The
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Canada’s primary registry for purebred dogs, is proud to present the top 10 CKC-registered dogs for 2017. This year, we are excited to share that a new breed has made its way into the CKC top 10. After a steady climb, the Australian Shepherd makes its exciting debut at the number nine spot, bumping the plucky Yorkshire Terrier from the CKC top 10. This is the first time the Australian Shepherd has made the CKC top 10 most popular dogs since it was first registered with CKC in 1991. This high-spirited herding breed is a new favourite across the country, with dog owners in Toronto and Calgary owning the most Aussies.
“The Aussie can do it all!” says Shawna Wiebe, President of the
Canadian National Australian Shepherd Association (CNASA). “They are a very intelligent, athletic dog in a moderate package. They can move from the herding arena, to the agility ring, to the rally ring, to the Frisbee field, with great ease.” Wiebe adds that Aussies are also ideal for active families who are looking for a dog to keep up with them and do best in a home that is committed to socializing and training them.
To ensure vital health screening has been done, the CNASA reminds puppy buyers to carefully research breeders and ask if their dogs have hip, elbow, and eye clearances from the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals. After all, a healthy puppy is a happy puppy.
Once again, the family-friendly Labrador Retriever shines as Canada’s most popular dog—holding top rank since 1995! For the fifth year in a row, the dependable, utilitarian German Shepherd Dog ranks second place and the trusted Golden Retriever holds strong in third. Not surprisingly, the talented and versatile Poodle has held the fourth spot since 2005 and the Bernese Mountain Dog, with its striking appearance and charming personality, has been a CKC top 10 favourite for the past decade.
Larger breeds may lead the pack in this year’s CKC top 10, but the medium and smaller breeds continue to make their mark. The mighty Bulldog makes a grand reappearance to the CKC top 10 after a nine-year hiatus, unseating the intelligent and affectionate Miniature Schnauzer. Popular with urbanites, the fun-loving French Bulldog holds steady in the sixth spot, with the lively and smart Havanese following closely in seventh spot. Like smaller lapdogs, many larger breeds can also make great urban pets, provided they receive appropriate exercise based on their energy level.
“Large or small breeds, it’s clear that Canadians love their dogs no matter the size. Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, it’s important that you’re able to choose a dog that really suits your home, family and lifestyle,” said Lance Novak, CKC Executive Director. “We’re here to help.”
Here are the CKC top 10 most popular dogs for 2017:
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle
- Shetland Sheepdog
- French Bulldog
- Havanese
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Bulldog
For information and support in helping you find a dog that’s right for you, visit
ckc.ca. To find your new best friend, be sure to check out available purebred puppies from CKC member breeders at
thepuppylist.ca.
About The Canadian Kennel Club
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada and currently recognizes 175 breeds. As a non-profit organization, the CKC is dedicated to encouraging, guiding, and advancing the interests of purebred dogs and their responsible owners and breeders in Canada and promoting the knowledge and understanding of the benefits which dogs can bring to Canadian society.
The club includes almost 20,000 individual members and over 600 breed clubs across Canada. The Club registers purebred dogs, regulates dog shows and performance events, and speaks out on major issues concerning dog ownership and the health and welfare of dogs across Canada.
For more information, visit
ckc.ca.
Media Contact:
Sarah McDowell
Marketing Communications Specialist
416-675-5511 x3314
smcdowell@ckc.ca