Labrador again US top dog, Yorkies jump to second

NEW YORK, Jan 16 (Reuters) The Labrador Retriever was crowned the most popular US purebred dog for the 16th straight year, but the Yorkshire Terrier -- a celebrity favorite -- stole the spotlight by jumping to second spot.

The American Kennel Club said yesterday the tiny terriers fondly known as ''Yorkies'' beat out the traditional US favorites, the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever, according to 2006 registration data.

''To have such a small dog overtake America's iconic dogs is really amazing,'' said the club's spokeswoman, Daisy Okas.

The last time a small dog, weighing less than 9 kg, won such status was when the Boston Terrier was the second-most popular breed in 1939.

''Celebrities have had a lot of influence,'' Okas said.

''We do not advocate dogs as fashion accessories. Before you get a dog, no matter what breed, you have to make a lifetime commitment.'' Celebrities with Yorkshire Terriers reportedly include actresses Tara Reid, Naomi Watts and Kirsten Dunst, singers Anastacia, Kelly Clarkson and Mariah Carey, model Gisele Bundchen and tennis star Venus Williams.

New Yorker Tasasha Chavis, a nanny who lives on Manhattan, estimated she has spent thousands of dollars on her two Yorkies, named Mz Peanut Brittle and Little Bit of Honey, who have their own bedroom and wardrobe.

Mz Peanut Brittle, who was wearing a tiny tiara and pearl collar, travels in style.

''I have a Coach carrier for her but she is not an accessory. She has shoes and jackets and a stroller. She sleeps in my bed,'' Chavis said.

''I don't have any kids -- these are my babies.'' According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, US pet owners spent more than 38 billion dollar on their animals in 2006.

''People are just treating dogs like family more and more,'' Okas said. ''They want to have that companionship.'' She said the Labrador Retriever was the consistent favorite because it is ''one of the most versatile breeds.'' ''They want to be with people, they are very trainable, they want to be their owner's best friend,'' she said.

At No three in the American Kennel Club's top ten was the German Shepherd, followed by the Golden Retriever, Beagle, Dachshund, Boxer, Poodle, Shih Tzu and Miniature Schnauzer.

But in New York City, the poodle was top dog.

REUTERS BDP BD0911