Murph the Black Labrador Retriever has plenty of counterparts in homes around the U.S.
Photo by Paul Fersen
Last Friday, the American Kennel Club released its list of the most popular dogs in U.S. (based on registration statistics), and for the twenty-third year in a row, the Labrador Retriever is number 1. The Top 10 remain unchanged from the previous year, but the French Bulldog jumped from 14th in 2012 to 11th in 2013, passing the Doberman Pinscher and German Shorthaired Pointer. This is part of a longstanding trend, as Frenchie registrations have risen 323 percent since 2003. Other notable news from farther down the list:
Giant Schnauzers rose from 96 to 83; Keeshonden from 103 to 86; Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers from 104 to 97; Irish Terriers from 132 to 123; Kerry Blue Terriers from 130 to 126; Lakeland Terriers from 137 to 134; Sussex Spaniels from 169 to 162; and Dandie Dinmont Terriers from 172 to 168.
Click here for the full list of 177 breeds. Does the list conform to what you see in the real world?
The average Lab is better than the average man.
No pudelpointer? The list is a joke.
It is unfortunate that more humans have yet to discover the joy, happiness, companionship, loyalty, and greatest of all, BOUNDLESS LOVE of a purebred Siberian Husky. While there is ample evidence of individual DOGS of different breeds saving the lives of humans, to my knowledge the Husky is the only BREED that worked together with humans to save a town (in Alaska during the early 1900s). The commemorative Iditarod just finished a week or so ago. I agree with Mr. Triggs, canines of any breed are much better humans than we are. Remember, purebreed or mixed breed, dogs make living more pleasurable!
I agree that dogs are terrific and certainly have proven their worth through the ages. But better than humans? Their acts of heroism are no less remarkable then humans, but far less frequent. Companionable? Sure, but again no more than a best human friend. And though some, few, people commit the most egregious acts against others. When’s the last time you were bitten by a seemingly friendly human stranger? Finally, in the human/dog relationship lets not lose sight of the fact that it’s the human that cares for the dog–providing food, shelter, security, health care, etc., and companionship too.
Dogs are great, people–better!
Thank you Orvis for knowing how deeply we dog lovers feel for these special family members. My Golden brings me such unbounded joy and graces me with an exuberance for life like no other. Without him, I am merely a woman. My favorite quote regarding Mankind’s best friend says it all…
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.” – Unknown