American Kennel Club Reveals Phoenix's Top Dogs.

-- Nationally, Bulldog Breaks Into "Top 10" for First Time in Nearly 75 Years--

NEW YORK -- The American Kennel Club([R]) announced today the "Top 10" most popular AKC([R]) registered breeds in Phoenix for 2007.(a)

The AKC also announced their nationwide registration statistics which revealed that the Bulldog - a popular sporting mascot and one of the most recognizable and iconic purebred dogs - has muscled its way into the 10th spot on the organization's annual list of the most popular purebred dogs in America. For the 17th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the country.

Here's a look at Phoenix's Top 10 breeds as compared to the rest of the country:

PHOENIX 2007           <
NATIONWIDE 2007
1. Labrador Retriever  <
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier   <
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd     <
3. German Shepherd
4. Dachshund           <
4. Golden Retriever
5. Chihuahua           <
5. Beagle
6. Golden Retriever    <
6. Boxer
7. Bulldog             <
7. Dachshund
8. Shih Tzu            <
8. Poodle
9. Boxer               <
9. Shih Tzu
10. Rottweiler         <
10. Bulldog

(a) Registration data pulled from Phoenix zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

Local Statistical Snapshot

* Not only did the Bulldog follow the national trend in Phoenix, rising from 8th in 2006 to 7th in 2007, but the Rottweiler muscled its way on to the Top 10, pushing the historically popular Poodle off the list.

* The Yorkshire Terrier leapt from 4th in 2006 to 2nd in 2007 in Phoenix, mirroring top 3 breeds nationwide.

* Among the least common breeds in Phoenix are the Black Russian Terrier, Irish Terrier and Field Spaniel.

* Phoenix residents can see and learn more about all of their favorite breeds on Saturday, February 2 when the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship -- where the world's top dogs compete for $225,000 in prize money and the title of "National Champion" -- airs on Animal Planet from 8-11pm.

"Small breeds moved up the list in Phoenix, reflecting a nationwide trend," says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "It can't be denied that Phoenix loves its portable pooches, however, the recent rise of the Rottweiler and the top-dog status of the Lab show that the city also has an appreciation for large breeds."

Visit http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm for information on other cities and the complete list of national rankings.

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.