2006 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
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
Monday, January 15, 2007]
- Labrador Retriever Continues to Reign Supreme -
New York, NY - The American Kennel Club® announced today that the Yorkshire Terrier, fondly called the “Yorkie” by millions of enthusiasts, has overtaken the beloved Golden Retriever and the iconic German Shepherd Dog to become the second most popular purebred dog in America according to AKC® registration figures. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in the country once again—a spot it has held since 1991.
“We have been closely tracking dog ownership trends and AKC data reveals that the popularity of smaller breeds continues to grow over the last decade,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Not since the Boston Terrier* hit the top nearly 70 years ago has a small breed worked its way to such a high spot on the list.”
“Dogs have become a fixture in the American family. 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,” added Peterson.