Bulldog Muscles Its Way into AKC's List of Top 10 Most Popular Dogs in America

Bulldog Makes the List for First Time in Nearly 75 Years; Labrador Retriever Continues to Fetch Top Spot

NEW YORK (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) January 16, 2008 -- Today the American Kennel Club® announced that the Bulldog, a popular sports team mascot and one of the most recognizable and iconic purebred dogs, has muscled its way into the 10th spot on the organization’s annual list of the most popular breeds in America according to 2007 AKC® registration figures. The Labrador Retriever retains the title of “Top Dog”— a position it has now held for 17 consecutive years.
Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.akc.org/" alt="Link to website">This is certainly not the only scam to be aware of, but it is a common one “This is the first time the Bulldog has made it onto the top ten list since 1935,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “This breed appeals to a very wide range of dog lovers so it’s no surprise that it is a favorite amongst AKC’s 157 breeds. The Bulldog is both docile and adaptive, and can thrive in small or large homes. It’s an excellent all-around family pet.”
The Bulldog was first recognized by the AKC in 1886 – just two years after the organization’s founding – and was most popular in 1915* when it peaked in 5th place. The breed’s popularity ebbed and flowed throughout the mid-20th century, but since hitting a low of 41st place in 1973, its ranking has steadily increased.
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
FRAUDULENT FIDOS
Unfortunately the Bulldog’s popularity – and irresistible appearance as a puppy – is often taken advantage of. Earlier this year the AKC and the Better Business Bureau issued a warning about Internet scams that often used photos of Bulldog puppies to lure in victims. Commonly, the scammer —posing as a breeder— places an ad offering a free or inexpensive puppy and then requests via email that shipping fees be wired. After the money is sent, the dog never arrives and the scammer is never heard from again.
“This is certainly not the only scam to be aware of, but it is a common one,” says Peterson. “Because of the emotional investment, consumers are more vulnerable to being taken advantage of when it comes to a cute, cuddly puppy than with any other purchase. Not only is it important to find the breed that’s right for your lifestyle, it’s just as important to take those extra steps and find a responsible breeder. A great resource is http://www.puppybuyerinfo.com/.”
PET PREFERENCES: TOP 50 CITIES
The AKC looked at the Top 10 breeds in the nation’s 50 largest cities. Some highlights:
The Bulldog is most popular in Los Angeles where is it currently ranked 2nd right after the Lab.
Despite having one of the world’s most beloved and renowned Bulldogs as the mascot for its state college sports team – University of Georgia’s “Uga,” – Atlanta is one of the few cities in the nation that did not include the Bulldog in its Top 10.
The Poodle and Dachshund, who each once enjoyed the top spot in Manhattan (2006, 2005 for the Poodle and 2004 for the Dachshund) now share a tie for 3rd place, ousted by America’s top choice, the Labrador Retriever.
Detroit, Knoxville, Miami, Honolulu and Orlando are the only cities that do not have the Labrador Retriever in the top spot. Detroit and Miami favor the German Shepherd, Orlando puts the Yorkie in 1st place, Honolulu the Golden Retriever and Knoxville the Boxer.
Salt Lake City is the only city to place the Shih Tzu in one of its top two spots. It moved from 3rd in 2006 to 2nd in 2007.
The only cities to not have the Yorkie on their lists are Buffalo, Milwaukee and Des Moines. And, Des Moines had the most unique list of all 50 cities, considering that it shared only four dogs with the national Top 10.
The Miniature Schnauzer, which was displaced on the national list this year by the Bulldog, still claims top dog status in Oklahoma City where it ranks 3rd, higher than in any other U.S. city.
San Francisco and Los Angeles were the only cities in the nation to include the French Bulldog in their Top 10 lists.
PET PREFERENCES: 1997– 2007
Some of the most notable recent trends include:
The Miniature Schnauzer was bumped off the Top 10 list in 2007 to make room for the Bulldog.
The Yorkshire Terrier held steady in 2nd place, after making news last year by displacing the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd.
The Havanese, a small dog with a coat type that is a good choice for people with allergies, has enjoyed the greatest surge in popularity since 1997, increasing 994%. It now ranks as the 37th most popular breed.
Other small dogs (under 20 lbs.) that have gained popularity in the past decade include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (+406%), the French Bulldog (+404%) and the Brussels Griffon (+157%).
Large dogs with notable increases are two Swiss breeds -- the Bernese Mountain Dog (+74%) and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (+127%) -- as well as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (+130%).
Breeds on the decline include the Rottweiler (-81%) and the Dalmatian (-96%). Many breeds of Asian origins are also waning in popularity: Chow Chows (-84%), Pekingese (-79%), Akitas (-76%), Lhasa Apso (-75%), Chinese Shar-Pei (-73%) and Shiba Inu (-38%).
PET PREFERENCES: 1915 – TODAY
The AKC has maintained registration statistics of AKC recognized breeds for nearly a century. Some highlights:
The Beagle is the only breed that has consistently been included in the Top 10 list since 1915. It reigned as the most popular breed from 1954 to 1959.
Poodles enjoyed a long reign as the most popular dog for 23 years (1960–1982), the longest any breed has held that position consecutively.
Cocker Spaniels ranked number one from 1936-1953 (replaced by the Beagle in 1954). Cocker Spaniels made a comeback and were number one again from 1983-1990, making them the dog with the longest total reign in the top spot at 25 years.
The Toy group has been steadily on the rise since the 1970’s, when it made up only 12% of the registry versus 23% today.
The Working group peaked in the 1990’s at 17%, most notably due to the Rottweiler being in the Top 10 at that time, including several years in 2nd place.
Dog lovers can see and learn more about all of their favorite breeds on Saturday, February 2 when the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship — where country’s top dogs compete for $225,000 in prize money and the title of “National Champion” — airs on Animal Planet from 8-11pm.
*First year AKC Registration Data was captured.
The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog trials. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit http://www.akc.org/.

