Labrador Retrievers Still Top Dogs in America

by Steve Dale

The Labrador Retriever is the most beloved dog in America, retaining its top dog status now for 19 consecutive years, according to American Kennel Club (AKC) registrations for 2009. However, the real canine news belongs to the comeback kid, the German Shepherd, which now ranks second in popularity for the first time since the days of Rin Tin Tin.

If Californians are trendsetters, the Lab could be in jeopardy of losing its top status to the Bulldog. In Los Angeles, the Bulldog is the most popular breed, and it's No. 2 in San Diego. (Bulldogs rank No. 7 in popularity nationally, up from No. 21 ten years ago.)

"There's just something about Bulldogs," says Lisa Peterson, AKC spokesperson. "They're great companions and have dependable personalities." But there must be more to it. Maybe it's the celebrity factor. George Clooney and Adam Sandler have Bulldogs. Or maybe it's the sports factor. Teams at Fresno State, Yale University and the University of Georgia are all nicknamed the Bulldogs. Team apparel and gear with images of Bulldogs are advertisements for the breed.

Bulldogs, however, are not low-maintenance pets. They're prone to a myriad of health issues. And because they must be delivered by cesarean section because of their large heads, they're not cheap.

The trophy for the hottest dog breed in America belongs to the Havanese. While many people still haven't heard of this relative of the Bichon Frise, the little Havanese has a growing fan based. Ten years ago, the Havanese was barely on AKC radar at No. 92. Today, it's the 32nd most popular breed. In general, smaller dogs seem increasingly appealing. Also, many people with allergies can tolerate the Havanese. And as owners can attest, they're just plain fun.

Havanese owners often say their dogs are "funny," and owners of French Bulldogs call their pets "natural clowns." Frenchies were ranked way down at No. 73 ten years ago; today, they come in at No. 24.

Overall, Americans began downsizing their dogs in the 1990s, as Chihuhuas, Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers hit their all-time peaks in popularity. Perhaps that trend is now waning.

Chihuahuas are ranked at No. 12, down from a high of 7 a decade ago. Shih Tzus are holding steady at No. 10, down from No. 9 in 2004. Yorkshire Terriers gave up their No. 2 place to German Shepherds, and are now ranked No. 3 in popularity.

Meanwhile, big dogs are gaining ground. The biggest of all, the Great Dane, now ranks No. 21 on the AKC chart, up a notch from last year, but significantly above its No. 28 spot 10 years ago. Mastiffs rank No. 27, up from 39 ten years ago. And after having lost significant ground in recent years, Doberman Pinchers stand at No. 16, and Rottweilers at No. 13.

Two working breeds, both larger dogs, are enjoying a resurgence. The Belgian Malinois (a breed of German Shepherd-sized dogs used as guard, security and explosive detection dogs, as well as for search and rescue) went from No. 95 to 81 on the AKC list. The Bloodhound has jumped from No. 51 to 43.

There are 164 breeds on the AKC list. Lowly No. 164 is the English Foxhound, not to be confused with the American Foxhound at 162. Tucked between them is the closely-related Harrier, bred for the same purpose. Apparently, there's little need for fox-hunting dogs -- certainly good news to foxes!

AMERICA'S TOP 10 CANINE IDOLS

10) Shih Tzu

9) Poodles (standard, miniature and toy varieties combined)

8) Dachshund

7) Bulldog

6) Boxer

5) Beagle

4) Golden Retriever

3) Yorkshire Terrier

2) German Shepherd

1) Labrador Retriever

A BIT OF HISTORY

American Cocker Spaniels were top dogs from 1940 through 1952, then Beagles took over the crown until 1959. For the next 23 years, Poodles claimed the honor, then Cocker Spaniels made a comeback for six years.

In 1990, Labrador Retrievers began their reign as America's most popular dogs.

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