Top Dogs

Once again, the American Kennel Club has released the list of America's favorite dogs. 

A few comments I'd like to make. This is simply a compilation of which breeds are most commonly owned, in numerical order. However, many dogs are not AKC registered and don't even get "counted." Even purebred dogs, depending on where they come from, can be unknown to the AKC. Then of course, there are the mutts and the overpriced mixes (also called designer dogs.) 

As a small animal veterinarian, who has been in practice 15 years, I can say the list is fairly on target. We DO see a lot of Labs, Goldens, Rotties, and the smaller dogs on the list. I also see a LOT Of Pit Bulls (they are a tremendous unreported population - 99.9% of the time amazing sweet dogs - but over represented in our shelters and often needed to be labelled as "lab mixes" due to homeowner's and other insurances. THAT is sad, considering that it's not Pit Bulls that I fear or have gotten bitten or nearly bitten by most. Not by a VERY long shot.

Anyhow, before you get any dog, research it - especially if you are fixed on a specific breed. I urge to you seriously consider a shelter dog. They are great pets and often they are there for reasons that have nothing to do with them but with the humans that had them. Every breed has it's own rescue too so you can still save an animal without contributing to the over population problem. If those don't meet your needs, be very careful and stick with a reputable breeder - and yes, you will pay more because they do it the right way and spend $ on their breeding animals. 

Here is The List