Small dogs gaining popularity

Whether it's the portability factor or their permanent puppylike qualities, small dogs are coming up big in the United States.

The American Kennel Club recently announced that the Yorkshire terrier, called the "Yorkie" by millions of enthusiasts, has overtaken the golden retriever and the German shepherd dog to become the second most popular purebred dog in America, according to the group's registration figures.

The Labrador retriever is the most popular purebred dog in the country, once again maintaining its spot as top dog on the AKC's annual list, a position 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.

While small breeds dipped to a low of 18 percent of the AKC's registry in the 1940s, they have grown to 29 percent of the registry today.

"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," said Peterson.

Despite the prevalence of the Yorkie and the increased popularity of other small breeds, the top 10 list 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.

In order of popularity, the top 10 most popular dogs in the country are Labrador retriever, Yorkshire terrier, German shepherd dog, golden retriever, beagle, dachshund, boxer, poodle, Shih Tzu and miniature schnauzer.

Be they small or large, dogs have never been more popular in American homes. According to a 2005-06 national survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Americans own more than 73 million dogs.

Dog owners on the go, or those who have a busy work and family schedule, prefer a dog that requires little grooming so the majority of time with the dog can be spent on exercise, training and playtime. According to the AKC, dogs with low grooming requirements have been steadily on the rise since the 1970s, while dogs that require more grooming have declined sharply during the same period.

For more information on dog breeds, visit www.AKC.org.

This story is provided by State Point Media.