French bulldogs remain the most popular purebred dog breed in the US, according to the American Kennel Club rankings, despite concerns from longtime fans about the breed's popularity leading to health and breeding issues. Other popular breeds include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and poodles. The rankings also show a resurgence in dachshunds and the rise of the cane corso, while a new breed, the bracco Italiano, makes its debut. Despite the popularity of purebred dogs, animal shelters continue to have a large number of dogs available for adoption.
A large study in the UK found that a dog's snout length, body size, and sex can influence its life expectancy, with flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dogs generally living shorter lives. The study revealed that small-sized, long-faced females tend to live the longest, while flat-faced breeds like English bulldogs and French bulldogs have shorter life expectancies. The findings have prompted concerns from experts about the health and welfare of these breeds, with calls for prioritizing health over aesthetic trends in dog breeding. Additionally, the study suggests that purebred dogs tend to outlive mixed breeds, and ongoing research is exploring the life expectancies of popular designer dog breeds.
A study of almost 600,000 British dogs from over 150 breeds revealed "spectacular" variations in lifespans, with small breeds generally living longer than larger ones. The Lancashire Heeler and Tibetan Spaniel were among the longest-lived, while the Caucasian Shepherd had the shortest lifespan. Contrary to previous findings, purebred dogs were found to live slightly longer than crossbred dogs on average. The study aims to help dog owners and welfare groups make informed decisions and improve the lives of canine companions, highlighting specific populations that need attention.
The annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show, one of the world's most prestigious, is being held this year on the grounds of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, where more than 3,000 dogs are competing. The dog show is an arena where details matter deeply, and judging varies widely by breed. Dress style is typically conservative and sensible, and grooming is meticulous. Judges suspend their personal affinities and biases, and focus on whether the dog before them can do the job it was originally bred to do.
The Westminster Kennel Club dog show, the most prestigious canine event in the US, begins on Saturday with 2,500 dogs from 210 different breeds and varieties competing for the best in show trophy. The dogs are champions, meaning they have previously won accolades, and are judged based on how well they match the ideal standard for their breed. The focus on purebred dogs has been criticized by animal rights groups, but participants say the show is a way to showcase breeds that many people don't see regularly and to bring dog lovers together. There are no cash prizes, but winners receive bragging rights and trophies.
