Tiny Dogs Are Tops

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Sunday, March 19, 2006

Man's best friend is going mainstream mini. Robin Colley, owner of Animal Haus Kennel and a hobby breeder of Chihuahuas for about 27 years, calls it the Paris Hilton syndrome. Inspired largely by the gawked-upon hotel heiress and her Chihuahua drama of recent years, people's curiosity and fancy for these dogs has grown.

According to American Kennel Club registration statistics, small and toy dogs are becoming increasing popular, with six handbag-able breeds ranking in the national top 15 since 2000. Here, the 2005 most popular dogs in the United States and Washington, according to the AKC:

United States

1. Labrador retrievers

2. Golden retrievers

3. Yorkshire terriers

4. German shepherds

5. Beagles

6. Dachshunds

7. Boxers

8. Poodles

9. Shih Tzus