The American Kennel Club is celebrating their 125th anniversary this year, and to mark their occasion, they have released a list called "the top ten dogs of all time." Interesting stuff, but if it were actually the top dogs of ALL TIME, mutts would have been on the list because we have been following humans around for thousands of years. So, it is actually the top dogs in the history of the AKC. What is interesting about this list is that you can see how popular culture shaped the popularity of particular breeds--Collies were in when Lassie was on TV, Cocker Spaniels were popular after their portrayal in Lady and the Tramp, and St. Bernards were big after the movie Beethoven hit the box office. Also, the dogs owned by past presidents were both reflections of trends, and sometimes trendsetters. Check out the whole list with info on each breed, plus a slideshow here.
nice summary of fads and breeds by the AKC. The AKC derives the majority of its revenues from breed registrations, ie, it is in its interest to promote breeders and puppy mills. Can't say I'm a fan of the org.
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