#7 The English Bulldog
This is just a broad overview of the most popular puppies for sale and is anything but exhaustive. In the coming weeks, we will go more into depth for each breed on the list and the many more that did not make the list—because, well, sometimes, in the end, who doesn’t like the underdog?
These statistics all come from the nice folks of the American Kennel Club (AKC).
So, without further ado, the top ten most popular breeds in 2009 according to registration statistics with the AKC:
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Bulldog
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu
The Breakdown…
Sitting pretty at the top spot as the most popular puppy for sale is (and has been for quite some time) the Labrador Retriever. After spending any amount of time with this gorgeous and docile breed you’ll understand why Labs have been top dog since 1991! Will another breed challenge the Lab for the top spot? We can only wait and see!
Just below Labs are the wolf-like German Shepherds, which rocketed into the top 10 after the popular film star Rin Tin Tin hit the silver screen. The Germ Shep breed sat at numero uno from the early 20s to the late 30s, until displaced by Cocker Spaniel, but has been one of the most popular puppies for sale ever since, while the cocky Cocker has dropped off the list. Staying power!
Two breeds in particular have shown a recent surge in popularity, quickly rising in the rankings of most popular puppies for sale on the doggy market. The Yorkshire Terrier had always been a popular dog, breaking into the top ten in the 1990s; however, the “Yorkie” breed has steadily risen since, quite possibly due to its popularity amongst celebrities, and has been ranked second as recent as 2008.
But the real rockstar here is the Bulldog! No other success story can touch that of the stumpy-legged, wheezing, butterball bulldogs. Ranked as the 21st most popular dog for sale in 1999, the bulldog skyrocketed into the top 10—the tenacious breed is not only the mascot for countless schools and universities, but also very well-represented in domesticity!
Both the Boxer and the Beagle have experienced a steady, comfortable place on the list, never soaring into the upper echelon but consistently holding their own for many years as two of the most popular dogs for sale. And the noble Golden Retriever, though seeing slight decline of the past 5 years, has been in the top 5 for over a decade.
Dachshunds and poodles have seen nothing but decline over the last 10 years, but are still clinging to popularity, most likely because of their reputation and depiction in film. However, the Rottweiler and the Chihuahua have shown considerable decline in popularity, once having graced the top 10 until plummeting off the list. It looks like it will take more than a Taco Bell commercial to get these breeds back to being among the more popular dogs for sale.
The poor Mini Schnauzers have schniffed the top ten for years now, but have always fallen just short (insert “mini” joke here). Only time will tell if the breed can finally make it on the list, but for now it seems Schnauzers will just have to get used to the always on the cusp, just below the bubble breed Shih Tzu—the consistent winner of the tenth-dog award.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi there,
I live in Leicester ( UK) and three of my Neighbors and relatives have either Lab/ Golden Retrievers they are truely a very passonate breed of dog. On the other hand however, Asthma sufferers like myself have helped to boost the popularity of breeds such as, Yorkys and Poodles in particular. After losing my two lifelong companions, Zak and Tessa, both Yorkshire Terriers, I now have (Amber), a Miniature Schnauzer! I know of two other Schnauzers in my area, so Iam sure the breed will make a steady increase and soon reach the top ten where they truly deserve to be!
I am looking for a English bulldog (female) puppy
Four years ago we adopted a border collie. His name was Boomer. When we first brought
him home, he was a little skittish and shy….he soon got over that. He is the
most loving dog that ever could be….I think he knew he was in trouble (border collies are smart).
Boomer was in the OKC pound…at that time it was a kill shelter. Bringing him “home”
was one of the smartest things we have done. Please, please let people know that Border Collies are wonderful pets….they do like to play! Boomer has a “sister” Border Collie
now…Her name is Bonnie, and she truly is a “bonnie lass”. She keeps us busy playing
ball. I think she should be playing for the Yankees! She also keeps Boomer busy.
Im looking for two maltese puppy. I have a huge yard for them to play and a home full of love for them. I would like to have them a soon as posible. Thanks
I’m thrilled that Rottweilers are finally out of the top 10. What people don’t seem to realize is that when the breed is so popular, there are unscrupulous breeders everywhere. They breed for profit only and don’t care about temperament or genetic diseases. Then there are the people that get the breed only because they see one everywhere and know nothing about them. They are the ones that keep the pup until it grows bigger than they anticipated, or they display a breed characteristic that they never knew about because they never should have gotten one in the first place. The Rottie community is still cleaning up the mess from them being in the top 10. Good luck to those searching for breeds on the list. All I can say is research, research, research.
Seems like Labs gets more love from dog lovers. I love to get a choco lab for my self.