Labrador Retriever Remains Washington, D.C.'s Top Dog

-- Nationally, Labrador Retriever Also Remains America's Most Popular Breed While the Beagle and Rottweiler Make Strong Gains --

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Once again, the Labrador Retriever is Washington, D.C.'s top dog according to the American Kennel Club's (AKC®) 2011 ranking of the most popular dogs in the U.S.

"The nation's capital loves the Havanese," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.  "This small, yet sturdy breed jumped five places last year to become ninth most popular locally.  The breed has a good chance of breaking into D.C.'s top five next year, even though it is only ranked 31st nationally."

*Registration data pulled from Washington D.C. zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
**Tied for #6 (2011)
***Tied for #4 (2010)
****Tied for #9 (2010)

Notable trends in Washington D.C.'s top breeds:

• Lookout Labs!  The Poodle jumped two places, becoming the second most popular breed in D.C. last year.
• The Vizslas and Cocker Spaniels took a dive in the D.C. polls.  Tied for ninth most popular in 2010, both breeds didn't even place in last year's top 20.
• The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's popularity skyrocketed, with the breed jumping 15 places to become D.C.'s sixth most popular dog.

The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings today.  The Beagle made big news by overtaking the beloved Yorkshire Terrier to become the third most popular dog breed, while the Golden Retriever advanced from the fifth to the fourth most popular dog breed.  The Rottweiler also made big news by unseating the Shih Tzu – which had been in the top 10 since 2000. But fans of the Labrador Retriever need not fear: the beloved Lab remained the champ – a spot it has now held for 21 consecutive years – thanks to its well-earned reputation for playfulness and loyalty, and its use as a police and search-and-rescue dog.

A complete list of AKC's Most Popular Breeds, including national trends and statistics for 50 U.S. cities, is available on the AKC website at http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm.

For more information on finding a responsible breeder in your area, go to www.AKCpuppies.org.

Get social with the AKC!  Join AKC on Facebook and Twitter.  

[EDITOR'S NOTE:  Add to your story with a list of AKC trivia questions based on the rankings or book an interview with an AKC Spokesperson by contacting Jessica Rice at (212) 696-8346 or [email protected].  Photos from the press conference are also available upon request to members of the press.]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) proudly celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2009. Since 1884, the not-for-profit organization has maintained the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, and today its rules govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year. 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. 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.

SOURCE American Kennel Club

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