America’s Trendiest Dogs, Size and Spunk Matter
	By Steve Dale
	Printable Version

        The trendiest dog breed in America is the French bulldog. In 2005 this compact-sized bulldog increased 25 per cent over their 2004 American Kennel Club registration numbers. What’s more this spunky character with bat ears has skyrocketed an astounding 305 per cent in registration numbers in the past decade.

            “Over all, the trend is for smaller breeds,” says Darlene Arden, author of “Small Dogs, Big Hearts,” which will soon be released (Howell Books House, New York, NY, 2006; $19.99). “Let’s face it, we have a nation of aging baby boomers who are downsizing their lives, and their dogs.”

            Specifically, what is it about the French bulldog? “Well, they’re small (18 to 28 lbs), and their clownish,” says Lisa Peterson, director of club communications for the American Kennel Club, the New York City based registry of pure bred dogs. “They don’t require much grooming, and they’re great city dogs. Frenchies need only moderate exercise, and they’re a good choice for senior citizens.” The French bulldog is the 38^th most popular breed.

            The second trendiest dog is the Havanese, 43^rd most popular dog breed. While many people still haven’t even heard of this breed, this relative of the of the Bichon frise   increased 22 per cent since 2004, and an incredible 282 per cent since 2000.

            The Havanese popularity can greatly be attributed to its hypoallergenic properties. In truth, no breed is absolutely hypoallergenic – but many people can live with a Havanese with little if any issues. It’s a small dog (7 to 14 lbs). Havanese come in many different colors. “They’re fun and cheerful family dogs, very adaptable, again with just a fair amount of exercise good for apartments,” Peterson says.

            The third most trendy dog is larger (30 to 50 lbs), and even more problematic. Arden simply responds, “Oh no” when she learns it’s the border collie. “That’s nice,” she offers sarcastically. “I can see it now, the wrong people getting the wrong dog. Border collies are very active dogs who need a job. Rescues will be overwhelmed with border collies who people just can’t handle”

            Peterson attributes at least a part of their 20 per cent hike over 2004, and their over all recent escalating numbers over the past decade to the interest in the dog sports such as agility (and obstacle course for dogs) and flyball (a relay race for dogs), which border collies tend to excel. Border collies are now number 55 in popularity, up from placing number 60 in 2000.

            The fourth trendiest breed has been among the Top-10 dogs in America since 1995. The Yorkshire terrier is now third most popular dog breed, and downright fashionable. Celebrities like Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton tote their tiny dogs around in hand bags.

Arden doesn’t hold back her views, “It just makes me want to throw up,” she says. “These are living, breathing animals not accessories. And the fact that fashion editors are buying into this is sad.”

            The diminutive (5 to 7 lb.) Yorkie increased 9 per cent in popularity in 2005 compared to 2004.

            The fifth most trendy breed is a kind of shepherd called the Belgian Malinois, which enjoyed a 15 per cent gain. Still not overwhelming popular, this slightly smaller than German shepherd sized breed (60 to 65 lbs.) is number 87 on the AKC chart, up from 97 last year. “It’s one of the dogs used by law enforcement,” says Peterson. “But also it looks like the shepherd-mix you might have grown up with, and that’s comforting.”

In all, there are 154 AKC registered breeds. Last on the chart, at number 154, is the English foxhound.

            The Pekingnese is the breed that’s win the title of the least trendiest; it fell more in popularity than any other breed, down 21 per cent from 2004. It’s hard to explain, the Peke is a small dog (8 to 14 lbs), quite portable; they are inactive, perfect for apartments and older folks. They do have a coat which requires a lot of grooming.

            “Some can be pretty testy with strangers,” Arden says.

            Peterson has no real explanation. Sometimes these sorts of things are a matter of changing tastes.” The poor Pekingese tumbled to the 48^th most popular dog breed, down from 38 last year.

            Other breeds which lost the most ground in 2005 are the Afghan hound, also down 21 per cent, the American cocker spaniel, which dropped 12 per cent and the Rottweiler declined 9 per cent.

            “No matter which breed you choose, I hope you don’t make the decision just on what the fad breed happens to be,” warns Arden. “All breeds have certain attributes which may or may not fit your lifestyle.”

            In descending order, here are the American Kennel Club top ten dog breeds (based on 2005 registration numbers):

            Learn more at www.akc.org.