The new AKC popularity stats are out. My friends with Labs are not happy to still be the popular dog on the block & it may get worse with Marley & Me fans.
Breed popularity is sort of a double edged sword. You want enough dogs in your breed so that you have some genetic diversity, can breed around health concerns & have choices in any breedings. But you don't want the breed that consumers are infatuated with - leading to impulse purchases, puppy mill breedings & more dogs into rescue.
Is your breed in the Top Ten? And if so, are you thrilled or worried?
Deb E, happy with her Belgian Tervurens who tend to be around 100 on the list
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5 comments:
I am not a fan of popularity, either. I began 'in dogs' with GSDs and we all know what popularity has done to them. I then had a Doberman and Papillons, but was looking for a healthier breed when I found Aussies. I was thrilled that they were not recognized by the AKC and when the AKC came knocking on the door, I voted "No" to going with the AKC. I was afraid that the breed was the right size and so attractive that too many people would get the breed and the breed would not be the right choice for them. I was afarid rescue groups would be over whelmed.
And I am very disappointed to say that I was right. The breed has become way too popular; health problems are escalating; rescue groups are overwhelmed; and the breed has not benefited at all from this increase in popularity.
Liz
Two nice breeds that have escaped the limelight are flat-coats and border terriers. My Irish Setter is a fabulous dog. Perhaps enough time has passed since the movie Big Red.
I LOVE Flat Coats!! GREAT dogs! Some of the cancer stuff worries me though. Border Terriers are another breed I like :)))
I have friends with both breeds & some really neat dogs.
Deb E
As a Lab owner/trainer/handler, I am not happy with the popularity rankings. I see way too many people with Labs "because they are cute" and then get way over their heads. The temperaments are starting to suffer, the health issues are getting worse such as cruciate ligament ruptures (which gets almost no press even tho according to my dog's surgeon, is at epidemic status among sporting dogs), rescue is strained, and good dogs are losing homes. I'd be in favor of not publicizing the ratings at all.
Linda Rehkopf
Hi Linda,
It is too bad that ratings are posted without any information about what the breed requires. Ideally, the popularity posting would include a list of the problems people run into when they have not done their homework about the breed. Too many people pick what looks good without considering the breed that best suits their lifestyle and their willingness to invest in the dog's training. I have seen too many German Shepherds who are fearful, Golden's who are aggressive, and Labs who are air heads due to over-breeding and backyard breeding. I have also met awesome black labs who were bred in rural areas for hunting, then end up in rescue.
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