German Shepherd Dog Reigns Supreme Once Again In Chicago
Nationally, Labrador Retriever Remains America's Most Popular As Bigger Breeds Dominate the List
NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Once again, the German Shepherd Dog took Chicago's top spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC®) 2013 rankings of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds, continuing its reign for the third year in a row.
"The German Shepherd Dog is still holding strong to the top spot in Chicago, defying the nation's love for the Labrador Retriever," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Doberman Pinscher is rising up the list, though, giving the top breed a run for its money."
The German Shepherd Dog was also recognized as the #1 pup in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Detroit.
Shake-ups and surprises were evident throughout Chicago's rankings. Mirroring the national trend, the French Bulldog gained popularity, rising four spots to #5. Chicagoans showed no love for the Yorkshire Terrier, which fell four spots to #9.
Chicago's top 5 breeds for 2013 are as follows:
- German Shepherd Dog
- Labrador Retriever
- Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
* Registration data pulled from Chicago zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
The AKC today also announced its nationwide rankings, and Labrador Retriever lovers have spoken! The intelligent, family-friendly breed has taken the #1 spot for the 23rd consecutive year, the longest reign at the top in AKC history. In addition to the Lab holding strong to its most popular title, 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 its AKC induction 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.
Chicago's favorite breed, the German Shepherd Dog, landed at number 2 on the national list.
Most Popular Breeds Nationwide 2013
Get social with the AKC! Join us on Facebook and Twitter.
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 nearly 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 20,000 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 Companion Animal Recovery 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
Share this article