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Top 10 Cat and Dog Breeds of 2013 – Pets Best Insurance
Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (Pets Best), a leading U.S. pet insurance agency, today released its list of the top 10 most popular dog and cat breeds enrolled with the agency in 2013.
In the company’s eight years of insuring dogs and cats, the top 10 most popular breeds have remained relatively consistent. However, the agency has noticed definite trends during the years, with certain breeds gaining popularity and others falling in the rankings.While a number of breeds have gained popularity in recent years, the French bulldog has seen the most dramatic rise. In 2006, the French bulldog was the 55th most popular dog breed enrolled with Pets Best. By 2013, the small, muscular pooch soared up the list to become the 19th most popular breed.
“Several years ago, French bulldogs started popping up in television commercials and print ads,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, president and founder of Pets Best. “When a relatively unknown dog breed begins to enter the mainstream, it creates a buzz among prospective pet owners and begins to affect ownership trends.”
Compared to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) 2012 dog registration statistics, the Pets Best top 10 list offers several surprising findings. First, the No. 1 most popular dog breed enrolled with Pets Best not only in 2013 but throughout the agency’s history is a mixed or designer breed. This is of note because the AKC only recognizes purebred dogs, without highlighting the popularity of mixed breeds. Pets Best found mixed-breed dogs solidly hold the No. 1 spot. In 2013, mixed breeds made up nearly 30 percent of all canines enrolled with the agency.
While the AKC list does not include pit bulls, the Pets Best rankings show pit bulls as the seventh most popular dog of 2013. Based on data from Pets Best, this category includes the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. The category climbed from 10th place in 2007.
In addition to these rankings, the ever-popular Labrador retriever held second place for most popular dog breeds. Among the top cat breeds, the domestic shorthair ranked first, followed by mixed-breed cats and the American shorthair.
Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2013
1. Mixed breed2. Labrador retriever
3. Yorkshire terrier
4. Golden retriever
5. Chihuahua
6. Shih Tzu
7. Pit bull
8. Dachshund
9. German shepherd
10. Maltese and English bulldog (tie)
Top 10 Cat Breeds of 2013
1. Domestic shorthair2. Mixed breed
3. American shorthair
4. Domestic longhair
5. Domestic medium hair
6. Siamese
7. Maine coon
8. Ragdoll
9. Bengal
10. Persian
“While the popularity of dog and cat breeds can be affected by factors such as a spotlight in the media and pop culture, I encourage people to do their research on breeds to learn whether a specific dog or cat will be the best fit for their lifestyle,” Dr. Stephens said. “Additionally, pet owners should ensure that they are financially prepared to take care of this pet and the inevitable health issues that will arise over the pet’s lifetime.”
Pets Best offers a multitude of pet health insurance plans for both cats and dogs. These include a Cancer Only plan covering the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in dogs and cats, as well as a Feline Illness plan that covers 21 common feline illnesses. For more information about the agency and its plans, visit www.petsbest.com.
About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Dr. Jack L. Stephens, president of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats and is the only veterinarian founded and operated pet insurance company in the United States. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinarian medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit www.petsbest.com for more information.Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.
Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).
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Seven Acts of Canine Kindness
Seven Acts of Canine KindnessDid you know that this month marks not only Valentine’s Day, but Random Acts of Kindness month, too? This is a great reminder to always treat ours, and others’, best friends with love, compassion and understanding.
Our four-legged family members give us their affection and loyalty each and every day. February is a great time to remind ourselves what we can do for them. This is a particularly good time to teach families who may have a new puppy or dog the respect and commitment that our best friends everywhere need, too! Here are our seven tips to show kindness to best friends this month (and all year long)
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In the mind of a dog with Throw the Damn Ball, from @PlumeBooks
Surely, dogs have thoughts. And what a range of thoughts they have.
