Labrador Retriever again most popular dog
The Labrador Retriever, the dog known best for its happy-go-lucky, fun-loving demeanor, is the most popular purebred dog in America for the 18th consecutive year, but the Bulldog continues to fetch more interest from dog lovers.
The American Kennel Club, which has released its list of the 10 most popular purebred dogs for 2008 based upon the organization's registration statistics, says the Bulldog placed eighth after making the top 10 in 2007 for the first time in 70 years.
"The playful Lab may still reign supreme, but the docile and adaptive nature of the Bulldog is gaining ground as a family favorite," AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson states in a media release. "It’s no surprise to learn that this devoted family companion is still growing in popularity."
The Yorkshire Terrier remains the next most popular purebred dog, placing second, the same position it held in 2007.
The other dogs rounding out the top 10 are: German Shepherd, third; Golden Retriever, fourth; Beagle, fifth; Boxer, sixth; Dachshund, seventh; Poodle, ninth; Shih Tzu, 10th.
The AKC, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, registered only nine breeds in 1884 at the time of the organization’s founding. Today, it recognizes 161.
According to the AKC, breeds that have gained in popularity in the decade from 1998 to 2008 include:
- The Bulldog, which has gained 69 percent; and four of its relatives, Miniature Bull Terrier, up 109 percent; Bull Terrier, up 102 percent, Stafford shire Bull Terrier, up 69 percent, and the Bull mastiff, up 22 percent.
- The Border Collie, known for its mastery of the highly popular canine sport of agility, gained 50 percent.
- Smaller, apartment-sized dogs that are popular with urban dog parents such as the French Bulldog, up 467 percent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, up 209 percent, and the Brussels Griffon, up 73 percent.
- Lesser-known breeds such as the Ibizan Hound, up 74 percent, Norwich Terrier, up 39 percent, and Bedlington Terrier, up 28 percent.
- Large dogs such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, up 78 percent, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, up 88 percent, and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, up 117 percent.
- Breeds on the decline during the past decade include: the Lhasa Apso, down 80 percent; Rottweiler, down 76 percent; Schipperke, down 75 percent; Basset Hound, down 66 percent; Miniature Pinscher, down 75 percent.
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