Originally posted by mugsy
You know with as many Golden lovers there are on this list you would think they would be the most popular breed. I know they're right up there, but I think Labs still have them beat. It always makes me nervous when certain breeds become so popular because they are bred so much that the gene pool is weakened (which is unfortunate for breeders like Candy) and then the shelters are overwhelmed with them.


But the puppy pictures made me smile today and I needed it cuz I'm NOT in a good mood!! lol


Thanks all for sharing them!!
Mugsy,
You are right about the labs being the most popular breed. Here are the AKC registration stats for 2001. I am including GSD because I know there are a lot of GSD lovers on this board too!

1
Retrievers (Labrador)
165970

2
Retrievers (Golden)
62497

3
German Shepherd Dogs
51625


I just wanted to add my two cents to the comment of the breakdown of the gene pool for popular dogs. It is more unfortunate for the uneducated person getting a dog from an unethical breeder than it is for a reputable breeder. The uneducated consumer is more likely to purchase a dog from the weaker gene pool of the breed.

In knowing I was going to breed my girl from the start, and knowing what characteristics I wanted, I chose my pup from a very healthy line of working Goldens. I searched for close to a year before I found a breeder in Michigan I was satisfied with and then waited almost 7 months before the pups were born. I also searched for a couple years for a stud dog to breed with although not 100% seriously until about six months before we bred. I turned down several studs because of their health history in the lines they came from. I ended up breeding to a very strong male who carried a outstanding health history.

All breeders have the option to do it this way and would be forced to if the public was more educated. Sadly though, more people are worried about the price they pay for the dog than the health history of the line they get the dog from. I would rather pay a little more up front than to pay a lot in vet bills later!