Ron Paul, Who Needs Him?

I asked a cow once what she thought of Ron Paul. She told me to moo-oo-ve. I was surprised by rude the response. Looking down, however, I quickly realized that I was probably standing on her lunch. So, I moved off the patch of green grass. Then, I again asked Betsy what she thought of presidential candidate Ron Paul. Her tale twitching and looking at me with those big brown eyes, Betsy answered: "Ask the people in the house, I don´t vote."Okay, that was a fair answer. People like those in the house do have an opinion about Ron Paul. Besides being generational family farmers, they are nearly fanatical about supporting Ron Paul for president. When asked why? Speaking in unison, they say Paul has been attempting to protect the small farmers´ rights in Congress, but protecting them from whom. Typical of the federal government, federal and state governments give their legal and economic backing to the big factory farms. In the name of national security, the feds are seeking to force all farmers and pet owners to register the purchase, sale, and other information about every animal with the federal government. The National Animal ID System (NAIS) is the response of egalitarian and corporate-minded politicians to the bird flu epidemic that originated at factory farms in Asia. Ron Paul proposed legislation to defund the program because it is only beneficial to large industrial farm operation but is a prohibitive burden to small and medium sized farms. The initial cost to taxpayers is at least $33 million. In November, Paul co-sponsored "The Family Farm, Small Business and Home Tax Relief Act," which guarantee the estate tax rate will remain at 45% while increasing the estate tax exemption amount from $2 million to $3.5 million. More important is the $8 million exemption applicable to small businesses and family farms. For most farmers, this bill is nothing to get excited about today, but it does offer assurance that the fruit of their labors will belong to their children tomorrow.

