My Pet World: Labrador Retriever keeps crown as America's most popular dog
The Labrador Retriever continues to hold the title of America's favorite dog breed, (since 1991), according to just released 2014 American Kennel Club (AKC) registration numbers.
The AKC began tabulating and comparing breed registration numbers back in 1936, when the crown for the most popular breed went to the American Cocker Spaniel. In 1953, the Beagle barked to the top until 1960, when the various Poodles (toy, miniature and standard varieties combined) became America's most fashionable choice. The American Cocker Spaniel regained top dog status from 1983 to 1990, after which the Labrador took over.
At No. 2 on the AKC list is the German Shepherd, for the sixth consecutive year. A perennial top five breed is the Golden Retriever, settling in at No. 3.
Back in 1994, the Bulldog was No. 33 on the AKC pop chart, as it began its gradual climb toward the top. Today the Bulldog is the fourth most popular breed in America, gaining a notch from the year before. The breed is among the trendiest, no doubt for its appealing looks and generally amiable personality. However, Bulldogs don't come cheap, not to mention having a laundry list of potential health issues.
At No. 5, Beagles are exactly where they were five years ago and exactly where they were 15 years ago. Since the 1940s, Beagles have always landed in the top 10.
The Yorkshire Terrier, which was at No. 11 back in 1994, and hit No. 2 on the AKC list in 2008, has landed at No. 6 for the third year in a row.
Poodles kind of cheat, as all three varieties, miniature, toy and standard, are all included as one breed. Back in 1994, the breed stood at No. 5, dipped to No. 8 in 2013, and now stands at No. 7. Poodles are consistently in the AKC top 10.
One of the most popular family dogs in the 1970s and 1980s, Boxers then dropped below the top 20. In recent years, they've steadily regained most of the fanfare they lost, and are at No. 8 on the AKC chart.
How times change. In 1994, most people didn't know what a French Bulldog was, and Frenchies languished at No. 81. It's hard to believe that the Basenji, Keeshond and Chesapeake Bay Retriever all exceeded the French Bulldog in popularity. Now, for the first time, Frenchies cracked the AKC top-10, landing at No. 9. No doubt, their effervescent personalities and even a sense of humor, as well as their compact size, have propelled their growing appeal.
Rounding out the top 10 is the Rottweiler, which was the second most popular AKC breed back in 1992.
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