Nationally, Labrador Retriever Remains America's Most Popular As Bigger Breeds Dominate the List
NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Denver's top spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC®) 2013 rankings of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds, holding strong in the city, as well as in the nation overall.
The Lab was also recognized as the #1 pup in Pittsburgh, Boston, and Atlanta.
"Mirroring the national trend, Denver clearly has an affinity for big dogs," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "These loveable breeds dominate the city's top five."
Big shake-ups and surprises were evident throughout Denver's rankings. Rottweilers finally muscled their way into Denver's top five in 2013, coming in 5th place. The German Shorthaired Pointer was also a newcomer to the city's top 10 in 2013, coming in at #7. Falling out of favor in 2013 were the Boxer (5th to 9th) and Dachshund (9th to 24th).
Denver's top five breeds for 2013 (as compared to 2012) are as follows:
Denver's Most Popular Breeds 2013 |
Denver's Most Popular Breeds 2012 |
1. Labrador Retriever |
1. Labrador Retriever |
2. German Shepherd Dog |
2. Golden Retriever |
3. Golden Retriever |
3. German Shepherd Dog |
4. Bulldog |
4. Bulldog |
5. Rottweiler |
5. Boxer |
* Registration data pulled from Denver 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.
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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 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.
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SOURCE American Kennel Club
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