Latest news with #BrandiHunterMunden
Boston Globe
18-03-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
French bulldog is still top US breed, but is another gaining momentum? Of corso
Yet keep an eye on the cane corso. The powerful, protective breed vaulted from nearly 50th to 14th in the rankings in just a decade. Popularity is seen as a mixed blessing among dog breeders and as an outright scourge by their critics. Some animal welfare activists say the AKC rankings drive fads that fuel puppy mills. The AKC says the list documents, not promote, dog-ownership trends, and the nonprofit club notes that it conducts thousands of breeder and pet store inspections per year. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Amid the arguments, there's no disputing that there are plenty of lovable dogs in the nation's animal shelters. Advertisement Here's a look at the trends and what they mean. The Frenchie phenomenon The AKC ranking reflects purebreds, mostly puppies, that were added last year to the nation's oldest dog registry. Nearly 74,500 were Frenchies. That's down from 98,500 in 2023 and 108,000 in 2022, but the AKC isn't saying that the wave has crested. Registration is voluntary, and spokesperson Brandi Hunter Munden notes that the numbers can fluctuate from year to year. The small, pointy-eared bulldog breed with a big personality is still way ahead of the once-dominant Lab, which logged 58,500 new registrations last year. French bulldogs have existed in the US since at least the 19th century, but they've been on a tear in the 21st, fueled partly by celebrity owners and social media. 'They are fabulous companions,' the AKC's Gina DiNardo said. Frenchie folk praise the dogs' modest grooming and exercise needs, generally confident and friendly demeanor and, of course, those smushy mugs that fans find irresistible — but critics call irresponsible. There can be health problems associated with squished faces and other features, and both detractors and devotees lament that the breed has become too hyped for its own good, attracting unprincipled breeders, unprepared owners, and sometimes violent thieves. Advertisement The can-do cane corso If a Frenchie is sometimes described as 'a clown in the cloak of a philosopher,' a cane corso is a protector with no use for a cloak. Big, strong, and athletic, the cane corso (pronounced KAH'-neh KOHR'-so) served as a Roman war dog and later a farmer's helper, boar hunter, and household guardian. Today's cane corsi (the proper plural) are prized as loyal, rather august companions and adept dog-sports competitors. But breeders worry that social media is spreading misconceptions about the dogs, which they say are not suitable for everyone. Breeder Vickie Venzen insists that would-be puppy buyers visit her Maryland home, where she introduces them first to an outgoing, easygoing corso and explains that such a temperament isn't standard for the breed. Then she will bring out a corso with a classic and desirable demeanor: likely to greet an invited visitor peacefully, but without tail-wagging effusiveness. After its greeting, the dog may walk off and watch with cool vigilance. Next comes one of her 'hard dogs': one that's a bit too quick to display its protective instincts. The point is to show the spectrum of corsi temperaments and make clear that they're neither lap dogs that just look tough nor rough-and-tumble creatures that can be left outside to guard. They're very sensitive to their families, Venzen said. 'They're very good dogs, and they're very versatile, and they can be taught a lot,' said Venzen, who was delighted to learn recently that a dog she bred mastered paddleboarding. 'But you can't be so foolish as to think you can put it in any situation and the dog will understand.' Advertisement New dogs The newest breed to be counted, the Lancashire heeler, came in at 189th out of AKC's 201 recognized breeds last year. The next-newest, the bracco Italiano, sprang last year from 152nd to 132nd, and some longtime aficionados already are concerned about its trajectory, said owner Deb Pereira of North Stonington, Conn. She stresses that the substantial, handsome and sociable hunting dogs need a good deal of physical and mental exercise. Quite a few still hunt; Pereira's bracco, Elvira, is an agility champion, and her daily walks cover about four miles (6.5 kilometers). Few dogs The five rarest AKC-recognized breeds are the sloughi, the Norwegian lundehund, the grand basset griffon Vendéen, the Bergamasco sheepdog, and, at 201st, the English foxhound. Doodle doings To date, the AKC hasn't recognized any sheepadoodles, Havapoos, borgis, or other 'designer' hybrids. The club said it has gotten some inquiries, but no doodle or other designer breed fanciers have formally begun