2008 MOST POPULAR DOGS IN THE UNITED STATES
(according to AKC® registration figures) 1. Labrador Retriever 2. Yorkshire Terrier 3. German Shepherd 4. Golden Retriever 5. Beagle 6. Boxer 7. Dachshund 8. Bulldog 9. Poodle 10. Shih Tzu The results are in! In the American Kennel Club's annual survey of most popular purebred dogs in the U.S., the Labrador Retriever has won again. This is the 18th year in a row that the loveable Lab has topped the list. Coming in second for 2008 is the Yorkshire Terrier, knocking out several of its larger-sized competitors. And the Bulldog, one of the most recognizable and iconic purebred dogs, makes its way from the 10th to the 8th spot on the list. "The playful Lab may still reign supreme, but the docile and adaptive nature of the Bulldog is gaining ground as a family favorite," said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "It's no surprise to learn that this devoted family companion is still growing in popularity." The Bulldog, which was first recognized by the AKC in 1886, was most popular in 1915 when it peaked in 5th place. It was least popular in 1973, when it hit a low of 41st place. The Bulldog and four of its relatives are among the breeds that have increased the most significantly over the last decade, with the Miniature Bull Terrier up 109 percent, Bull Terrier up 102 percent, Staffordshire Bull Terrier up 69 percent and the Bullmastiff up 22 percent in popularity. The breeds with the largest increases in popularity of the past decade are the French Bulldog, up 467 percent, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, up 209 percent. The trend is likely due to their popularity with urban dog owners who favor portable, apartment-sized dogs. Among breeds on the decline are the Lhasa Apso, which dropped 80 percent, Rottweiler, down 76 percent, Schipperke and Miniature Pinscher, both down 75 percent, and Basset Hound, which dropped 66 percent in popularity over the past decade. AKC registration statistics are compiled from Jan. 1- Dec. 31 of the previous year. For more information, visit the American Kennel Club Web site. |
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