Tag Archives: AKC

Breed Specific, Dog News

Trends from the 2009 list of AKC top breeds

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german shepherdIn addition to the national list of breed popularity, the AKC also publishes lists of the most popular dog breeds in 50 of the largest cities in the United States.  According to their press release, some trends they noticed include:

  • The ever-popular Lab is slowly losing ground in some towns – more U.S. cities featured a breed other than the Labrador Retriever in its top spot this year than in 2008. The breeds responsible for ousting the 19 year national favorite? The German Shepherd ranked first in Columbus, Detroit, Honolulu, Memphis, Miami Providence and West Palm Beach; the Yorkshire Terrier triumphed in Oakland, Tampa, NYC, and Philadelphia; the Bulldog rose to the top in L.A.; and the Bull Terrier was a favorite in Newark, NJ.
  • The Bulldog is a favorite in California, perhaps due to celeb owners such as Adam Sandler, Kelly Osborne and John Legend. The breed reached the top spot in Los Angeles, the only city where it currently reigns as number one. The wrinkled pooch nearly reached the top in San Diego as well, coming in at the 2nd spot.
  • South Florida loves its German Shepherd Dog. The breed ranks first in West Palm Beach as well as Miami, where it has held the top spot since 2002, the first year the American Kennel Club started tracking city registration statistics.
  • Providence is the only U.S. city where the Labrador Retriever does not factor into the Top 5. Despite ranking second in 2008, the breed dropped off the list, making room for the German Shepherd in first place, along with the Yorkshire Terrier, Golden Retriever, Boxer and Poodle.
  • Unusual breeds on local top five lists include the Bull Terrier (1st in Newark), the Mastiff (4th in Des Moines), the Miniature Pinscher and Shetland Sheepdog (3rd and 5th, respectively, in Richmond) and the Chihuahua (3rd in Honolulu).

What breed do you see the most of where you live?

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

Breed Specific, Dog Shows

New Breeds Added to AKC Stud Book

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Irish red whiteIf you paid careful attention during the broadcast of the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day, you may have noticed that the American Kennel Club has approved three new breeds, bringing the total number of recognized breeds to 162.

 The three new breeds are the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd. 

 The Irish Red and White is part of the Sporting Group.  This breed looks very similar to the conventional Irish Setter, except for the coloring.  However, the breed is sufficiently different to warrant recognition as a separate breed, rather than a variety of the Irish Setter.  Originally bred in 17th century Ireland as a hunting dog, the Irish Red and White was nearly extinct by 1900, but careful breeding efforts revived the breed by the 1940’s.  These dogs were eventually exported to the United States, where they have now been added to the official ranks of AKC breeds.  For more information, click here. 

 The Norwegian Buhund started its history as a farm dog companion of the Vikings.  The breed is capable of herding, guarding, and hunting, but is classified as a member of the Herding Group.  This dog is medium-sized and descends from the Spitz family, which also gives us the Chow-Chow, the Husky, and the Akita.  Like other Spitzes, the Buhund carries his beautifully plumed tail curled over his back.  For more information, click here. 

 The Pyrenean Shepherd is also a member of the Herding Group.  This dog may also be known as Berger des Pyrenees or Pyr. Shep.  Smaller than the Great Pyrenees, the two breeds often work together to help shepherds in their everyday tasks.  The long, lean body of this breed shows off the dog’s natural athleticism.  For more information, click here.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!