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

I agree, some day another breed will come along to take it's place. But as you mentioned, look at the number of labs out there, and they whelp 10 puppies at a time, still there seems to be a demand for them.

Also one person can own 5 yorkies and not have as much dog, pound for pound as 1 lab.

In addition, as we have seen here, a yorkie is not just a clone of your last yorkie. Where as a lab is a lab is a lab, and pretty much they all look the same, as with most other breeds. Yorkies have such a variety in size and coloring.

I remember when the disney movie 101 Dalmations came out every little kid was screaming they wanted a Dalmation. My son was included. I was adamant that he not get one BESIDES the fact he may have been every bit of 3 or 4 years old BUT the breed requires MUCH work! I remember as a kid I "babysat" for one and I didn't walk that dog! THAT DOG WALKED ME! They are cute to look at and the novelty of them are cool...esp being the "fireman's" dog, as my son would say but I know a man who did indeed buy his daughters a female dalmation puppy. The girls quickly lost interest in the pup and the dad ended up LETTING THE DOG GO IN THE COUNTRY! The family was disappointed because her spots werent that dark and she was so hyper. I do believe that's in the breed. I just hope that everyone who looks into getting a certain breed looks into the temperments and characteristics of the dogs BEFORE making a decision of purchasing. And too, it's not wise to buy young children a dog because seldom are they actually capable of living up to the responsibilities of owning a pet. I was always taught that we respect our animals as we would ANY life...and that they are God's creatures, too. I believe that those who deliberately mistreat them will be held accountable one day.
Sorry---didn't mean to preach!!! :cool:

Several times I got a dog for my children.... but I never thought of it as only their responsibility.

I really believe that a dog should belong to an entire family. It is an important member of the family group and all the family members should share in its care and show concern for its constant welfare.

This is what we should be teaching our children - young children should certainly be encouraged and be expected to take part in the care of our family pets --- but they shouldn't be expected to do it all..................

Tassibo - good post!

Carol Jean

Its sad to say that the most popular breed do come and go. When Taco Bell uses a Chihuahua as its ad, their popularity soared too plus you know, Paris Hilton's dogs. Personally I love all dogs, big or small but for my size, I can only walk a small dog so I go for small dogs and I love my dogs whether they are popular or not so I guess go Yorkies! :p

Although Labs are a very popular breed right now, I have noticed that there are an awful lot of them in shelters! Makes me wonder why that is? :aimeeyork :animal-pa

I believe that those who deliberately mistreat them will be held accountable one day.
Sorry---didn't mean to preach!!!

Tassibo.. great post!!


To bad everyone didnt think that way.:D

I think because some run out and get one before doing their homework and then when the puppy isn't a cute puppy anymore the buyer gets tired of it or is uninterested in it and just dumps it off! The work is more than they bargained for so the dog ends up in a shelter. How sad.

Before I had my cute Yorkie, I had had a Siberian Husky. They are beautiful dogs, great temperments, but have separation anxiety ... I was in school, so I did my best to be home as much as I could ....

I have never went with the dog trend. I choose the breeds I have because I love their characteristics, personalities and size of them. The breed could be the most unpopular breed but if it is what I am looking for, I wouldn't hestitate to get it just because it is not a popular breed nor would I get a dog because it is a popular breed at the time. I loved cockers way before Lady and the Tramp came out. My whole family grew up with them and I love the breed because they are such great dogs not because they were popular.

It is sad that so many people follow the dog trend. They get a dog that is a popular breed and then when it is not so popular or special, they get rid of the dog. People see celebreties with a certain breed so they go right out and buy the dog knowing little to nothing about the breed all because a celebrity has it. It is so sad because the dogs end are the ones that end up suffering. I just wish people would be more sensible.

i love my yorkie because .it perfect for me in everyway..love them..:thumbup:

Small dogs suit my personality and lifestyle. I am a lap dog lover. I've had a poodle, a Westie who was with us for 16 years and grew up with my children, a Lab, and now I have a min schnauzer and my new Yorkie puppy Max. The Westie was chosen because of his "lively personality, friendliness, intelligence, and love of children." according to breed descriptions. He was wonderful. He played with my kids as babies, was housebroken in 3 weeks, I never heard him growl, and was incredibly affectionate. My husband bought our schnauzer without telling me..I am so glad he did. She is my constant companion and a bundle of love. Our Yorkie has bee with us for 3 months and is a pistol. Affectionate, cuddly, and always good for a laugh. Now that my kids are grown, he is a perfect addition to the family. Our Lab was also everything that the breed is supposed to be. For me, though, the maintenance was incredible and I could not keep up with the shedding hair. Her personality made up for it though. I would never get a dog that sheds again or one that requires so much exercise. She was great for the kids and I mourn her passing, but small dogs make small messes and they are what's best for me at this stage of my life.

