Bigger Breeds Are Here To Stay! Large Dogs Dominate Most Popular List
- French Bulldog Continues its Remarkable Rise in Popularity –
NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Labrador Retriever lovers have spoken! The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced today that the intelligent, family friendly breed has taken the #1 spot on the most popular list for the 23rd consecutive year, the longest reign at the top in AKC history.
"Owning bigger breeds - an economic indicator of sorts - have been on the rise during the past five years," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "As the economy has improved, people are turning back to the big dogs they love, which cost more to feed and care for than the smaller breeds that saw a rise in popularity in 2007 and 2008."
In addition to the Lab holding strong to its top spot, the French Bulldog has seen a sharp rise in popularity over the past decade, with a 323% increase in registrations since 2003. The affectionate, easy to care for Frenchie rose three spots this year to number 11, its highest position since the breed was recognized by the AKC in 1898. French Bulldogs are known to be loveable lap warmers and are easily adaptable to city or suburban living due to their easily groomed coats and minimal exercise requirements.
Most Notable Dog Trends in 2013 Include:
- Comeback canines! These rare breeds, which have been on the decline over the past decade, made strong gains in 2013. Giant Schnauzers rose from 96 to 83; Keeshonden from 103 to 86; Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers from 104 to 97; Irish Terriers from 132 to 123; Kerry Blue Terriers from 130 to 126; Lakeland Terriers from 137 to 134; Sussex Spaniels from 169 to 162; and Dandie Dinmont Terriers from 172 to 168.
- In keeping with the popularity of large breeds, several members of the Working Group made double-digit gains over the past decade: Doberman Pinschers rose from 22 to 12; Great Danes from 27 to 16; and Bernese Mountain Dogs from 47 to 32.
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The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
To become a fan of the AKC on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/americankennelclub. To follow the AKC on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/akcdoglovers.
SOURCE American Kennel Club
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