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SnowWa · 12-10-2006, 06:58 AM

What makes a breed popular?

Years ago (for many years) - the cocker spaniel was the most popular dog in the US.

When I was young collies and shelties were the rage. Remember Lassie?

Then came the poodle -- everyone wanted a poodle. (I think that's when I had a felt poodle skirt.)

More recently, the labrador has been a popular breed - I don't know about you, but I see labs everywhere, and I certainly know a ton of people who have one.

The little Bichon was on the go a few years ago (especially after it won two years in a row at the Westminster Dog Show - I think it was the first breed to do this) and there are certainly a lot more Bichons now then there have been in the past. Only a few years ago - no one knew what a Bichon was.

I am seeing more and more pugs all the time. They are becoming very popular.

Also - the dashund is a very popular little dog today.

***** I know from watching different breeds for more than 60 years that popular breeds come and go. (At least whichever breed is the most popular.) The little Yorkie is presently having his day in the sun. But, I doubt this will last forever.

There are many reasons for this.

When any breed reaches the point that five families on the street have one --it is no longer what everyone wants. I think people really do enjoy having a breed that you don't see everytime you turn around. It's just more fun and more interesting.

Also - whenever any dog becomes very popular - more people have them and more people are breeding them and before long (because of the number and availability) - the price comes down. Hate to say this - but some breeds lose popularity because they are no longer the status symbol that they once were.

Also - I know a lot of people who really like the little Yorkie - but just don't feel that their home or environment can accommodate such a tiny little dog. They may be somewhat fearful of a dog that small - or they may have children or other pets that just wouldn't work well with such a little dog.

What about a breed satiating the market. These little dogs can live to be 15 - 16 years old. Can the time ever come that most (not all) of the people who want a Yorkie will have one. I'm talking about demand dropping because at some point more Yorkies will be available - but more people will already have one (or two) and fewer people will be buying one. ???

Plus - I think it's human nature to always be looking for something new and something different. And this helps whichever breed is most popular change from time to time. New and different is always fun!

Also - things like certain celebreties owning certain breeds - a popular book being written about a breed - or a movie about a certain breed can send people looking for that breed for themselves. Remember the Scottie in the White House? -- the popularity of Scotties really went up because of this.

I am sure that the Yorkie will always be a popular little breed - he's a wonderful, delightful little pet. And there is no doubt that the trend is toward smaller dogs - given the way most of us live today -- in urban areas with leash laws - many of us in apartments and condos, etc. Small dogs are much easier for most of us to care for than a large dog would be. But there are a lot of small dogs - not just the Yorkie.....

It will be interesting to see what the future brings... There are a lot of different reasons that cause different breeds of dogs to be very popular at different times. And, I'm sure most of you can come up with even more reasons for this.

Carol Jean

12-10-2006, 06:58 AM	#1
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	What makes a breed popular???? What makes a breed popular? Years ago (for many years) - the cocker spaniel was the most popular dog in the US. When I was young collies and shelties were the rage. Remember Lassie? Then came the poodle -- everyone wanted a poodle. (I think that's when I had a felt poodle skirt.) More recently, the labrador has been a popular breed - I don't know about you, but I see labs everywhere, and I certainly know a ton of people who have one. The little Bichon was on the go a few years ago (especially after it won two years in a row at the Westminster Dog Show - I think it was the first breed to do this) and there are certainly a lot more Bichons now then there have been in the past. Only a few years ago - no one knew what a Bichon was. I am seeing more and more pugs all the time. They are becoming very popular. Also - the dashund is a very popular little dog today. ***** I know from watching different breeds for more than 60 years that popular breeds come and go. (At least whichever breed is the most popular.) The little Yorkie is presently having his day in the sun. But, I doubt this will last forever. There are many reasons for this. When any breed reaches the point that five families on the street have one --it is no longer what everyone wants. I think people really do enjoy having a breed that you don't see everytime you turn around. It's just more fun and more interesting. Also - whenever any dog becomes very popular - more people have them and more people are breeding them and before long (because of the number and availability) - the price comes down. Hate to say this - but some breeds lose popularity because they are no longer the status symbol that they once were. Also - I know a lot of people who really like the little Yorkie - but just don't feel that their home or environment can accommodate such a tiny little dog. They may be somewhat fearful of a dog that small - or they may have children or other pets that just wouldn't work well with such a little dog. What about a breed satiating the market. These little dogs can live to be 15 - 16 years old. Can the time ever come that most (not all) of the people who want a Yorkie will have one. I'm talking about demand dropping because at some point more Yorkies will be available - but more people will already have one (or two) and fewer people will be buying one. ??? Plus - I think it's human nature to always be looking for something new and something different. And this helps whichever breed is most popular change from time to time. New and different is always fun! Also - things like certain celebreties owning certain breeds - a popular book being written about a breed - or a movie about a certain breed can send people looking for that breed for themselves. Remember the Scottie in the White House? -- the popularity of Scotties really went up because of this. I am sure that the Yorkie will always be a popular little breed - he's a wonderful, delightful little pet. And there is no doubt that the trend is toward smaller dogs - given the way most of us live today -- in urban areas with leash laws - many of us in apartments and condos, etc. Small dogs are much easier for most of us to care for than a large dog would be. But there are a lot of small dogs - not just the Yorkie..... It will be interesting to see what the future brings... There are a lot of different reasons that cause different breeds of dogs to be very popular at different times. And, I'm sure most of you can come up with even more reasons for this. Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.