I live in a densely populated urban area, and there are a lot of people with dogs in my neighborhood. You can really tell which dogs are popular by how many of them you see around. I have found that if I see quite a few of the same breed of dog, and they're all cute, I'll start to want one too. There used to be a lot of Pomeranians in my neighborhood, and they were all so cute that I started to want one. I did my research though, to make sure I made an informed decision, and ended up not buying one, but whenever I see one, I'll start wanting one again. Same with chis and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. I want them all! LOL

I haven't read the whole thread yet, but is the Taco Bell dog craze ever going to end? I see one everytime I turn around. I did some checking and noticed that they run pretty dang cheap. This must have something to do with it don't you think?

I can tell you from experience... labs are a ton of work. My Chunk here is 7 months old, and already 70 lbs. I have to walk him twice a day and a total of two miles.... just so he will calm down and not run laps in the house. It takes a ton of time and energy. (BTW, he is supposed to be my husbands dog, but I got stuck doing all the work.) I believe that the reason there are so many in shelters is people didn't do their research when they picked up this cute little 15-20lb puppy. They don't realize how big they get and how hyper and active they are. -Erin

This is my Chunk!

Attachment 83390

The trends like this one-and the small dog/yorkie trend also put our pets in danger of being petnapped because they are so popular!

I had a Chihuahua from my pre-teen years all the way up through graduating college, and the Taco Bell dog commercials were on I think in my early teens. Anyway, our vet told us NEVER to leave her alone outside-loose in the yard, tied up or even on our screened in porch-because many Chi's were getting stolen due to their popularity.

I find that many people will approach us when we're out with Emma, and I've heard several people say, "Oh, I'M getting a dog like that", and they seem pretty serious about it. Then they ask lots of questions about where I got her and how much they cost, etc., (I never tell, I claim she was a gift from my husband!) I get really uncomfortable and don't want them near my dog anymore! I worry that when people know/find out how much they cost, that they might try to steal Emma! I know it's a paranoid thing, but toy dogs are so trendy right now, and many people can't afford (financially and with the amount of time and attention Yorkies need) Yorkies, or any other dog for that matter. I think so much of the time people want them for the TREND and don't realize the amount of time, money, and attention they really need-It's so sad!

I never went with the dog trend either. I just love yorkies because they are so cute and just fell in love. Before I even had a dog, in 4th grade we had a hw assignment to write about something we wanted and I wrote I wanted either a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Yorkshire Terrier. Those are the only 2 dogs that appealed to me and that I wanted the most. Well I got my King Charles in 5th grade and I loved him. He's gone now but I have my first yorkie Teddy and he's my love. :) I was also in the dalmation wanting phase but I didn't want one THAT badly.

The poor lab - so many in shelters ---

What I have read several times is --- that the lab has the "longest puppyhood" of all dogs. There are often rough, tough, and playful until they are nearly three years old. For this reason, about the time they get to be two years old ---people have often just had it and can't deal with it any more.

But - if they only knew that if they kept working with that "grown up little pup" for only another year - they would have that wonderfully behaved, settled down dog that they always wanted.

***** The pounds say that it is usually the two-year old labs that are brought in by exhausted owners.

*** I know all about this - I had a lab...... and, we couldn't keep him. We lived on a golf course - and I'm sure we would have had to move if we hadn't been able to rehome that dog. Luckily a doctor's son knew our lab and wanted him. Years later I know he and our lab were still going hunting and a great time.


Carol Jean

PS: I don't think it's sad that whichever dogs are popular keeps changing. I think this is a good thing. Particularly - because I love all dogs - all breeds!