the often yearslong process of seeking recognition. And about the everydogs ... There's no census of everyday mixed-breed dogs in the US, but the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates the country has about 90 million dogs — purebreds, designer mixes, and others. After animal shelters cleared out during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and then filled to overflowing, last year's data from advocacy groups Shelter Animals Count and Best Friends Animal Society differ as to whether dog arrivals and adoptions rose or fell and by how much. That's not inexplicable, as the two groups count different sets of organizations. But both emphasize that purebreds and mixed-breeds come up for adoption. 'Really, if you find it in your heart to rescue or adopt a pet, that's the way to go,' Best Friends Animal Society CEO Julie Castle said. Advertisement
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AKC reveals top 3 most popular dog breeds of 2024
The French bulldog is the American Kennel Club's top dog for the third straight year! The AKC this week announced the top three dog breeds are French bulldogs, Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers. French bulldogs, who were named top dog for 2022 and in 2023, returned to the head of the pack for the past year, 2024, as more people are choosing them for their small size, which makes them suitable for apartment living, according to the AKC. French bulldog revealed as most popular dog breed by American Kennel Club "I think, one, they're adorable … but also, I think as we do smaller living, and more people live in apartments, they're highly adaptable. They're good in small spaces," Brandi Hunter Munden, AKC's vice president of public relations and communications, told "Good Morning America." "They're lovebugs. They just want to be with you most of the time and I think that's what really attracts people to them," Munden added. In addition to Frenchies, Munden said golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are also well-liked for their personable traits. "Goldens, we've all grown up with them. We see them all the time. They're highly adaptable. They're great with families," Munden continued. "They're going to go as much as you want to go, and that's really important to a lot of families, that they're great with kids and they're very gentle. They also do very well with service dogs." This farm's golden retriever experience is a dog lover's dream destination Like their counterparts in the retriever family, medium-size Labrador retrievers are also friendly and affectionate companions. "As for labs, labs are energetic. Again, they're part of the fabric of who we are," said Munden. "They are a lot of fun, they love to hike, they love to run, and they also love to cuddle, which is probably No. 1 on most people's lists." With any dog, Munden said potential owners should make sure to look up what they want in a furry friend first before they commit to raising and taking care of them. "Just because they're the most popular breed doesn't mean it's the right breed for you," Munden noted. "[If] you do your research and you find what breed works for you, then you'll be the best owner, and that's what dogs demand of us, regardless of how you acquire your dog," Munden added. "We're supposed to give them the best life possible, so do your research and make sure you can take care of them just the way they need." AKC reveals top 3 most popular dog breeds of 2024 originally appeared on
The Independent
18-03-2025
- General
- The Independent
French bulldog is still top US breed, but is another gaining momentum? Of corso
The U.S. still has a major case of French bulldog fever, but a very different breed is staunchly chasing dog lovers' hearts, according to American Kennel Club statistics released Wednesday. For the third year in a row, the comical, controversial Frenchie tops the club's annual rundown of the nation's most prevalent purebred dogs. Frenchies are followed by Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, poodles and some other longtime faves. (Rounding out the top 10: dachshunds, beagles, Rottweilers, bulldogs and German shorthaired pointers.) Yet keep an eye on the cane corso. The powerful, protective breed vaulted from nearly 50th to 14th in the rankings in just a decade. Popularity is seen as a mixed blessing among dog breeders and as an outright scourge by their critics. Some animal welfare activists say the AKC rankings drive fads that fuel puppy mills. The AKC says the list documents, not promotes, dog-ownership trends, and the nonprofit club notes that it conducts thousands of breeder and pet store inspections per year. Amid the arguments, there's no disputing that there are plenty of lovable dogs in the nation's