Americans still dig French bulldogs, retrievers and German shepherds. But dachshunds are increasingly hot dogs.
For the first time in over two decades, the sausage-shaped hounds were among the top five most prevalent dog breeds, according to American Kennel Club rankings released Wednesday. The standings cover 202 breeds and are based on puppies and older purebreds that were added last year to the AKC’s registry, the nation’s oldest. Registration is voluntary.
It’s not a complete picture of the U.S. canine population, which the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates at over 87 million. The kennel club’s rankings don’t include mixed-breed dogs or trendy hybrids such as goldendoodles and Pomskies.
Still, the annual list can be a source of pride, or concern, among purebred fans.
It’s also a wellspring of criticism from animal rights groups such as PETA, which is suing the AKC over the physical ideals it promulgates for Frenchies, dachshunds and other breeds.
