Labs still rule
The Labrador retriever has once again been proclaimed America’s most popular dog.
It’s a title — designated by the American Kennel Club, based on its registration statistics — that the breed has held for 22 years.
While labs maintain their grip on first place — at least when black, yellow and chocolate are combined — golden retrievers are climbing the ranks, having moved up from fourth to third.
Elsewhere in the top 10 breed list, the German shepherd maintained No. 2 position, the beagle slipped from third to fourth , and the Yorkshire terrier – third most popular two years ago — dropped to sixth place. Rottweilers, boxers and poodles all made the top 10.
Taken together, the statistics seem to indicate a growing appreciation for big dogs, said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson.
“Bigger breeds are making their move,” she said. ”The popularity of the pint-sized, portable pooch just gave way to a litter of larger breeds in the top 10. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love.”
The Lab’s 22-year reign as top dog ties that of the poodle, which was America’s most popular dog from 1960 to 1982.
The AKC says registration statistics also show mastiff-type breeds are becoming more popular, with the mastiff, bullmastiff, cane corso and Neapolitan mastiff all climbing over the last ten years. During that same period the bull terrier jumped from 79 to 51.
(Photo: John Woestendiek)
Posted by jwoestendiek January 31st, 2013 under Muttsblog.
Tags: akc, american kennel club, animals, beagle, big dogs, black, breed, breeds, chocolate, dogs, german shepherd, golden retriever, labrador retriever, large, list, pets, popularity, top ten, trends, yellow, yorkshire terriers
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Comment from marilyn
Time February 1, 2013 at 12:19 am
Bull terriers had a big run during the Spuds McKenzie era; maybe the Target dog is now inspiring buyers. Lord help them!