How National Dog Day Became Overlooked This Year

Sure, I'm happy for Taylor and Travis and their just-announced engagement, but am I the only person who thought it was kind of rude on their part to share their big news on a day that just happened to be National Dog Day?

One day of the year to shine a loving spotlight on the best friend any human could ask for and it gets totally wiped out by a few photos of an attractive couple in a garden and a big, big diamond. There's always next August 26th (National Dog Day falls on the same date each year), I guess.

National Dog Day/Travis & Taylor Engagement Day was Tuesday, and since we already know more than enough about Travis & Taylor, let's learn a little something about dogs in the state of Illinois, like which 3 breeds are the most popular. It might not be the breeds you expect.

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As Long Time Dog Owners, My Wife And I Have Never Had One That Was One Of Illinois' Must-Have Breeds

We've had German Short-Haired Pointers, Dalmatians, Shi Tzus, and Weimaraners, but none of the 3 breeds that make up Illinois's top 3 favorites.

Here's our current dog, Buddy. He likes sitting in chairs outside:

Riley O'Neil, Townsquare Media

Illinois' Favorite 3 Breeds Are Different Than The National Choices

According to a new piece at US News & World Report "The Most Popular Dog Breeds In Each State," the most popular breeds in Illinois (in order) are:

German Shepherd

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American Pit Bull Terrier

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Labrador Retriever

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While We're At It, Here Are The 3 Most Popular Breeds In Our Neighboring States

Wisconsin: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd

Iowa: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd

Indiana: German Shepherd, American Pit Bull Terrier, Golden Retriever

Missouri: American Pit Bull Terrier, Chihuahua, German Shepherd

Kentucky: Chihuahua, American Pit Bull Terrier, German Shepherd

Michigan: American Pit Bull Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever

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As For The Favorite Breeds Nationally...

US News & World Report:

The most popular dog breed in the U.S. is the Labrador retriever. Previously, black Labs held No. 10, but Labs of all colors take the No. 1 spot this year. Chihuahuas fell from No. 1 to No. 2 this time around, while Golden retrievers hold firm at No. 3. German shepherds remain in the top five but move from fourth to fifth, while American pit bull terriers take fourth place, up from eighth.

When looking at the rest of the top 10, here’s how things shake out:

French bulldogs have fallen from No. 2 to No. 6, while our previous No. 6, the goldendoodle, dropped to No. 7.
Shih tzus, which previously made the top five at No. 5, are now No. 8.
Another two-place drop is the Yorkshire terrier, going from No. 7 to No. 9.
Previously at No. 9, pit bulls have dropped out of the top 10 entirely this time around.
A newcomer to the top 10 this year is the dachshund at No. 10.