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Beagles Have Their Year! 

 

Curious and Comedic Breed Overtakes Yorkies to Place Third on Most-Popular List; Lovable Labs Hold Top Spot for 21 Years While Rottweiler Moves Into the Top 10

 

Look out Lab, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) has announced that the Beagle has overtaken the beloved Yorkshire Terrier to become the third most popular dog breed in the U.S., according to AKC registration statistics released today. The Golden Retriever also made a strong push into the top ranks – advancing from the fifth to the fourth most popular dog breed – and the Rottweiler made news by unseating the Shih Tzu – which had been in the top 10 since 2000. But fans of the Labrador Retriever need not fear: the beloved Lab remains the champ – a spot it has now held for 21 consecutive years – thanks to its well-earned reputation for playfulness and loyalty and its use as a police and search-and-rescue dog.

“While the Labrador Retriever has proven once again to be a family favorite, this year clearly belongs to the Beagle,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.  “The Beagle's merry personality combined with his love of outdoor activities make him such a wonderful family pet that I wouldn't be surprised to see this spunky breed sniff his way to the top of the list next year.”

2011 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

2010 Ranking

1. Labrador Retriever

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Beagle

3. Yorkshire Terrier

4. Golden Retriever

4. Beagle

5. Yorkshire Terrier

5. Golden Retriever

6. Bulldog

6. Bulldog

7. Boxer

7. Boxer

8. Poodle

8. Dachshund

9. Dachshund

9. Poodle

10. Rottweiler

10. Shih Tzu

 

Most Notable Dog Trends in 2011 Include:

 

A complete list of AKC's Most Popular Breeds, including statistics for 50 U.S. cities, is available on the AKC website at akc.org/press/most-popular-dog-breeds-in-america

For more information on finding a responsible breeder in your area, go to www.AKCpuppies.org.