Labradors lead pack of popular pups

Breed is often seen here, but is it tops in Yuma?

Who’s the most popular puppy out there? If you answered the Labrador retriever, you’re right, at least according to new rankings released by the American Kennel Club (AKC) this week.

In fact, Labs have led the list for 27 years in a row, which begs the question — will another breed ever dethrone the mighty Lab? The Associated Press reports that the Lab’s reign is the longest-ever as top dog. And what’s not to love about Labs? According to the AKC, Labs actually came from Newfoundland, and were brought to England in the 19th century, at which point they were trained to be hunting dogs. They became a popular hunting breed in America after World War II. The dogs love water and have lots of energy and stamina, the AKC reports.

Plus, the Lab is super cute and loyal.

As far as the rest of the top 10 goes, German shepherds have the second spot, followed by golden retrievers (3rd), French bulldogs (4th), bulldogs (5th), beagles (6th), poodles (7th), Rottweilers (8th), Yorkshire terriers (9th) and German shorthaired pointers (10th).

The top 10 list features a full range of breeds, dogs both large and small.

And Yuma certainly is home to many of the top 10 breeds. It’s not unusual to spot a Lab out on a walk at the park, for example.

But the other breed we often spot around town — the boxer — was edged out of the top 10 list for the first time in four years, landing in the number 11 spot.

Rounding out the top 20 were Siberian huskies (12th), dachshunds (13th), great danes (14th), Permbroke Welsh Corgis (15th), Doberman pinschers (16th), Australian shepherds (17th), miniature schnauzers (18th), cavalier King Charles spaniels (19th) and shih tzus (20th).

It’s interesting to note that the survey only considers pure-bred dogs, not mutts or hybrids. But as many pet owners know, oftentimes, mutts make the best buddies.

What do you think, readers? Do you agree with the results? And if not Labrador retrievers, what breed do you think leads the list in Yuma?

Let us know. Share your thoughts online at www.YumaSun.com, or send us a Letter to the Editor at letters@ yumasun.com.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?

The nation is talking gun control. Arizona is talking water issues. They have accomplished nothing. My guess is if 100,000 words equaled $1, all schools would have X-rays and the states would have a surplus of untold dollars. That is all I’ll say.

Water: I think I’m correct to say seven states and Mexico all share Colorado River water. Pro-rate the cost based on water share and build desalinization plants on the California coast. Give that water to California and take as much away from California’s share of the Colorado River.

Ask the U.S. Navy what it costs and how much water they make in Gitmo, Cuba, for the 50-plus years they cut Cuba’s water.

Talk all you please, but we’re going to have to pay if we want to solve the water problem.