Most Popular Purebred Dogs

The American Kennel Club on Wednesday announced its list of the most popular purebred dogs in America for 2008, and for the 18th year in a row, the Labrador retriever is top dog.

More than twice as many Labradors were registered last year than any other breed, the AKC says, making it a likely leader in popularity for many years to come.

The Lab also rules in Wichita, with almost 3,000 licensed in the city.

Maureen Gamble, a Wichita Kennel Club member who has owned Labradors for 40 years, says “the reason Labs are the most popular dog in Wichita, and in the United States and pretty much all over the world, is that the breed has what the British call ‘bidability.’ That means the dog will do your bidding.”

Labs are a very social breed, Gamble said. “They want to do whatever it is you want to do, which is what makes them so adaptable.

“If you want to go coon or rabbit hunting, that’s fine; they want to do it with you. If you want to run a day care with a Lab, that’s great.

“As long as they can do it with their human, they’re happy to do whatever it is you ask them to do, pretty much.”

But like the dog in the book and movie “Marley & Me,” Labs have “a touch of the rascal in them,” Gamble said.

They’re very loving and affectionate, but they’re also big and strong, “and if they decide to chew on something, they will demolish it,” she said. “I’ve never seen a Lab that couldn’t do a ’squeakerectomy’ on a toy in 30 seconds.”

Labs need an owner who will teach them boundaries and limits, Gamble said, and they need plenty of exercise “to be healthy and stay in good temperament.”

Dachshunds also rule

When it comes to the rest of the top 10 breed list, Wichitans favor dachshunds and Chihuahuas over the national favorites of Yorkshire terriers and German shepherds.

Dachshunds, which come in three coats — smooth, longhaired and wire-haired — and two sizes — standard and miniature — came in second on Wichita’s list of most popular purebred dogs, with 2,257 registered.

Barb Gralheer, a member of the Wichita Kennel Club who has owned dachshunds for more than 50 years, said she thinks dachshunds are popular because “they make an ideal family pet.”

“They’re not prone to a lot of shedding, or dragging in things from the yard,” she said. “They’re easy feeders and easy keepers,” meaning they’ll eat anything, she said, and “they’re a friendly, outgoing breed.”

Deb Breitigan of Valley Center, who won The Eagle’s Woofstock photo contest in 2007 with her photo of her dachshund Sydneah, thinks the breed is popular because it is smart and eager to please.

“It’s their personality and loyalty that stand out,” said Breitigan, who also has a second dachshund, Kayleah.

“I don’t know what it is about them. They just tug at my heart.”

Chihuahuas came in third in Wichita, and miniature schnauzers fourth. Golden retrievers, shih tzus, poodles, German shepherds, boxers and beagles make up the rest of the local top 10.

1884’s top nine

In a look back at how dog ownership has changed over the years, the AKC also released a list of the most popular breeds from 1884, the year of the organization’s founding. The AKC, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, recognized only nine breeds in 1884, compared with 161 today.

The pointer leads the list, followed by the Chesapeake Bay retriever, English, Gordon and Irish setters, and Clumber, cocker, Irish water and Sussex spaniels. All are members of the “sporting group” — dogs bred to help humans hunt and retrieve game.

The comparison of the original nine to the current top 10 illustrates the different needs that dogs fill today, said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson.

“In the 1880s most breeds served a specific purpose or function,” she said. “Today dogs still serve man and in even more diverse roles — from guide dog to bomb detection K-9 — but most of all, dogs are now companions that ground us to nature in a busy and increasingly technological world.”

AKC:

1. Labrador retriever

2. Yorkshire terrier

3. German shepherd

4. Golden retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Dachshund

8. Bulldog

9. Poodle

10. Shih tzu

Wichita: