A look at AKC's top 10 breeds of 2012

Image Credit: psbtc.org

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has kept a registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States since it was founded in 1884. Every year, the AKC releases a list of the top 10 breeds by popularity. While the 2012 list showed no surprises, it was interesting to note that America’s idea of a canine companion has moved away from traditional working dogs into what is commonly known as fighting breeds.


10. Rottweiler
Square-jawed and big-boned, the Rottweiler is America’s working dog. Often misunderstood for being intimidating, rotties—as they are sometimes called—are in fact playful and highly intelligent dogs.


9. Dachshund
This wiener-shaped breed fell one spot from last year’s list but is still one of America’s preferred pets for families with children. They are versatile little creatures—they can dig and hunt but also take care of small children—making them an ideal family pet for homes with yards.

Image Credit: dachshunddog.org

8. Poodle
Another misunderstood breed, poodles are capable of far more than most people would think. In fact, they are capable of more than most dogs can learn in a lifetime. Poodles have been on the top 10 list since 1960 for their intelligence and trainability; they are able to complete service dog duties while remaining a playful family pet. They are bred in three sizes, making them easy to raise in just about any type of home space or environment.


7. Boxer
Protective and patient, boxers have maintained a steady position on the top ten list for their loyalty and manageable energy level. Although they were originally bred for fighting, boxers have come a long way since, making excellent family guard dogs, even for homes with children.

Image Credit: bib.ge

6. English Bulldog
In a chicken-or-egg debate, it can be argued that bulldogs gained popularity because they have consistently been used as school mascots. Whichever way it happened—and regardless of the sports team they represent—bulldogs are known for their protective instinct and gentle temperament.


For the rest of the list, visit this web page.

Image Credit: topnotch-bullies

Suzy Azalea is an experienced dog breeder with expertise across all types of breed categories. Visit this Myspace page for details about her breeding programs.

Walk n' wag: Keeping the pounds off you and your dog this year

Image Credit: plano.bubblelife.com

Holidays are indulgent times for taste buds. After a year’s hard work, Christmas celebrants look forward to a feast of countless courses and forbidden desserts. In our household, everyone enjoys a good serving of signature Suzy Azalea holiday dishes, including the four-legged members.

Image Credit: topdogcs.com

To combat holiday weight gain, most health consultants suggest making meals out of fat-free ingredients or doubling up on exercise routines. It is ideal to do both in tandem to keep button bursting at a minimum. While preparing healthy Christmas dishes, you may also consider treating your fur pals to special meals. Contrary to what some home cooks expect, this requires no extra effort. As an experienced dog breeder and canine welfare expert, I have put together a list of 10 everyday food ingredients that are safe for dogs to eat. The list includes most of the fruits, meats, and vegetables used in dietitian-recommended Christmas dinners, allowing you to treat your canine pals to something unique without increasing their fat intake.

Image Credit: dogchow.com

While it’s tempting to stay snug in bed all day after a hearty meal, keeping the pounds off means moving around—double time. As winter temperatures prevent “sweating it off,” holiday exercise has to compensate. Taking your dog out for a run allows you and your dog to get your exercise. Exercising has an added benefit for dogs: It releases tension and excitement pent-up from staying indoors all day. A bored dog will usually resort to eating more than it should-or worse, chewing on shoes and furniture. If you’re worried about the cold weather, this DIY fleece coat for dogs from Martha Stewart is a great solution.


Keeping a dog healthy does not have to be an added chore. It can be done alongside the usual family habits and become part of the holiday routine.


Get more tips about exercising with your pets on this Facebook page.