Top Ten Dog Breeds

From LoveToKnow Dogs

The American Kennel has just released its list of the top ten dog breeds for 2006.

The king and the heir to the throne.
  1. Labrador Retriever
  2. Yorkshire Terrier
  3. German Shepherd Dog
  4. Golden Retriever
  5. Beagle
  6. Dachshund
  7. Boxer
  8. Poodle
  9. Shih Tzu
  10. Miniature Schnauzer

This year's rankings revealed some significant changes from years past, so naturally LoveToKnow Dogs had to find out more. Here is our conversation with AKC representative Lisa Peterson.

2006 Top Ten Dog Breeds

How does AKC compile it's list of the top ten dog breeds?

AKC compiles its top ten dog breeds list in January of every year based on the number of dogs registered by the American Kennel Club in the previous year from the first of January through the end of December. We also compile and publish a top ten list for the nation’s fifty largest cities.

Number four: The Golden Retriever

Was there a significant change in the top ten from 2005 to 2006?

Yes, 2006 marked the “Year of the Yorkie,” as the tiny Yorkshire Terrier overtook the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Dog in registration statistics to become the second most popular dog in the nation. Not since the Boston Terrier hit the top nearly seventy years ago has a small breed worked its way to such a high spot on the list. The Labrador Retriever is once again the most popular purebred dog in the country, a spot it has held since 1991.

Why do you think Yorkies have made such a large jump up the list?

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.

Number three: The German Shepherd Dog

Does there seem to be a definite preference between smaller dog breeds and larger ones?

The popularity of small dogs, those under twenty pounds, has steadily risen over the past decade. The Toy group has been steadily on the rise since the 1970’s, when it made up only twelve percent of the registry versus twenty-three percent today. Some of the biggest movers include the Yorkie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldogs and Brussels Griffon.

This year’s top ten dog breeds list once again includes four large breeds all known for their intelligence, versatility and ability to be a loving family companion: the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever and Boxer. Large breeds make up the bulk of the registry today (45%) as a result of the Lab being in the top spot.

Over the last ten years, which breed has spent the most time in the number one spot?

The Labrador has held the number one spot for sixteen years.


Number six: The Dachshund

Care to make any predictions for 2007's list?

We predict that the small dog trend will continue. Who knows, maybe next year the Yorkie will scamper up to the very top of the list and dethrone the Lab!

Lisa, thank you for sharing your time with us. Is there a final thought you'd like to leave our readers with?

I’d like to encourage readers to visit our website to find out the top ten dog breeds in the cities nearest them.

Also on our website, you can learn about the upcoming AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events that will be taking place all over the country, and find out how to hold your own event.


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