DOGS, all about them
~everything you want to know and much more~
AKC DOG
RANKING
THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER HAS DONE IT AGAIN
The American Kennel Club (AKC) announced that the intelligent, family friendly breed holds tight to the number one spot on the most popular list for the 24th consecutive year, continuing the longest reign as the nation's top dog in AKC history.
While the Lab holds strong, the Bulldog has quietly crept up the list, landing this year at number four for the first time -- its highest ranking in breed history. This gentle breed makes an excellent family companion with a natural tendency to form strong bonds with kids, an easy-to-care-for coat and minimal exercise needs.
Meanwhile, the popular French Bulldog continues its quest for the number one spot, breaking into the top 10 for the first time in nearly 100 years this year at number nine. The Dachshund was knocked out of the top 10 this year for the first time since 1985, landing at number 11.
"The Lab truly is America's dog," said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo, "but the lovable Bulldog breeds are clamoring to dominate. Watch out for an upset next year."
LABRADOR
RETRIEVER
The gentle, intelligent and family-friendly Labrador Retriever from Canada continues to be the most popular breed in the United States, according to AKC registration statistics. This versatile hunting breed comes in three colors - yellow, black and chocolate - and because of their desire to please their master they excel as guide dogs for the blind, as part of search-and-rescue teams or in narcotics detection with law enforcement.
1
Friendly, active, outgoing
Sporting Group
GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
Generally considered dogdom's finest all-purpose workers, German Shepherd Dogs are large, agile, muscular dogs of noble spirit and high intelligence. For such deep-chested, solid dogs, they move quickly with great nimbleness afoot. The German Shepherd's natural gait is a free-and-easy trot, but when duty calls they can turn it up a notch or two and reach great speeds. Standing as high as 26 inches at the shoulder and built like a brick doghouse, the German Shepherd Dog when viewed in outline presents a picture of smooth, graceful curves rather than angles.
2
Smart, confident, courageous
Herding Group
GOLDEN
RETRIEVER
It’s not surprising that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Along with being exuberant and friendly, they are strong dogs and hard workers. Goldens are good at whatever they do, be it hunting, serving as guide dogs, working search-and-rescue, or being devoted companions. Though they are serious about their work, they also enjoy being downright silly!
3
Intelligent, friendly, devoted
Sporting Group
BULLDOG
Known for their loose-jointed, shuffling gait and massive, short-faced head, the Bulldog is known to be equable, resolute and dignified. A medium-sized dog, they are not your typical lap dog, but would like to be! They are one of the most popular breeds according to AKC® Registration Statistics due to their lovable and gentle dispositions and adorable wrinkles. The Bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow or piebald.
4
Calm, courageous, friendly
Non Sporting Group
BEAGLE
Not only are Beagles excellent hunting dogs and loyal companions, they are also happy-go-lucky, funny, and—thanks to their pleading expression—cute. They were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy the company of other dogs and of people as well. Beagles love to follow their noses, which can sometimes get them into sticky situations. These dogs are solid, sturdy, and fairly easy to care for, but they do need to run around and let off steam.
5
Merry, friendly, curious
Hound Group
YORKSHIRE
TERRIER
Yorkshire Terriers offer big personalities in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, they are terriers by nature and are brave, determined, investigative and energetic. Yorkshire Terriers were used in the nineteenth century to catch rats in clothing mills. Surprisingly enough, in its beginnings, the Yorkie belonged to the working class, especially the weavers. Eventually, the breed left the workforce and became a companion animal to families of European high society.
6
Sprightly, tomboyish, affectionate
Toy Group
POODLE
The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. The breed comes in three size varieties, which may contribute to why Poodle is one of the most popular breeds according to AKC® Registration statistics. Poodles can be a variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray, but never parti-colored.
7
Proud, active, very smart
Non Sporting Group
BOXER
A well-conditioned Boxer is an awesome sight. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder, females a little shorter. Their muscles ripple beneath their short, tight-fitting coat. The dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give the face an alert, curious look. Boxers move like the athletes they’re named for: smooth and graceful, but powerful. The coat can be fawn (tan to mahogany-red) or brindle (kind of like tiger stripes), with white markings.
8
Fun-loving, bright, active
Working Group
FRENCH BULLDOG
This affectionate and playful breed—known for its wrinkly, smushy face and bat-like ears—is a great companion for single pet-owners as well as families with young children. They need little exercise and grooming and are incredibly loyal to their people. Because of their somewhat stubborn nature, they require a bit of patience during training but are incredibly intelligent and eager to please.
9
Playful, smart, adaptable
Non Sporting Group
ROTTWEILER
Robust and powerful, the Rottweiler is happiest when given a job to perform. His intelligence, endurance and willingness to work make him suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy dog, obedience competitor and devoted companion. An inherent protector, the Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He must be medium in size and his coat is black with rust to mahogany markings.
10
Loyal, loving, confident guardian
Working Group
RUNNER-UPS:
DACHSHUND
11
Spunky, curious, friendly
Hound Group
SIBERIAN HUSKY
13
Mishcevious, loyal, outgoing
Working Group
GREAT DANE
15
Friendly, patient, dependable
Working Group
SHIH TZU
17
Outgoing, affectionate, playful
Toy Group
GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER
12
Friendly, smart, willing o please
Sporting Group
DOBERMAN PINSCHER
14
Alert, fearless, loyal
Working Group
MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
16
Friendly, smart, obedient
Terrier Group
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
18
Smart, work-oriented, exuberant
Herding Group
CAVALIER KING CHARLES
19
Affectionate, graceful, gentle
Toy Group
POMERANIAN
