Digital News Report- The American Kennel Club (AKC) has released a list of the most popular registered breeds in the United States as well as focusing on certain cities such as San Jose and San Francisco. For the 18th consecutive year, Labrador Retriever’s topped the national list. Thing’s aren’t much different in San Jose and San Francisco, as the Lab is at the top of both cities lists. There are more than twice as many Labs registered in the United States than any other dog. However, the Bulldog has been on the rise in recent years. It made it on the top ten last year for the first time in over 70 years and leaped up two spots in the most recent list.
Trends in San Francisco’s top dogs seem to be shifting, according to the AKC. “San Franciscans seem to be moving their preferences from petite pooches to larger breeds,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The city by the bay added the German Shepherd and Rottweiler to its Top Ten while smaller breeds, such as the Pug and Dachshund, dropped in popularity.”
Meanwhile, San Jose seems to be shifting in the opposite direction. “Despite the fact that perennial favorites such as the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever still stand firm in San Jose, it’s clear that residents love their petite pooches,” according to Peterson. “At least half of their Top 10 breeds are small. The Poodle, which includes the Toy variety, also entered the Top 10 this year to land in ninth place.”
The National and city lists are as follows:
NATIONWIDE 2008
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Bulldog
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu
SAN FRANCISCO 2008
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Bulldog
4. Golden Retriever
5. French Bulldog
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
7. Poodle
8. German Shepherd Dog
9. Maltese
10. Rottweilers**
** Tied with #9
SAN JOSE 2008
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Boxer
6. Bulldog
7. Chihuahua
8. Maltese
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu
Dog lovers can see and learn more about all of their favorite breeds on Saturday, January 31, 2009 when the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship — where the country’s top dogs compete for $225,000 in prize money and the title of “National Champion” — airs on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel from 8-11 p.m. (ET/PT). Highlights from the AKC Agility Invitational will air on Animal Planet on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).
Visit their website for information on other cities and the complete list of national rankings.