January 2019

Every year CKC sifts through its immense database to compile a list of the top 10 most popular dog breeds based on the number of dogs registered in the previous year. We’ve been quick out of the gate this year and are excited to release CKC’s Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds for 2018. While the top four remained the same - for the sixth year running - there was some notable shuffling between the remaining coveted six spots. The French Bulldog climbed their way up from the 67^th spot in 2005 to a staggering 5^th this year, while other greatly popular breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog stepped down a few spots to make room for this new comer.  The big surprise though came from the Portuguese Water Dog, who made the list this year for the first time on record!

We’re not just going to show you who made the cut this year in a boring chart though.  

Instead, keep reading to see all of the breeds who earned a spot on CKC’s Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2018 list, learn a little bit about each breed, and check out the comparison chart for 2015 – 2018.

Although the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show began in 1877, the award for Best in Show was not presented until 1907. With the exception of 1923, when changes to the American Kennel Club rules were being made, the purple and gold rosette has been presented to 103 different dogs of 44 of different breeds (several dogs have taken Best in Show twice and a Smooth Fox Terrier took it three times). Let’s have a look at Westminster Best in Show winners by the numbers.

The winningest breed at Westminster is the Wire Fox Terrier. This breed has won the Garden 14 times. The earliest Wire Fox winner was CH Matford Vic. Vic was originally purchased from an English barnyard for the sum of £2. She was later sold for much more, crossed the pond with her new owner and went on to win both the 1915 and 1916 shows. The most recent Wire Fox Terrier to take Best in Show at the Garden was CH Afterall Painting The Sky who won the Garden under Judge Betty Regina Leininger in 2014.  Sky is owned by Diane Ryan, Victor Malzoni Jr, Torie Steele and Mary and Scott Olund. She was bred by Betty Seaton and Alton Pertuit.

The awarding of Best In Show at the Elora Gorge Kennel Club Championship Shows on Saturday, December 29 signals the end of 2018 Dog Show and Obedience season in Canada. These festive shows in Kitchener, Ontario are generally a make or break event for dogs trying to move higher up in the All Breed Dog Show standings at the Breed, Group or Best In Show levels. Many are also looking for elusive final Championship points to complete their Championship title before the year end. 

The club always celebrates the Christmas proximity with numerous armband draws rewarding exhibitors for their attendance. Another annual fun event is the search for the elusive Xmas Elf ‘Eggnog’ who is hidden in the venue each night and whoever manages to find him each day is lavished with additional presents and prizes. 

The Westminster Kennel Club began in the 1870s when a group of sportsmen would gather and discuss dogs after a day of bird hunting at the Westminster Hotel in Union Square, New York City. The hotel is no longer there, but the annual dog show that they began in 1877 continues to draw the attention of the dog world every February. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show pre-dates the invention of the light bulb, the automobile and even the zipper. It is the second oldest sporting event in the United States, after the Kentucky Derby. Canadians have long competed at the show since its inception and the most-coveted award in the North American dog show world, Best in Show at Westminster, has been won 6 times by Canadian Dogs.

Way back in 1918, CH Haymarket Faultless, a Bull Terrier owned by R H Elliott was the first Canadian dog to win Best in Show at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show under Judges Harry T Peters, Theodore Offerman and J Willoughby Mitchell!  
 

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is profoundly saddened by the passing of Phyllis Wolfish, a shining star in the Canadian dog fancy, who touched the lives of many, far and wide. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Phyllis’ family and friends during this difficult time and we wish them peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Phyllis was a dedicated CKC member for 61 years and had the distinction of being the Past Honourary Chair of the CKC. A passionate breeder, Phyllis raised and showed top Miniature and Toy Poodles under the “Ma Griffe” prefix for over 60 years. She also bred and showed champion Whippets, in addition to handling Doberman Pinschers and Lhasa Apsos.The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is profoundly saddened by the passing of Phyllis Wolfish, a shining star in the Canadian dog fancy, who touched the lives of many, far and wide. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Phyllis’ family and friends during this difficult time and we wish them peace and comfort in the days ahead.
 

The AKC National Championship returned to The Orange County Convention Centre in sunny Orlando, Florida on December 15^th and 16^th, 2018. The event showcased the top American and international canine athletes. The show also included popular attractions such as the Best Bred-by-Exhibitor competition, the AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals, AKC Meet the Breeds and the NADD/AKC Dock Diving National Championship.