like their pets are a member of the family. Pets will be there for you through thick and thin. Pets are also know for being loyal, which can be a really good feeling in this world. So, what are the most popular dogs right now?

Danspetcare.com has a great article out that names the most popular dogs in the world right now. In it, they describe that special relationship that one has with their pet. "From hunting to sled-pulling to herding and protection, dogs have helped us survive and thrive in countless ways," they explain. "One of the most important roles dogs play in our lives is companionship."

So, what do you do if you're in the market for a new dog? Danspetcare.com has some good advice on how to pick the right breed. They explain that finding the right breed is a big part of that decision. So, ask yourself, do you want a delicate breed or a more meaty, masculine breed? Also, what's the purpose of you wanting a pet? Do you want a pet for protection, or are you looking for a small buddy for some companionship?

Either way, when you're in the market for a new pet, make sure to have lots of questions and ask the right people before settling on your little guy or gal. I remember one of my friends buying the cutest little puppy ever only to see it grow into a huge dog that was almost too big for her apartment. She loved him, but it was quite a surprise. Read on to discover the most popular dogs right now and some more stats. Find more via Danspetcare.com here

According to Danspetcare.com, the most popular dog in the world is the Labrador Retriever. "They’re often used to provide comfort and reassurance for anxious humans," the study says. So true. No. 2 are Golden Retrievers and No. 3 are German Shepherds. Find more via Danspetcare.com here.

Dogpackapp.com has an article out about the most popular dog breeds right now. No. 1 on the list is the French bulldog. Those dogs are adorable, right? No. 2 is the Labrador Retriever and No. 3 is the Golden Retriever. Very popular, of course. Find the full list here.

What about the most common dogs? According to A-z-animals.com, No. 1, again are Labrador Retrievers, followed by Bulldogs and Rottweiler. The German Shepherd and Dachshund round out the top five. Find the full list here.

What if you want a small pup? The smallest dog breed, according to Forbes.com is the Pomeranian at 3-7 pounds. So cute. It's followed by the Toy Poodle and Toy Fox Terrier. Find the full list here.

What if you want a really big dog? According to Forbes.com, the largest dog breed is the Mastiff at 120-230 pounds. It's followed by the Boerboel and Tosa Inu. Find the full list here.