Bulldog Makes Top 10 Popular Dogs List

Associated Press ^ | January 16, 2008 | Unknown

[decimon]

NEW YORK - For the first time in 72 years, the bulldog has muscled its way back into the Top 10 most popular breeds in the nation.

The top dog for the 17th consecutive year was the Labrador retriever, the American Kennel Club said Wednesday. The bulldog was selected 10th in a survey of the 50 largest cities in 2007.

"The bulldog is both docile and adaptive and can thrive in small or large homes," the AKC said. "It's an excellent all-around family pet."

The thickset canine, with its low-swung body, sagging snout and wide shoulders, last made the Top 10 list in 1935, when it placed 10th. With the ascent of the bulldog, the miniature Schnauzer dropped off the list.

The beagle, the only breed that has been consistently included on the Top 10 since 1915, came in fifth.

Other purebreds that made the most popular dogs list were the Yorkshire terrier at No. 2, followed by the German shepherd, golden retriever, the boxer at No. 6, dachshund, poodle and Shih Tzu.

The AKC maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and sets the standards for 157 breeds.

[martin_fierro]

I LOL'D

[ellery]

Many years ago the bulldog was the “thug” dog of choice, so the breed got a bad reputation — I’m assuming that’s why they lost popularity for a while. Glad to see the breed reputation rehabilitated.

[edcoil]

“Labrador retriever” - great dogs.

While almost the same breed, I believe the Golden Retriever is the best and better of the two. They are almost identical however the golden’s seem to have a calmer personality and more willing to snuggle with the children.

[Mr. Mojo]

I like the American variety of Bulldog.

[relictele]

This is a dog:

this is not:

[PBRSTREETGANG]

How many delegates does the bulldog get as a result?

[Tijeras_Slim]

If it's not a Basenji, it's just a dog.

[JamesP81]

I had a Rat Terrier....great dog. Almost frighteningly intelligent, obedient, loyal unto death, good with kids. They also make a good home alarm system. Mine could be completely unconscious in the middle of the night and if someone even so much as stepped a toe into our yard, he would wake up, jump off the bed so hard that he landed in the hallway, and be running full steam for the front door intending to attack any intruder who got through. They will also solve any rodent problem you have in your home and they’ll run all of the moles out of your yard too.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

The vice president of a company was talking about how
he missed the English Bulldog he had as a child.

For his birthday we got together and bought him one.

His wife was would take care of his needs, training,
doctor trips and walks, ETC.

She had a leash on the dog for a walk and this puppy
got frisky, it ran around her as she was on the stairs
and tripped her.

She had a broken hip and I felt somewhat guilty for
helping to buy the dog.

[Daffynition]

[decimon]

It’s a shame about the wife but the important thing is that you got to suck up to the boss. ;-)

[decimon]

I’ve worked for that guy.

[#1CTYankee]

"“Labrador retriever” - great dogs.

While almost the same breed, I believe the Golden Retriever is the best and better of the two. They are almost identical however the golden’s seem to have a calmer personality and more willing to snuggle with the children."

I have two dogs, a black lab and Red Golden.

They are both great dogs and good with the kids but the kids like the Golden better because as they put it:

She's calmer.

[Joann37]

Hard to believe the AP author of this article (ten most popular dogs) couldn’t have told us what those 10 most popular dogs are! If anyone else is interested (as was I), here they are:

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3408

2007 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Yorkshire Terrier

3. German Shepherd Dog

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Dachshund

8. Poodle

9. Shih Tzu

10. Bulldog

[the_devils_advocate_666]

Here's my #1 and #2 in no particular order:

[Secret Agent Man]

That may be true, as black labs are really more watchdog instinctively than a golden is.

I tell you what, that black lab will watch those kids when they’re outside and make sure nothing happens to them. They are very protective. We had a neighborhood black lab and I was learning to ride my bike, and he would always put himself between me and the street side of the sidewalk.

I miss good ol’ Sage.

[mickie]

Everyone I know either has or wants a Jack Russell.

I know he's not on the AKC list.

I love my Teddy so much, he is smart, clean, playful, loyal.....don't know what I'd do w/o him.

[kdot]

I have two Jack Russells and they are great dogs. They aren’t wound up like the bad sterotype suggests, but they do have energy. They will play until you stop. They NEVER get tired (6 and 7 years old). I live next to a swamp but never worry about snakes because the elder instinctively knows how to catch them. Watch dogs - no, but they are very perceptive and reactive to us.

I had an English Bulldog for many years. I LOVED him, but between the skin issues, respiratory issues, and drooling, the dog was high maintenance.

But, my favorite dog of all time was my wonderful English Bull Terrier. She was the smartest dog I have ever known. Also, she was 100% loyal and protective. It did get tiring when most people reacted with fear because she looked threatening with the tight skin and wide nose.

[Mamzelle]

Yep--GR's are adorable. But too much dog. Next dog--I have to be able to pick him up without much trouble.

If a dog breeder wanted riches, he'd breed the GR smaller.