The American Kennel Club released its
rankings for the most popular dog breeds in 2014
. The organization tracks the popularity of various breeds and
releases an annual list ranking them but not sharing the raw
numbers. This year, Labrador Retrievers came in at the No. 1
spot.Following Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden
Retrievers, Bulldogs and Beagles rounded out the top five
most popular breeds in the U.S. Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles,
Boxers, French Bulldogs and Rottweilers were also in the top
10.Labradors were atop
the AKC's list as the most popular
pooch for the 24th straight year, the AKC explained. Other breeds
did move up and down, however. Bulldogs and French Bulldogs made
the biggest leaps, with Bulldogs hitting No. 4 and French
Bulldogs making the list for the first time ever.But there's only
so much room at the top. For the French Bulldog to get
in, Dachshunds were knocked from last year's ninth spot
out of the top 10 for the first time in 30 years.Other
breeds became significantly more popular in the last decade
without being ranked as one of the top 10. Border Collies, Nova
Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, and Black and Tan Coonhounds
have risen more than 10 spots since 2004. The least popular dogs
in the U.S. in 2014 were Norwegian Lundehunds, English Foxhounds,
Cesky Terriers, Harriers and American Foxhounds.
Why Labrador Retrievers?
If you own a lab, you may agree wholeheartedly with these
rankings (for the 24th year in a row), but if you don't, you may
be scratching your head wondering what makes these pooches so
popular.Labrador retrievers
may be popular for a number of reasons, starting with that
they're energetic and happy. They love playing, running and
having fun. This makes them great for families with young
children who the dogs will have to keep up with as well as active
owners who want a hiking or running companion.Additionally,
purebred or mutt labs are handsome dogs. Black, chocolate or
yellow, they are cute as puppies and adults. Labs also generally
get along well with people and other animals, making them easy to
welcome into a crowded home.Labs are also easy to groom with
their short, soft hair - although they may shed more than other
breeds. These pooches are also very trainable and eager to
please.However, labs aren't perfect for every dog
owner, YourPureBredPuppy advised
against getting a lab if you're worried about keeping your pooch
active, being too rowdy, chewing on items around the house, or
shedding.Use your PetPlus membership to save on food and
pet medication to keep your Labrador healthy and active!
Five Most Popular Dog Breeds and Why Everyone Loves Them
Dogs are the most popular pets across the world. The number of
dog owners is on the rise as more and more people are either
adopting or buying their own furry pup. Here's a list of the most
popular dog breeds in America:
-
Labrador
Retriever โ The loyal and trusty Labrador retriever
has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the country for
more than 25 years. Originally from Newfoundland, this breed
earned its keep as the fisherman's companion: retrieving fish,
fetching ropes and hauling nets in the North Atlantic. Later,
they were used by breeders to help hunters retrieve their game.
Today's Retrievers are as hard working and good natured as
their ancestors. It is an excellent breed for families,
therapy, show competitions, search and rescue missions, and
handicap assistance, among other jobs.
-
German
Shepherd โ This sturdy breed, which was first bred
in Karlsruhe, Germany in 1899, is known for its use in military
and law enforcement. They are highly intelligent and capable,
with unmatched courage and devotion. They are also extremely
versatile, excelling at anything they are trained to do:
assisting and guiding the handicapped, search and rescue,
herding, competitive obedience, drug detection, and other
canine jobs. Their high energy levels necessitate a lot of
activity and exercise.
-
Golden
Retriever โ The Golden Retriever was first bred in
Scotland for hunting. In the 1800s, Dudley Marjoribanks, a
Scottish businessman, crossed a Tweed Water Spaniel
(now-extinct) with a yellow retriever. He later added a
bloodhound and an Irish setter to get the golden haired breed
we know today. The tolerant and friendly attitude of the Golden
Retreiver makes it a great family pet, and its high
intelligence makes it a capable working dog. They are excellent
at retrieving game, sniffing out drugs, tracking, and as
assistance and therapy dogs. They are also natural at athletics
and do very well in dog sports that involve competitive
obedience and agility.
-
Beagle โ Curious
and cute, dog lovers know this tenacious hunting dog breed for
its trumpet-like baying howl instead of a bark. Like most of
the hounds, they come in three colors varieties: red-and-white,
lemon and tricolor. It was used by English hunters to hunt
smaller game like rabbits and foxes. Their outgoing, loving and
happy nature is balanced by their determination and
inquisitiveness as a hound dog.
-
Bulldog โ Known
for its wrinkly face and stocky build, the bulldog is one of
the most recognizable breeds in the world. The name derives
from its original use in bull baiting, which was banned in the
early 19th century. Families like the bulldog do not require a
lot of grooming and
exercise, and has a relaxed temperament. Its short snout and
heavy build make it prone to overheating when the weather is
hot.
