Posted on 03/20/2024 10:13:21 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
French bulldogs. U.S. dog owners. C'est l'amour.
Frenchies remained the United States' most commonly registered purebred dogs last year, according to American Kennel Club rankings released Wednesday. The club calls the Frenchie the most popular breed, though other canine constituencies may beg to differ.
Is it a coup to be celebrated? Au contraire, say longtime fans who rue what popularity is doing to the breed. Nevertheless, after lapping Labrador retrievers to take the top spot in 2022, the bat-eared, scaled-down bulldogs held on in the new standings, which reflect puppies and other dogs that were added last year to the United States' oldest dog registry.
Meanwhile, dachshunds are at a nearly two-decade peak, the cane corso is making moves, and there's a new breed in the mix.
Of course, purebreds are only part of the canine population in the U.S., where animal shelters faced an influx of all sorts of dogs last year. Here's a snapshot:
TOP 10
After Frenchies, the most common breeds registered were Labs, golden retrievers, German shepherds and poodles. Then came dachshunds, bulldogs, beagles, Rottweilers and German shorthaired pointers.
All were also in the top 10 in 2022. A decade ago, Yorkshire terriers and boxers were in the group. Go back a half-century, and the third most popular breed was the Irish setter — now 76th.
Pooch preferences shift for reasons ranging from media exposure (social and otherwise) to changing lifestyles as more Americans have moved to cities.
The statistics have limits. Registration is voluntary, the AKC releases few raw numbers, and the popularity rankings measure only the club's roughly 200 recognized breeds. They don't include doodles, other deliberate hybrids or everyday mixed-breed dogs, though those can be registered as “all-American dogs” for such sports as agility and obedience.
*SNIP*
(Excerpt) Read more at channel3000.com ...
The rescue we have now is 50% German shepherd mixed with boxer and treeing walker coonhound (according to her embark DNA report). What an incredible dog she is! And beautiful - she is tri colored and has the classic GS black saddle but lab like ears. My husband always says she missed her calling - she likely would have been a great police dog of sorts. The hound in her loves to track. She has to smell EVERYTHING too! Before my husband leaves for work in the morning she insists on smelling his lunch bag to see what he is taking. It’s so funny! She is absolutely wonderful and protective as can be of us and our crew.
Heinz 57? John Kerry’s dog?
“Some rescue groups started importing dogs from the third world. ”
Are people who are considering adopting one of these dogs told this?
Sometimes, it depends on the organization. People should know that dogs can possibly be imported and ask questions about previous ownership. A good organization will be upfront about the dog and it’s previous whereabouts.
Haha! The old slogan "Heinz 57 Varieties"
They’re ugly dogs
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