Another family farm bill proposed by Paul was legislation permitting the sale of unpasteurized milk. Many people prefer to purchase unpasteurized milk from local family farms because it contains more healthy nutrients. According to Paul, research by individuals reveal local unpasteurized milk is just as safe as mass produced pasteurized milk. These are a few reasons why all Americans need Ron Paul for President. He has been opposing unconstitutional and harmful federal policies for many years. Unlike other candidates whose campaigns are being funded by big money special interests, Ron Paul has proven he will look out for the constitutional interests of all Americans, not just those with the big bucks and some power. Friends and supporters of local family farmers are excited about having a man in the Whitehouse who actually defends the rights of the traditional family farmer. This city dweller thinks the rest of us should as well. Betsy does.While I was reviewing my notes aloud, Betsy, who must have overheard me, waddled over and told me to tell you to ´moo-oo—ove and vote for that man.´ I think she meant for us to vote for Ron Paul in the coming primaries. Maybe we should take that smart cow´s advice.

Confusion over new pet vaccinations

No one likes taking a pet dog to the vet and wincing as your "best friend" gets a shot.
But vaccinations are critical for animal health and some are required by law.
However, those laws have changed, leaving many owners confused.
So who's calling the shots?
They dominate the sidewalk at this Arlington dog-wash, sometimes by the hundreds.
Pets and their people, waiting on low-cost vaccines.
"$7? Can't beat it," said one person in the line.
"It's a lot cheaper to do it here than it would be for the vet!" said another.
"People come here to get their pets protected, they don't just come here necessarily to get shots," said veterinarian, Johnny Todd.
Twice a week - vets and techs offer $7 rabies vaccinations and other shots and tests, if required.
Veronica has brought "Rocky" in for the first time.
The cost here is half or a third what it would otherwise cost.
But just as problematic as cost - according to some animal experts - the confusion over what vaccines are required - and how often.
"There is a lot of misinformation out there among the general public," said Professor Bonnie Beaver, a professor at Texas A &M Vet School.
In Texas, rabies shots were required annually.
Now, because of improved vaccines, they're required once every three years.
"I haven't heard about that," said Dustin Music, a dog owner.
"So people go to their vets, and they get all these shots done and the vets not going tell you not to get everything done if it's not necessary, because they want your money. So people get their pets over-vaccinated for sure," said another dog owner, Ebony Danek.
There is a sizeable mark-up in vaccines when given in a vet clinic.
But most vets say - equally as important - is the check-up a dog receives at the same time.
"As each vet is trying to weigh out the risks in their endemic area, versus the potential side effects," said veterinarian, Jennifer Lavender.
Dr. Jennifer Lavender recently found a life-threatening condition on a dog when it came in for a required vaccine.
"And we found a congenital heart murmur on that puppy and now he's slated for surgery at A&M," she added.
Legal vaccine requirements vary.
Some municipalities still mandate an annual rabies vaccination, regardless of state policy.
Add to that the variations in other so-called "core" vaccines for hepatitis, parvo and distemper.
And the opinions fly.
"Some veterinarians take the position that it's not gonna hurt the dog to give these extra vaccinations, and let's err on the side of precaution... but twice as much isn't necessarily as good," said Don Praeger from the Arlington Humane Society.
"There are some studies that indicate that it can cause an increase in sarcomas which are cancerous tumors," he added.
He - like some owners - administers non-rabies vaccinations himself - to be certain his border collie Rolex doesn't get too much.
But even that can be problematic, if the medicine has not been handled properly.
"Most of the cases of disease that we see are... in animals that have been vaccinated by their owners," said Professor Beaver.
Still, most animal science experts say the vast majority of dogs are better served with regular vaccines - administered on a case-by-case basis by veterinarians.
Factors like age, lifestyle and geography all play a part.
Older dogs don't need most vaccines.
Puppies do.
Hunting dogs need more protection than indoor, urban dogs.
Like humans, each dog needs customized care and each vet needs clients.
And each veterinarian needs to make money, but can - in partnership with an owner - provided critically-important preventative care.
Prevention and a slight prick to keep hounds healthy.