animal shelters. Here's a look at the trends and what they mean. The Frenchie phenomenon The AKC ranking reflects purebreds, mostly puppies, that were added last year to the nation's oldest dog registry. Nearly 74,500 were Frenchies. That's down from 98,500 in 2023 and 108,000 in 2022, but the AKC isn't saying that the wave has crested. Registration is voluntary, and spokesperson Brandi Hunter Munden notes that the numbers can fluctuate year-to-year. The small, pointy-eared bulldog breed with a big personality is still way ahead of the once-dominant Lab, which logged 58,500 new registrations last year. French bulldogs have existed in the U.S. since at least the 19th century, but they've been on a tear in the 21st, fueled partly by celebrity owners and social media. 'They are fabulous companions,' the AKC's Gina DiNardo said. Frenchie folk praise the dogs' modest grooming and exercise needs, generally confident and friendly demeanor and, of course, those smushy mugs that fans find irresistible — but critics call irresponsible. There can be health problems associated with squished faces and other features, and both detractors and devotees lament that the breed has become too hyped for its own good, attracting unprincipled breeders, unprepared owners and sometimes violent thieves. The can-do cane corso If a Frenchie is sometimes described as 'a clown in the cloak of a philosopher,' a cane corso is a protector with no use for a cloak. Big, strong and athletic, the cane corso (pronounced KAH'-neh KOHR'-so) served as a Roman war dog and later a farmer's helper, boar hunter and household guardian. Today's cane corsi (the proper plural) are prized as loyal, rather august companions and adept dog-sports competitors. But breeders worry that social media is spreading misconceptions about the dogs, which they say are not suitable for everyone. Breeder Vickie Venzen insists that would-be puppy buyers visit her Maryland home, where she introduces them first to an outgoing, easygoing corso and explains that such a temperament isn't standard for the breed. Then she will bring out a corso with a classic and desirable demeanor: likely to greet an invited visitor peacefully, but without tail-wagging effusiveness. After its greeting, the dog may walk off and watch with cool vigilance. Next comes one of her 'hard dogs': one that's a bit too quick to display its protective instincts. The point is to show the spectrum of corsi temperaments and make clear that they're neither lapdogs that just look tough nor rough-and-tumble creatures that can be left outside to guard. They're very sensitive to their families, Venzen said. 'They're very good dogs, and they're very versatile, and they can be taught a lot,' said Venzen, who was delighted to learn recently that a dog she bred mastered paddleboarding. 'But you can't be so foolish as to think you can put it in any situation and the dog will understand.' New dogs The newest breed to be counted, the Lancashire heeler, came in at 189th out of AKC's 201 recognized breeds last year. The next-newest, the bracco Italiano, sprang last year from 152nd to 132nd, and some longtime aficionados already are concerned about its trajectory, said owner Deb Pereira of North Stonington, Connecticut. She stresses that the substantial, handsome and sociable hunting dogs need a good deal of physical and mental exercise. Quite a few still hunt; Pereira's bracco, Elvira, is an agility champion, and her daily walks cover about four miles (6.5 kilometers). Few dogs The five rarest AKC-recognized breeds are the sloughi, the Norwegian lundehund, the grand basset griffon Vendéen, the Bergamasco sheepdog and, at 201st, the English foxhound. Doodle doings To date, the AKC hasn't recognized any sheepadoodles, Havapoos, borgis or other 'designer' hybrids. The club said it has gotten some inquiries, but no doodle or other designer breed fanciers have formally begun the often yearslong process of seeking recognition. And about the everydogs ... There's no census of everyday mixed-breed dogs in the U.S., but the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates the country has about 90 million dogs — purebreds, designer mixes and others. After animal shelters cleared out during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and then filled to overflowing, last year's data from advocacy groups Shelter Animals Count and Best Friends Animal Society differ as to whether dog arrivals and adoptions rose or fell and by how much. That's not inexplicable, as the two groups count different sets of organizations. But both emphasize that purebreds and mixed-breeds come up for adoption. 'Really, if you find it in your heart to rescue or adopt a pet, that's the way to go," Best Friends Animal Society CEO Julie Castle said.
