Tips to Keep Dogs HomeSafe

It is good to know what to do when you lose your dog ... but it is better to do your best to prevent your pet from getting lost in the first place!

Here are some valuable tips from PetLynx Corporation and the American Kennel Club:

New Marmaduke Movie Not Great News for Great Danes

PetLynx joins the American Kennel Club in warning people not to get starstruck!

With Great Danes taking center stage in the release of “Marmaduke,” moviegoers are reminded about the importance of making educated decisions when it comes to adding a dog to the home.

New AKC breeds on parade at Westminster

The 134th Annual Westminster Dog Show, held in New York City February 15-16, 2010, provided a podium for 2,500 of the best show dogs in America to strut their stuff in front of the judges and an adoring public. 

Amongst these prized show dogs were three "new" breeds that were recently added to the American Kennel Club's list of recognized breeds. This included the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

The introduction of new breeds can be a challenge for animal services agencies and humane societies. Sometimes, what we perceive as a cross-bred dog (or cat) could be a prized show animal with a long pedigree. Be sure your staff and volunteers keep on top of new developments in our industry -- including additions to AKC and Canadian Kennel Club breeds!

AKC Announces Most Popular Breeds

Labs are 'Top Dog' Again!

For the 19^th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, but could this be the last year for the Lab’s reign?  

According to American Kennel Club^® (AKC) 2009 registration statistics released at the end of January, the German Shepherd Dog overtook the Yorkshire Terrier last year and is now ranked second most popular in the nation for the first time in more than three decades.

A favorite since the time of Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd Dog became the number one breed of the 1920s, but then slipped in popularity until after World War II. 

“Labs have been America’s top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.  “But the German Shepherd Dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad.  Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls.”

The AKC's Top Ten Dogs for 2009

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retirever
5. Beagel
6. Boxer
7. Bulldog
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu

Vote for Your Favorite Famous Dog!

From crime fighting dogs to presidential pooches.... that sometimes got more press than their owners,... one look at popular culture proves that dogs have always had a profound influence on our daily lives. But which well-known canine is the most famous? Continuing the celebration of its 125 Anniversary and quest to find the top 125 Dogs in Pop Culture, the American Kennel Club and partner AOL’s PawNation.com ask America to weigh in this week on their favorite famous dog. This week’s choices include:

• Richard Nixon’s Cocker Spaniel “Checkers"
• Bill Clinton’s Labrador Retriever “Buddy”
• Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua “Tinker Bell”
• FDR’s Scottish Terrier “Fala”
• Obama's’s Portuguese Water Dog “Bo”
• "McGruff" the Crime Dog and
• "Tryumph" the Insult Comic Dog.

Leave your paw print on the poll! VOTE HERE!