Issue Date: January 18, 2004

In this article: Top 5 dog breeds Top cats American Kennel Club directory

PETS

America's most popular dogs and cats
Our exclusive first look at the annual kennel club census reveals our enduring love of Labs and a growing fondness for downsized breeds.

By Steve Dale

The hottest dog in America is the Havanese. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this 7- to 13-pound pooch increased its numbers 28% over last year. The Havanese now ranks No. 56 in popularity among the 151 AKC-registered breeds even though it's only been registered since 1995.

"Smaller dogs are in -- they're just right for apartment and city living, and for traveling," says Darlene Arden, author of "The Irrepressible Toy Dog."

"Some breeds become more popular because of exposure on TV or in the movies," adds AKC spokeswoman Daisy Okas. Examples include Dalmatians ("101 Dalmatians") and Jack Russell terriers (Eddie on "Frasier"). But for such a trendy pooch, the Havanese remains relatively unknown. Its only media splash was on "The View" when Barbara Walters introduced "the girls" to her best friend with paws.

The fun, cuddly Cavalier King Charles spaniel jumped to No. 35.

Many people with allergies can live sneeze-free with this bichon frisé relative, also called the Havana Silk because that's how its profuse straight, wavy or curly coat feels. Owners claim Havanese are intuitive and able to tell what their people are thinking. They're quick studies, whether it's advanced obedience or discerning which of the kids is the softest touch for treats.

Another trendy choice is the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, increasing its AKC registration number over last year by 19%. It's now the 35th most popular breed. "Here's a dog perfect for curling up on the sofa but also always ready for a game of fetch," says Gina Lash, director of AKC Club Communications. "They're smallish [13 to 18 pounds] but not fragile."

The trendiest dog in America today is the silky-haired Havanese.

Americans are definitely downsizing their dogs. Of the top 20 breeds, 12 are under 25 pounds. Most of the breeds increasing in popularity are smaller. One breed bucking the trend is the 80- to 120-pound Bernese mountain dog. These lumbering lovers increased 14% over last year, making them now No. 45.

"Trends rise and fall like hemlines," says dog show judge Chris Walkowicz, author of "Choosing a Dog for Dummies." "If you make the wrong choice -- just because it's fashionable -- everyone will pay a price, including your family and the dog. So understand what you are really getting. And then be careful where you get the dog from. You want the best possible example of that breed, so do your research, and stay away from commercial breeders ['puppy mills'] who understand there's a market for anything trendy."

Whichever purebred dog you're interested in, Okas recommends starting a search with the AKC parent club. (Of course, you can as easily fall in love with a not-so-trendy mutt at a local shelter.)

One of the trendiest big breeds is the Bernese mountain dog

Just as some breeds rise in popularity, others take a nose dive. Falling the hardest this past year was the Dalmatian. Thanks to Hollywood, the breed peaked at its all-time high, the ninth most popular dog, in 1993. Today, it's No. 80, after dropping 28% last year alone. Unscrupulous or ignorant breeders, jumping on the dogs' popularity at the time, amplified health problems in the breed (including deafness); in addition, these dogs need tons of exercise.

Only 10 years ago, the Rottweiler was the second most popular dog in America; after falling 25% last year, the breed now ranks 15th. If the Labradors and golden retrievers are Toyotas and Hondas, the Rottie is a Hummer -- not a bad thing, just not easy for everyone to handle.

Steve Dale last wrote about Americans' changing relationship with pets.

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TOP 5 DOG BREEDS

1. Labrador retriever: Has easily won this slot since 1991. (Before that, the cocker spaniel, now No. 14, was tops.) 2. Golden retriever (above): Just say the breed's name and people smile.	3. Beagle: "They have spunk," says the AKC's Daisy Okas. "They're willing to look up at you and answer, 'Well, maybe not.' " 4. German shepherd dog (above): It's fallen a notch from last year, flip-flopping with the beagle. "It just might be the most versatile of all breeds," the AKC's Gina Lash says.	5. Dachshund (all varieties): Like potato chips, it's hard to have just one.

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TOP CATS
The Cat Fanciers' Association is the largest registry of purebred cats. Here are the group's top five for 2003:

1) Persian
2) Maine Coon
3) Exotic
4) Siamese
5) Abyssinian

The trendiest cat is the Ragdoll (photo), jumping 20% over last year; it's now the eighth most popular breed. Famous for going limp like ragdolls, these cats are great with kids and seniors. Thank Mr. Bigglesworth, from "Austin Powers," for a Sphynx fad. The folically impaired cats gained a whopping 85% and are now the 19th most popular cat breed.

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