AKC Names Most Wanted Pooch!

Based on the number of registrations of pure bred dogs with the American Kennel Club in 2009, it has been determined that for the 19th year in a row the Labrador Retriever is the most sought after dog in the country.

History of the Labrador Retriever

It is easy to understand why: known as one of the gentlest dogs around, the Labrador is an excellent all round dog. A sturdy and hard working breed this dog has been used as search and rescue dogs, Seeing Eye dogs, hunting companions and also a much loved and favored family pet.

The history of this breed dates back to the 1700's in Newfoundland. There were two breeds of dogs used by the fisherman of Labrador, the Greater and Lesser Newfoundland. The Greater Newfoundland is what most people would recognize as the now standard Newfoundland and is a massive dog that the fisherman used to pull carts loaded with fish for the market. The Lesser Newfoundland was also a constant companion of these fishermen and, though smaller in size than their counterpart, they were known for their heartiness and strength. These dogs would work 20 hour days and then be seen playing with the children of the fishermen.

These dogs earned a much deserved reputation for their hunting and retrieving abilities and their loyalty and loving devotion to their owners and the owners' family members. These dogs had a shorter smoother coat than the Greater Newfoundland which was noted to be such that water would roll off it much like it does on duck's feathers.

Eventually, the breed were exported to England where the dog was much admired and was soon renamed as the Labrador Retriever. Although a few Lab's were bred with other Retriever breeds, none of them panned out and the Labrador Retriever remained steadfast. Soon breed fanciers created a specific breed standard and in 1903 the English Kennel Club established the Labrador Retriever as an entirely separate breed and the AKC followed suit in 1917.

Due to a hefty dog tax and quarantine law, the breed ultimately died out in Newfoundland.

Working Lab's

Hunters favor this dog as an excellent bird dog due to its absolute love of water and skilled retrieving abilities. Search and Rescue organizations found that Labrador Retrievers had tireless energy and a sincere willingness to be trained which made them an excellent breed for field work.

Its gentle nature and dedication made it the perfect choice for people with handicaps who needed the help of a Seeing Eye dog or a dog that could fetch things, while families with children loved the fact that the dog had a playful and even temper that made them ideal family pets. With all these characteristics it is no wonder that they are the most wanted dog in America.

Other Top Dog Breeds

Besides the Labrador Retriever, other top breeds for 2009 included the German Shepherd in the second spot; the Yorkie in the third spot; and the Golden Retriever in the fourth spot.

Spots 5 to 10 were occupied by the Beagle, the Boxer, the Bulldog, the Dachshund, the Poodle and the Shih Tzu.

Remarkably, the German Shepherd won the second spot for the first time in 30 years, prompting AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson to state:

"Labs have been America's top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature; But the German Shepherd Dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad. Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls."

While the Labrador may be the most wanted dog in America, every dog owner across the USA will proclaim that their dog is the Top Dog!

Photo Credit: Muffet