Which Breed of Dog is America's Favorite?

Editing it now..

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41249142/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/

# 10: Shih Tzu

Spoiler:

While sweet and playful, Shih Tzus are not afraid to
stand up for themselves. As a matter of fact, the word Shih Tzu means
"lion" in Mandarin. This portable pooch carries itself proudly, with its
head well up and tail curved over the back.

Cherished by Chinese royals for more than a thousand years, the Shih Tzu was the
prized house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty. During World War II,
English soldiers discovered the breed and its popularity spread around
the world.

# 9 Poodle:

Spoiler:

The poodle holds the record for being the most popular dog for 22
consecutive years (1960-1982). Though the breed’s elaborately groomed
show coat often creates the misperception that it’s a pampered
aristocrat, the poodle is actually one of the high achievers of the
canine world.

The stylish “poodle clip” seen in dog shows was
designed by hunters to help the breed move through the water more
efficiently. In fact, the English word "poodle" comes from the German
pudel or pudelin, which means “to splash in water.”

# 8: Dachshunds

Spoiler:

The breed lovingly known as the “wiener dog” has a strong personality
with a dose of charm and a playful sense of humor. They can adapt to
city or country life and can get all the exercise they need exploring a
small yard in the suburbs or playing with other dogs in the dog park.

Dachshunds, meaning “badger dogs” in German, were first bred in the
early 1600s in Germany with the goal of creating a fearless, elongated
dog that could dig the earth from a burrow and eliminate the badgers for
the farmers.

# 7: Boxer

Spoiler:

Easy to care for, intelligent, and faithful, the boxer is an
affectionate and trustworthy pet for an active family. Boxers are known
for standing up on their hind legs and batting at their opponent,
appearing to box with itheir front paws.

People began importing them to America from Germany after World War I, and they began to grow in popularity in the late 1930s.

# 6: Bulldog

Spoiler:

The bulldog has been steadily rising up the list of AKC’s most popular
breeds since it entered the Top 10 in 2007. A medium-size dog, they are
not your typical lapdog, but would like to be! Bulldogs are calm, loyal
family dogs that are happy to curl up on the sofa, eat two or three
square meals a day, and have their bellies rubbed.

Said to have
originated in the British Isles, the name "bull" was applied because of
the dog’s connection with bull-baiting. The original bulldog had to be
ferocious and courageous, and almost insensitive to pain.

# 5: Golden Retriever

Spoiler:

Slipping one place to fifth, golden retrievers are well-balanced,
strong, active dogs with a kind expression, a gentle manner and an alert
and self-confident disposition. They are intelligent, friendly and
reliable, with an innate need to please their owners.

The breed originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and the dogs were used predominantly for hunting.

# 4: Beagle

Spoiler:

The beagle is the only breed to rank in the Top 10 every decade since
the founding of the AKC. Originally developed to hunt rabbits, they
naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Curious and
comedic, they often follow their noses – which can lead to some
mischief.

Beagles like to vocalize. In fact, the origin of the
name "beagle" may have been derived from the French term "be’geule,"
referring to the baying voice of the hounds when in pursuit of game. The
most famous beagle of all, Snoopy, was named the American Kennel Club’s
“most popular dog in pop culture” in 2009.

# 3: Yorkshire Terrier

Spoiler:

These playful dogs offer owners a big personality in a small package.
Though members of the Toy Group, this breed is terrierlike by nature —
brave, determined, investigative and energetic. Yorkies are highly
favored apartment dogs and lapdogs; they are very energetic as puppies
and tend to be quiet and settled as adults.

In 19th century Yorkshire, England, Yorkies caught rats for workers in cloth mills. The
breed’s coat was so beautiful that people said the mill workers must
have spun their coats in the factories.

# 2: German Shepherds

Spoiler:

Celebrated for their versatility, distinguished for their intelligence,
and beloved for their devotion to their owners, German shepherds are
active dogs that love to run and explore their surroundings with their
excellent noses.

Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard
and military dog, German shepherds also serve as guide dogs for the
blind, guardians, and search-and-rescue dogs. However, they are best
known for serving as devoted family friend and protector.

And American's # 1 Dog Breed for 2011 is:

Spoiler:

So that's the countdown.

Do you like the dogs?

Any that you think should have been on the list?

I bet it's going to be a golden retriever.

LOL @ #8 - it looks lie that dog has a beard.

im not surprised. they seem to always be a very popular breed.

my favorite kind of dog.

lil hot dog kind. i fergets wut u cals them thay is reel cute

I'm surprised certain breeds didn't make the list,spaniels,pitbulls,schnauzers etc. which I thought were pretty popular,and I wasn't expecting the Shih Tzu to even be on the list. lol.

Retrievers are awesome! But personally, I prefer the Golden and the Flat-Coated retrievers over the Labrador.

My dog is pretty similar to the number 1 dog there. It's not a Lab Retriever, its a Collie Retriever but it is identical to it, only a little shaggier.

And is it me, or doe that Poodle look like a bear the way its sitting?

Empress Vengenz wrote:

I've never had any of those dogs. I think our first dog was like a dachshund.

Our current dogs are all a huge clusterfuck of foreign breeds.

Daschunds are Number 8 on the list.

Empress Vengenz wrote:

Bellator vivit wrote:

Empress Vengenz wrote:

I've never had any of those dogs. I think our first dog was like a dachshund.

Our current dogs are all a huge clusterfuck of foreign breeds.

Daschunds are Number 8 on the list.

...I said LIKE a dachshund.

Whoops, my mistake.

i have number 10 <3