Top 10 Dog Breeds
The American Kennel Club, a non-profit organization that
maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, has
announced which dog breeds were most popular in 2012. Results are
tabulated based on the organization's annual registration statistics.
The list of 175 dog breeds was narrowed down to the top 10 four-legged companions that Americans preferred to take home.
Drum roll, please…
10. Dachshund
Lively and affectionate, dachshunds
are known to be bold, curious and a bit mischievous. While devoted to
their families, this breed needs strong leadership at home in order to
avoid any behavioral issues. There are three varieties of dachshund: the
short-haired, the wired-haired, and the long-haired.
Dachshunds
also have a wide color variety, including: black, red, chocolate, tan or
fawn, cream and blue-gray. Bi-color dachshunds may be black and tan,
black and cream, chocolate and tan, chocolate and cream, blue and tan,
or blue and cream. Brindled dachshunds (stripes covering the entire
body) may be seen in any of the colors mentioned.
9. Rottweiler
For the second year in a row, the Rottweiler
lands on the AKC's list of top dogs, moving up from No. 10 to ninth
place. The large, sometimes formidable-looking dog has become a family
favorite due to its loving and affectionate personality. One of the
oldest-known herding dogs dating back to the Roman Empire, this German
breed was originally bred to be a hunting companion. Today, with their
sharp skills, Rottweilers are frequently used in search and rescue, as
guide dogs for the blind, and as guard or police dogs. .
According
to the American Kennel Club, the Rottweiler is basically a calm,
confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness, responding
quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in its
environment. It has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and
is an intelligent dog with a strong willingness to work, making them
especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.
8. Poodle
Poodles
are the runway models of the popular breeds, highly intelligent and
graceful. Considered one of the most trainable breeds, the standard
poodle are typically pleasant, happy and sensitive but can become high
strung if not given the proper amount of exercise.
Poodles—who
are born with one of a variety of solid colors, including white, black,
apricot and gray–require extensive grooming. Their fur is also
hypoallergenic, which may reduce allergic reactions and be helpful to
pet owners who suffer from allergies.
Read more about poodles
7. Boxer
The
boxer dog, a muscular, short-coated breed with a distinctive square
head has had a place in the hearts of owners for decades. The boxer’s
strong body and gentle, playful spirit are a great combination.
And what about his name? It is said that his moniker is a testament to his playful and curious side. You’ll notice that your boxer dog
uses his front paws for just about everything. He’s likely to paw at
his toys and food in a cat-like way. He also likes to jump up and motion
with his front paws, making him look like he’s actually boxing, and
hence the name.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Energetic, loyal and clever, the Yorkshire terrier
seems oblivious of its small size. Always ready for an adventure,
"Yorkies" are easy to train and are considered excellent watchdogs.
Known
for their ultra long, fine, silky coat that parts along the spine and
falls straight down on either side, Yorkies are colored a combination of
steal blue and tan. As you might expect, regular grooming is needed and
Yorkie owners commonly pull back their dogs' hair on their head in a
topknot. Depite the long hair, however, Yorkies shed very little.
5. Bulldog
While the bulldog’s
appearance can be intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Small
and stocky in stature with a wide, massive head, a bulldog’s coat may
be white, black, red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow or a combination of
colors.
Considered to be very affectionate and dependable dogs,
bulldogs are gentle with children and known for their courage and their
excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and determined, this breed can
be very persistent and dominating. Strong leadership and attention are
recommended.
One other thing for which bulldogs are well known? Loud snoring and a tendency to drool and slobber. What’s not to love?
4. Beagle
Well
before designer dogs like the puggle (half beagle, half pug) struck dog
lovers as the hottest breed to bring home, there was just the good old
beagle. In its pure bred form, this hound continues to hold on to its
status as one of man’s best friends.
These droopy eared hounds are
spunky, loyal and make great friendly pets for families with children.
Beagles also tend to have lots of energy to burn. They can be
mischievous and are often lead to trouble (garbage cans, shoes, dirty
laundry) by their extraordinary hunting noses. Their natural curiosity
often means they are a little tricky to train and require owners who are
willing to be firm yet patient. Beagles are also known for their tremendous whining, sharp bark and thoroughly loud from-the-belly howls.
Read more about beagles
3. Golden Retriever
With
their ever-present smiles, wavy blonde fur, and joyful prance, the
golden retriever has long been one of America’s favorite dogs. Perhaps
it’s their family-friendly demeanor and golden looks that helps keep
this breed in the Top 5 of all registered dogs in the U.S. This year,
the breed moved up one spot from 2011.
The golden retriever is
classified by the American Kennel Club as a sporting dog, popular with
hunters for its soft mouth and eagerness to retrieve in water.
True to its name the golden retriever
loves to fetch. It’s not uncommon to be greeted by a golden with a
favorite toy stuffed in its mouth. Known for its intelligent mind, the
breed can learn more than 200 commands with training and encouragement.
2. German Shepherd
Often used as working dogs, German shepherds
are highly intelligent and courageous. Known for their tremendous
loyalty, these dogs are typically cheerful, obedient and eager to learn.
German
shepherds prefer to be close to their families and therefore have a
very strong protective instinct. Generally good with other pets and
excellent with children in the family, it is recommended to train and
socialize German shepherds from an early age with a firm and loving
hand.
The breed's ability to rapidly learn has contributed to its
wide use as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the
blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German
shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including agility,
flyball, and ring sport. But most of all, the German shepherd is favored
as a loving family companion.
1. Labrador Retriever
For
the 22nd consecutive year, this loveable breed continues to be the most
popular breed in the U.S., according to AKC registration statistics.
The family-friendly Labrador retriever
has won over the hearts of families across the country—millions of
households count a Lab among their family members, and it’s easy to see
why. Labs display a well-mannered temperament and are eager to please
their owners.
The Labrador retriever originated in Newfoundland,
where it aided fisherman with their catch. After being crossed with
setters, spaniels and other retrievers, the Lab sharpened its skills as a
true retriever. But what makes Labs even more popular is their kind,
outgoing nature.
This people-friendly quality also makes Labs
great dogs for children. The Lab thrives in an active household, where
he can have lots of interaction. Kids will also love the Lab’s easy
nature and trainability . In turn, Labrador retrievers
tend to be very patient with kids. Be prepared to harness that energy:
plenty of exercise and fetching games will keep your Lab happy and
healthy.
