Top

 of

the

Rock

credit AKC  

The 10 most popular breeds of dogs according to 2006 AKC registration statistics appeared at the Top of Rock™ Observation Deck

at Rockefeller Center today, symbolizing their status as “top dogs.” The Labrador Retriever, America’s number one dog for the

16^th consecutive year, was “crowned” while the number two dog, the Yorkshire Terrier is looking on.  

YORKIES HAVE THEIR YEAR! TINY TOY OVERTAKES VENERABLE FAVORITES -- GOLDEN RETRIEVER AND GERMAN SHEPHERD -- AS SECOND MOST POPULAR DOG IN AMERICA

 - 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.

Despite the prevalence of the Yorkie and the increased popularity of other small breeds, the Top 10 once again includes four large breeds all known for their intelligence, versatility and ability to be a loving family companion -- the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever and Boxer. The German Shepherd Dog rose in popularity to third in 2006

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