RALEIGH, North Carolina: The Yorkshire Terrier is now the second-most-popular purebred dog breed in America - but still has a lot of ground to make up to beat the reigning champ, the Labrador Retriever.
According to American Kennel Club registration figures, 'Yorkies' leapfrogged the Golden Retriever and the German Shepherd to take the number-two breed position.
However Labradors have romped home in first place in the breed popularity stakes, a position they have held every year in the US since 1991, according to industry magazine Pet Product News International. Labs in fact held the number-one position in most US cities, PPNI said.
The AKC said despite the increased popularity of small breeds in general, the Top 10 included four large breeds known for their intelligence, versatility and ability to be a loving family companion -- the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Boxer.
“We have been closely tracking dog ownership trends and AKC data reveals that the popularity of smaller breeds continues to grow over the last decade,” AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson said. “Not since the Boston Terrier hit the top nearly 70 years ago has a small breed worked its way to such a high spot on the list.”
“Dogs have become a fixture in the American family. The recent rise of the Yorkie proves that many modern dog owners prefer a portable, pint-sized pet that fits their modern, fast-paced lifestyle,” she said.
- 1. Labrador Retriever
- 2. Yorkshire Terrier
- 3. German Shepherd
- 4. Golden Retriever
- 5. Beagle
- 6. Dachshund
- 7. Boxer
- 8. Poodle
- 9. Shih Tzu
- 10. Miniature Schnauzer
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According to AKC records, the sporting group (retrievers, pointers, setters and spaniels) is currently the most popular, making up nearly 30 per cent of the 2006 registry, with the toy group following on 23 per cent.
However the popularity of the terrier group has dropped, going from nearly 27% of the registry to only 6% this year.
Among major US cities, the Bulldog makes the Top 10 in 27 cities, followed by the Pug in 22 cities, the Rottweiler in 15 cities, the Chihuahua in 14 cities and the Pomeranian in eight cities.
Knoxville is the only major city in America with the same Top 10 breeds as the national list. Milwaukee is the only city that does not include the popular Yorkshire Terrier on its local Top 10 list.
Click here to find more US city dog-breed breakdown figures.
Yes they are very smart, aren't they? Adorable little buggers. I have one myself- and I call him Mr. Muggles. Obviously, I'm a huge fan of Heroes.
nice to know labs are still number 1! i have a five-year old lab named dawgie. yes, i know it sounds so generic- but she's such an adorable little sweetie and real smart. now she can stick it to that yorkie a couple houses down the road. hahaha
Yah, labs are extremely popular. It's the perfect companion for any man or a family with chidlren. Buddy, my 2 year old lab, is just awesome. Really smart too! i can't imagine myself jogging with a yorkie! That would be real sissy! LOL! but hey, i dig girls with cutsie little pets.
OMG! Awwww... my poodle comes at 8th only! Like it matters to them. as long as they are loved, rankings don't matter. only people pay attention to 'em! haha
hey! whatever happened to pugs?! =)
My tea cups are not in the list but to me they are still #1 and I think that's all that matters.
yahoo! that makes lab the number 1 breed in the US and for good reason! they're beautiful, playful and so lovable! although my golden retriever fell to fourth place but i still love her just the same.
Doesn't matter if they are 1st or the 100th. Breeds don't matter too. I have a mixed breed at home. I know my Chesnut doesn't belong in any rankings, but i still love him the same and i think he is the best dog there is!
for such a small breed, it has actually taken over the second spot over the golden retriever and german shepherd. being a guy i personally prefer mid-sized and large sized dogs rather than small ones. although yorkies are cute, i find them too girlie for me.
haha! my lab and golden are still ranked first and fourth! although i like all breeds of dogs as long as they are friendly, i personally prefer mid-sized or big dogs than small ones.
There's so much talk about dog breeds. How come there are no studies or much articles written on cat breeds? Cats are popular pets in the country, too! Well, i'd like people to know that there are lots of cat breeds out there too aside from persians.