From the philosophical:
Do I look like I’ve been caught Deep in thought and with emotion fraught? As if some distant land I’ve charted? Don’t be fooled. It’s just that I’ve farted.To the intense:
Rhyming is for cats, with their tiny, tiny lips and pretentious little way of nibbling their food. When you drop them, they always land on their feet, which is tedious, like knowing that at the end of the line you’re always going to get a rhyme. You want your poem to rhyme? I have one word for you: Pussy.Back to the philosophical:
From up here I can see All the places I like to pee. Thank you.Read them all here — in Throw the Damn Ball: Classic Poetry by Dogs by R.D. Rosen, Harry Prichett, and Rob Battles.
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Meet the Breeds 2013
This past weekend, AKC put on the Meet the Breeds show at Javitts Center and Adalhi and I wen to check out these pooches! This years show consisted of numerous breeds from A-Z, pet related vendors, Motel 6 and even a few speciality cats in the mix. It was a great opportunity to come see rare breeds, giant breeds and what ‘breed’ standards look like. We wanted to go early for all the great dog food samples and to see all the dogs before their nap time.
Pet Parents is an insurance company that was a huge sponsor. They took ‘huge’ so literally and provided 2 photo booths along with a ton of HUGE dog items like this giant dog bowl with giant kibble.
A giant tennis ball!
My friend and gentle giant LEONBERGER
Fellow Canadian Newfoundland dog
The Pharaoh Hound
Adorable Bull Terrier aka Target Dog!
Silent Basenji Dog
My new favorite – 7 month old Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
One chunky Mastiff puppy
A sucky Cane Corso
A huge Great Dane Pup
Little Corgi Cardigan
Springer Spaniel in a tie!
Couldn’t wait to come home to see this one.
Two pups from Brooklyn 🙂Thank you AKC for inviting us to fun filled weekend
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Meet the Breeds 2013 @akcdoglovers
More than 200 Breeds of Dogs and Cats. 1 Place. 2 Days to Meet Them All.
AKC Meet the Breeds, hosted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The International Cat Association (TICA) will return to the Jacob Javits Center in New York City on September 28th and 29th, 2013. Last year’s more than 35,000 attendees enjoyed 200 individually decorated official breed booths that allowed dog and cat lovers to interact with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens and learn about their history and unique attributes directly from the experts; 100 vendor booths offered every imaginable product for pets and their owners; and demonstration rings featured law enforcement K9s, grooming, agility, obedience and more. The event was also a big hit with the press, generating more than 630 million media impressions.
This year’s event is not to be missed and will be the perfect place to create lasting memories with dog and cat owners. No other event earns your brand exposure across multiple categories like AKC Meet the Breeds. By participating in AKC Meet the Breeds you will be guaranteed touch points with consumers, breeders, clubs, trainers and families. Come join us as we introduce them to the wonderful world of dogs and cats, in the media capital of the world.
WhereJacob K. Javits Convention Center
655 West 34th Street
New York, New York 10001WhenSaturday, September 28, 2013 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, September 29, 2013 10 am – 5 pmTweet a photo of your dog to @heydoyou for a chance to win 2 tickets for Saturday!
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Car Adventures with @surefitinc
National Dog Day is on August 26 but for dog owners, dog day is everyday! We were so lucky to get a car for the summer from Tai’s mom and we have been fully taking advantage of it. The seats are leather and we needed something to cover the seats properly. I have tried different things like fitted bed sheets, towels and canopy type plastic ones and nothing has worked as well as the Sure Fit.
There are quilted padded parts and the straps are sturdy and will not move. In the past I have used ones that have velcro and it never held when the car or the dog moves. The Sure Fit cover is also waterproof! This is important when it comes to grass stains, mud, water etc… If you take your dog to the beach, camping, hiking or park – protect your car seat with this! It looks way better than an old bed-sheet and can be machine washable as well.
Extend the practical and stylish solution of waterproof suede to your vehicle to protect upholstery. Laminated backing and bound seaming prevent leaks, while all-over 4” box quilting and lofty 5 oz. polyester fill add cushiony comfort. The bench seat cover extends over the sides and front and is held in place with an adjustable horizontal back strap and vertical sliding straps. The bench seat cover is available in two sizes to fit automobiles, SUVs and vans: Medium (48”-54” seat back) and Large (58”-64” seat back). 100% polyester with 100% polyester fill and 100% polypropylene backing. Machine washable.
Get more info on http://www.surefit.net