Lecture Series on Tour
 

Well I personally grew-up with a German Shepard and a mutt, I have had a Labrador Retreiver, PitBull, Rottweiler, even 2 St. Bernards and 2 huge Newfoundlands. My Lab was the most vicious, my Pit was the sweetest, my Rottweiler was the most stubborn and the rest weren't too bright or quick to learn. All 4 of my Yorkies learn fast, most of the time I speak through a series of noises and quick commands. Everytime I'm out walking and especially when I'm @ Petsmart and the Vets. Office (Where I meet the most un-educated people) I always feel like I'm giving a Lecture Series on Yorkies, everyone wants one, but the complain about the prices, their too small, their too high maintenance, they bark too much, they bite, not good w/children etc.
I've always had a dog, sometimes I've even had up to 3 different kinds, but now w/4 Yorkies I can honestly say they are the Best Breed I have come accross. I have never picked a Breed b/c of their Public Popularity, in fact I chose Yorkies b/c they were so rare to see (3 yrs. ago) but now I see more around maybe b/c the prices are coming down and over Breeding, IMO too many people are Breeding and producing a lower standard of Yorkies.
I wish more of the General Public would do their Research and not pick a Yorkie just b/c they're cute & small, those are the ones that end-up giving them away and getting rid of them some how? I hate any kind of cruelty to Animals!:aimeeyork
I refuse to sell my Babies to anyone asking for a "Teacup" or that wants one to only grow to 2 lbs. that's sick to me or one that can't walk so they can keep it in their purse. Or they don't want to feed it b/c they're scared it will get bigger or anyone that is too eager to purchase one for Breeding just for profit. They are like Family to me!
Pugs seem to be the rage in my Town, but in my immediate Neighborhood, there is; 1 Yorkie across the street, 2 - 2 blocks away and my Breeder w/3 -5 blocks away and me w/4, no one knows my name but they call me the "Yorkie Lady" translated that means the crazy one.
I guess I just have an obsessive/addictive personality over Yorkies anyway. I have seen Yorkies become very poplular over the past 3 yrs. and honestly I hope the hype dies down for the sake of the Breed, I don't want to see them as common as Labs. But I am also releived b/c I know Yorkies are a special/impressive Breed but I also know it takes a special person to keep a Yorkie and especially more than one. Most experienced Yorkie Owners are a very Unique type of person that only wants the Best, that only gives them the very best! Even if they are not spoiled financially w/material objects
I know for a fact they are spoiled rotten affectionately!
It's sad that a Movie could be released featuring a particular Breed, and that
Breed becomes the Popular one? I got a Yorkie b/c no one else had one.
Many Years ago I was a "Competitive Bodybuilder", I competed for 8 yrs.
I did it b/c besides the obvious Health Benefits but mainly b/c I was an oddity
I was unique.....I quite b/c of the Mandatory Steroid abuse (I didn't want to look like a man). It may be trendy to have a Yorkie, I know I had a Friend w/ a 5 yr. old Female that was never House broken, she was miserable b/c she was sooooo high maintenance she finally gave her to her sister and got a mutt from the Rescue/Shelter. Eventually the Amatuers give up and only the true die hards continue on in other words your either are a true Yorkie Lover or not. To get one just b/c it's Popular or simply b/c you can afford one and it's Fashionable or trendy only to find out in the end that they are more high maintenance than they bargained for. Every one complains about the prices but dogs are a Luxury not a necessity, the Vet. bills, their food, their clothing etc. all cost money. It's sad to see them abandoned later b/c they grew too big to fit in their purse, "Oh no it grew to be a whopping 7 lbs.", not the 2 lbs. as promised by the Breeder. I've heard it all. As much as I love this Breed and all of my Babies, I do realize that this is not the Breed for everyone.
My BF. is used to Boxers, but all 4 of them are a challenge for him (they usually out smart him). He gets frustrated very easily, it probably doesn't help that he is not the Pack Leader! Enough Preaching I think this was my longest Post?

all i know is when my husband stated we could have a dog, i always liked small dogs (don't want to clean up the big messes a big dog leaves). my husband is allergic to dogs and cats so i researched for a year about dogs that has hair and not fur. i fell in love w the yorkie-poo. i sent him a picture while he was traveling and he fell in love too. so i got muffie. the love of his life. i never knew the yorkie was popular until i got kirby. my passion was to get a dog my husband could handle not for its popularity.