Associated Press
18-03-2025
- General
- Associated Press
French bulldog is still top US breed, but is another gaining momentum? Of corso
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. still has a major case of French bulldog fever, but a very different breed is staunchly chasing dog lovers' hearts, according to American Kennel Club statistics released Wednesday. For the third year in a row, the comical, controversial Frenchie tops the club's annual rundown of the nation's most prevalent purebred dogs. Frenchies are followed by Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, poodles and some other longtime faves. (Rounding out the top 10: dachshunds, beagles, Rottweilers, bulldogs and German shorthaired pointers.) Yet keep an eye on the cane corso. The powerful, protective breed vaulted from nearly 50th to 14th in the rankings in just a decade. Popularity is seen as a mixed blessing among dog breeders and as an outright scourge by their critics. Some animal welfare activists say the AKC rankings drive fads that fuel puppy mills. The AKC says the list documents, not promotes, dog-ownership trends, and the nonprofit club notes that it conducts thousands of breeder and pet store inspections per year. Amid the arguments, there's no disputing that there are plenty of lovable dogs in the nation's animal shelters. Here's a look at the trends and what they mean. The Frenchie phenomenon The AKC ranking reflects purebreds, mostly puppies, that were added last year to the nation's oldest dog registry. Nearly 74,500 were Frenchies. That's down from 98,500 in 2023 and 108,000 in 2022, but the AKC isn't saying that the wave has crested. Registration is voluntary, and spokesperson Brandi Hunter Munden notes that the numbers can fluctuate year-to-year. The small, pointy-eared bulldog breed with a big personality is still way ahead of the once-dominant Lab, which logged 58,500 new registrations last year. French bulldogs have existed in the U.S. since at least the 19th century, but they've been on a tear in the 21st, fueled partly by celebrity owners and social media. 'They are fabulous companions,' the AKC's Gina DiNardo said. Frenchie folk praise the dogs' modest grooming and exercise needs, generally confident and friendly demeanor and, of course, those smushy mugs that fans find irresistible — but critics call irresponsible. There can be health problems associated with squished faces and other features, and both detractors and devotees lament that the breed has become too hyped for its own good, attracting unprincipled breeders, unprepared owners and sometimes violent thieves. The can-do cane corso If a Frenchie is sometimes described as 'a clown in the cloak of a philosopher,' a cane corso is a protector with no use for a cloak. Big, strong and athletic, the cane corso (pronounced KAH'-neh KOHR'-so) served as a Roman war dog and later a farmer's helper, boar hunter and household guardian. Today's cane corsi (the proper plural) are prized as loyal, rather august companions and adept dog-sports competitors. But breeders worry that social media is spreading misconceptions about the dogs, which they say are not suitable for everyone. Breeder Vickie Venzen insists that would-be puppy buyers visit her Maryland home, where she introduces them first to an outgoing, easygoing corso and explains that such a temperament isn't standard for the breed. Then she will bring out a corso with a classic and desirable demeanor: likely to greet an invited visitor peacefully, but without tail-wagging effusiveness. After its greeting, the dog may walk off and watch with cool vigilance. Next comes one of her 'hard dogs': one that's a bit too quick to display its protective instincts. The point is to show the spectrum of corsi temperaments and make clear that they're neither lapdogs that just look tough nor rough-and-tumble creatures that can be left outside to guard. They're very sensitive to their families, Venzen said. 'They're very good dogs, and they're very versatile, and they can be taught a lot,' said Venzen, who was delighted to learn recently that a dog she bred mastered paddleboarding. 'But you can't be so foolish as to think you can put it in any situation and the dog will understand.' New dogs The newest breed to be counted, the Lancashire heeler, came in at 189th out of AKC's 201 recognized breeds last year. The next-newest, the bracco Italiano, sprang last year from 152nd to 132nd, and some longtime aficionados already are concerned about its trajectory, said owner Deb Pereira of North Stonington, Connecticut. She stresses that the substantial, handsome and sociable hunting dogs need a good deal of physical and mental exercise. Quite a few still hunt; Pereira's bracco, Elvira, is an agility champion, and her daily walks cover about four miles (6.5 kilometers). Few dogs The five rarest AKC-recognized breeds are the sloughi, the Norwegian lundehund, the grand basset griffon Vendéen, the Bergamasco sheepdog and, at 201st, the English foxhound. Doodle doings To date, the AKC hasn't recognized any sheepadoodles, Havapoos, borgis or other 'designer' hybrids. The club said it has gotten some inquiries, but no doodle or other designer breed fanciers have formally begun the often yearslong process of seeking recognition. And about the everydogs ... There's no census of everyday mixed-breed dogs in the U.S., but the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates the country has about 90 million dogs — purebreds, designer mixes and others. After animal shelters cleared out during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and then filled to overflowing, last year's data from advocacy groups Shelter Animals Count and Best Friends Animal Society differ as to whether dog arrivals and adoptions rose or fell and by how much. That's not inexplicable, as the two groups count different sets of organizations. But both emphasize that purebreds and mixed-breeds come up for adoption.
