"Fastest-growing" dog breed refers to those breeds experiencing the largest increase in American Kennel Club registration numbers year over year. This is measured by how many positions a breed moves up in the AKC's annual popularity rankings, which are based on registration statistics. It's important to note that:

• This doesn't necessarily mean these are the most popular breeds overall
• A breed can be "fastest-growing" while still being relatively uncommon in the overall population
• The measurement reflects increased interest and acquisition, not total numbers
• Some breeds may show large percentage growth because they start from a relatively small base number

For example, a breed moving from #160 to #135 represents a bigger jump in popularity ranking than a breed moving from #10 to #9, even though the latter might represent more dogs in absolute terms.

Generally, no—you should not choose a breed primarily because it's growing in popularity. While popularity growth can indicate that many people are finding a breed appealing, your decision should be based on:

• Lifestyle Compatibility: Does the breed's energy level, size, and needs match your living situation and activity level?
• Experience Level: Are you prepared to handle the breed's specific training, socialization, and potential challenges?
• Long-Term Commitment: Can you meet this dog's needs throughout its entire lifespan, which may be 10-15 years?
• Realistic Expectations: Do you understand both the positive attributes and potential challenges of the breed?

Popularity trends should be just one small factor in your decision, not the primary driver. A breed that's perfect for someone else might be completely wrong for your situation, regardless of how popular it's becoming.

Yes, there can be some potential risks when choosing a breed that's experiencing rapid growth in popularity:

• Irresponsible Breeding: Rapid demand can lead to increased breeding by irresponsible sources focused on profit rather than health and temperament
• Health Concerns: Some breeders may prioritize meeting demand over conducting proper health testing
• Price Inflation: Popular breeds often see increased prices, which might not correlate with quality
• Mismatched Expectations: People may acquire the breed based on trendiness without understanding its true needs
• Rescue Impact: Rapid popularity sometimes leads to increased numbers in rescue when owners discover they're unprepared for the breed's characteristics

These risks don't mean you should avoid growing breeds, but they do emphasize the importance of thorough research, careful breeder selection, and realistic self-assessment before acquisition.

Finding a responsible breeder is crucial, especially for breeds experiencing rapid growth. Here's how to identify good breeders:

• Breed Club Referrals: Start with the national breed club's breeder referral service
• Health Testing: Responsible breeders perform recommended health screenings for their breed and can provide documentation
• Knowledge Sharing: Good breeders are knowledgeable about their breed's characteristics, needs, and potential challenges
• Questions for You: They'll ask you detailed questions about your home, experience, and plans for the dog
• Meet the Parents: They should allow you to meet at least the mother dog
• Lifelong Support: Good breeders offer ongoing support and will take back the dog at any point in its life if needed
• Limited Litters: They typically have only a few litters per year and breed because they want to improve the breed
• Show or Sport Participation: Many good breeders participate in dog shows, sports, or activities that demonstrate their dogs' qualities

Avoid breeders who always have multiple litters available, won't let you see their facilities, seem primarily motivated by price, or can't provide health documentation.

The American Kennel Club publishes complete popularity rankings annually on their website at AKC.org. The rankings include all AKC-recognized breeds, listed in order of registration numbers for the previous year. In addition to the complete list, the AKC typically provides:

• Analysis of significant changes and trends
• Information about breeds that have moved up or down significantly
• Historical context for popularity trends
• Breakdowns by breed groups and categories

The AKC website also offers detailed information about each breed's characteristics, history, and needs, which can be helpful when researching potential breeds. Additionally, breed-specific parent clubs (which you can find through the AKC website) offer in-depth information about their particular breeds, including breeder referrals, rescue information, and educational resources.

Popularity rankings can change significantly from year to year, though the top positions tend to be more stable than the middle or lower rankings. Here's what to expect:

• Top Positions: The top 5-10 breeds typically change slowly, with positions sometimes remaining stable for years
• Middle Rankings: Breeds ranked between #20 and #100 often show more movement year to year
• Lower Rankings: Breeds with smaller registration numbers can show dramatic percentage changes with relatively small absolute number changes
• Major Shifts: Significant changes (like the French Bulldog surpassing the Labrador Retriever) typically represent long-term trends rather than one-year anomalies

Most years see a few breeds making significant jumps (10+ positions) while the majority change by just a few positions or remain stable. Dramatic changes of 20+ positions in a single year, like those seen in the fastest-growing breeds, are relatively uncommon and typically indicate a notable shift in public interest or awareness.