Labrador Retriever (© AKC/Mary Bloom)
The Lab continues its reign as America's most popular breed.
The American Kennel Club on Wednesday released its list of America's most popular dogs, based on 2009 AKC registration statistics.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Bulldog
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu
Other than the darling Yorkie, the remaining dogs in the top 5 are all work-oriented breeds, helping as guide dogs, in narcotics detection and in other jobs. According to the AKC, Labs have reigned as top dog for almost two decades. The GSD, however, is gaining ground on the Lab, overtaking the Yorkie for the second highest position. In fact in Kansas City, the Lab and GSD are tied for first, followed by the Boxer, Bulldog and Yorkshire Terrier, the AKC says.*
Unfortunately, being popular in the dog world doesn't always work in a breed's favor. Large-scale breeding operations and "backyard breeders" cater to the masses looking to own a top-ranked breed. This leads to a glut of poorly bred animals that lack proper type, gentle temperament and good health. It also leads to people getting animals without doing the necessary homework. Just because a breed is popular doesn't mean it's for everyone. Shelters and rescue groups are full of dogs that are sad victims of impulse purchases.
So if you're looking to add one of these breeds to your family, research first. Talk to a local breed club or rescue group. Attend a dog show and talk to owners and breeders. Read whatever you can about the breed in books and online.
And remember, you don't have to buy a dog to get one that's purebred. A simple search on Petfinder.com will pull up many purebred dogs in our area waiting for homes.
Here's a list of some local contacts with breed information.
- Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland
- Beagles and More Rescue
- German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City, Inc.
- Heart of America Boxer Club, Inc.
- Heart of America Bulldog Club
- Kansas City Golden Retriever Club
- Kansas City Retriever Club
- Midwest Boxer Rescues
- Missouri German Shepherd Rescue (MOGS)
- Shawnee Mission Labrador Retriever Club, Ltd.
- Yorkshire Terrier Club of Greater Kansas City
* The AKC states this is based on registration data pulled from Kansas City zip codes as specified by the U.S. Postal Service.
Reference: American Kennel Club: "American Kennel Club Announces Most Popular Dogs," Jan. 27, 2010
Additional reading: AKC Dog Registration Statistics
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Comments
Wow, I love Labradors. I think they are the most family friendly dog that you can have.
I have owned several different breeds over the years, including many mixed breed dogs, and I can understand why America LOVES Labs!! The yellow Labrador Retriever I currently own is by far the most fun, active, intelligent, loving, versatile dog that I have ever had!! That said, I think the physical strength, activity level, shedding, and general love to carry objects/chew on things that Labs possess may not suit them to every household. They definitely need lots of interaction with their people every single day, as well as plenty of toys/bones/rawhides. They should have early socialization with both people and other dogs, some obedience training, and most definitely need daily exercise or a job to do. The old saying "a tired Lab is a happy Lab" is so, so true!!
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