USA Today
21-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
Apartment dwellers can have dogs too. Here's what to consider before bringing a pup home
Apartment dwellers can have dogs too. Here's what to consider before bringing a pup home Show Caption Hide Caption Dealing with noisy neighbors: A common challenge in apartment living Encountering noisy neighbors is quite common, especially in large apartment complexes. unbranded - Lifestyle The joys of owning a pup aren't restricted only to single-family properties; people in apartments just have to do research and pay attention to the noise in their buildings, an expert told USA TODAY. Whether it's a shelter, breeder or rescue, dogs can always be found waiting for their fur-ever homes. Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of communications at the American Kennel Club, said finding the right pooch is easier than some may think. Questions about the dog's previous living situation, what type of family it lived with, age and socialization levels can make the search easy. "I tell people, especially if you're in an apartment, listen to the sounds that happen," she said. "Sit for an hour at the busiest time when people are coming home from work, and listen to the sounds that happen, because that's what your dog is gonna hear." More: Which are the best veterinarian hospitals? USA TODAY wants to know what pet owners think What dogs are great for apartment dwellers? Munden said any dog breed is suitable for apartments. She urged future dog owners to not focus on the breed, but on the qualities they need a dog to have to comfortably live in their home. "There are some that just adapt faster than those, and there are some that really do survive on more space. So you want to give them what they need," she said. The American Kennel Club, pet stores and pet food manufacturers have lists of what's considered to be the best apartment-friendly breed. A breed that may shock some people is the Great Dane, Munden said. The breed doesn't need as much exercise as smaller dogs and is comfortable as long as there's ample space for it to lie. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed may need two to three brisk walks per day. Beyond it, she said French bulldogs aren't very reactive and are cuddle bugs; Shih Tzus and Yorkshire terriers tend to be great apartment dogs; regular and miniature poodles are also great but require a bit more exercise like long walks and Frisbee play. More: The best veterinarian hospitals? Vets can help USA TODAY rank top animal hospitals "Dachshunds are a really great breed to have in their apartment," Munden said. "People tend to really like them. They're very popular in New York City." According to pugs, bichon frisé and chihuahuas make great dogs for communal living. The home-listing website listed viable breeds based on size and ranked them based on cleanliness, barking, if the dog can be alone, exercise needs and friendliness to strangers. But renters need to mind breed restrictions set by communities. Munden said the AKC doesn't believe in them as the rules are based on stigmas portrayed in media. Breeds like German shepherds, rottweilers, huskies or Belgium malinois can help complete tasks in apartments so as long they are socialized. What qualities make a dog great for apartments? To help in the dog search, Munden said there are qualities to look for, not just in the dog but also in the living unit. That includes if the dog can live in a small space, if it's not reactive to doors closing or sirens, if it barks a lot and if the dog is not afraid of people or small children. For renters who have hardwood floors and may not want to sweep or vacuum as much, Munden said those people should look at adopting any form of a poodle (miniature, toy and standard), the American hairless terrier, Great Danes and French bulldogs. "I tell people with any dog, regardless if they tell you if it sheds or not, just keep a Swiffer close by, because it's gonna happen," she said. People in smaller units are advised to look for larger dog breeds. Despite their size, Munden said they often require less exercise than smaller breeds. Those breeds include the Bernese mountain dog and mastiffs. Pet supply company BullyBeds recommends adopting Basenjis and Shiba Inus if a person lives in a building with strict noise restrictions. No matter the qualities of an apartment, Munden said the best place for a dog is with an owner willing to give unconditional love to the canine. "The best characteristic for any apartment dog is that they just love being with their owner because they'll spend plenty of time with you," she said. Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at knurse@ Follow her on X @KrystalRNurse, and on BlueSky @
