The popularity contest. Not.

Well the other day, the Canadian Kennel Club released the list of the 10 most popular dog breeds in 2016.  And it reads as follows:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Poodle
5. Havanese
6. Shetland Sheepdog
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
8. French Bulldog
9. Yorkshire Terrier
10. Schnauzer (Miniature)

I think there are some "no surprises" there - and a few that I didn't expected to make the list.  The first 4 seem to always be on the list- they may vary as to the ranking, but those breeds ARE very common.  But I was kind of surprised by the Havanese and the French Bulldog.  NOT that I don't like those guys, but it doesn't SEEM one sees them around anywhere NEAR as much as the top four.  Or even as much as the Sheltie.  My human remembers back in the day when no one knew what a Bernese was.  When she got her first one, people thought it was a cross between a  Saint Bernard and a Newfoundland.  Boy - times sure have changed!  They make the top 10 list now!  I'm not too surprised by numbers 9 and 10 - they've been around a long time - and lots of apartment dwellers like small dogs so they fit the bill.

It's interesting to note, that south of the border, in the US, the list is a bit different.  Check it out:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Bulldog
5. Beagle
6. French Bulldog
7. Yorkshire Terrier
8. Poodle
9. Rottweiler
10.  Boxer

So  we have 6 breeds that make both lists.  Note the PON and the Picard didn't make either list.  Which in some ways is OK.  Lots of times popularity results in overbreeding to "meet the demand" and ultimately that can result in health issues.  My human says if anyone reads my blog, they may never want a PON or Picard!  Perhaps I need to insert a disclaimer at the top of my blog stating that not all PONs or Picards behave the same.  And that these stories are written for entertainment only and should not be taken as a serious reflection of the breeds.  Nah.  Let's face it - PONs and Picards are both breeds who are clever, comedic, crafty and sometimes a tad stubborn.  And adorable.  And the stories are TRUE!   Maybe the disclaimer should say "beware - once you have given your heart to a PON or Picard, your world will never be the same."  That works.  Perfect.  And really...come to think of it - that works for any breed and, as we all know,  the stories are part of your wonderful journey with dogs!

Thanks so much for joining ours each day!

Have a good one!