The American Kennel Club has released the results of the first-ever AKC 21st Century Dog Owners Study which focused on the behaviors, attitudes and purchasing habits of dog owners. Of the 750 AKC respondents* — a majority of whom were female — 42% of women said they own a dog to enhance their personal health and reduce stress. Not surprisingly, 99% of owners surveyed stated the reason they own a dog is for companionship. And 88% of dog owners surveyed regard their dog as a beloved family member.

With its unrivaled database and expertise serving the most engaged segment of dog owners in the country, the American Kennel Club is the industry’s best source for market intelligence. This study offers key data on the dynamics of purebred dog ownership in the 21st Century with detailed statistical information, graphical charts, and summary analyses which will serve both manufacturers and retailers of pet products as well as the media for information on developing trends in pet ownership. For more information, or to order copies of this comprehensive research study online go to: http://www.akc.org/survey21.

Highlights from the study include:

Lifestyle:
— When asked about the benefits of dog ownership, 72% of owners credited
their four-legged best friends with enhancing their own personal
health.

— Over half (51%) of dog owners surveyed stated that their dogs affect
how they spend their leisure time.

— The top activity enjoyed by dog owners is a good old-fashioned walk.
Almost half (48%) declared that they enjoy leisurely strolls with their
four legged best friends.

— Owning a dog provides natural entertainment for the family, and
watching a dog show on TV is very popular — 87% of dog owners said
they enjoy watching dog shows.

— Good fences make good neighbors — and safe pets. Nearly two thirds of
owners fence their yards to contain their pets in various ways,
affirming their commitment to responsible dog ownership.

— Most owners enjoy their canine companions as household pets, and almost
half (48%) have owned a dog for 20 years or more.

— Four out of 10 dog owners have made arrangements for their dogs in the
event that they pass away before their dog does. Over half (67%) of
respondents felt that the most common drawback against owning a dog is
the potential for feeling sad when the dog dies.

Travel:
— Almost half of dog owners surveyed stated they specifically look for
dog friendly hotels and other accommodations when booking travel plans.

— When buying a car, 47% of owners consider their dogs comfort in the
decision making process. For longtime dog owners (10+ years), the
likelihood of purchasing a car based upon travel needs of their dogs
increased to 52%.

Purchasing Habits:
— Where’s the beef? When asked what chew treats they purchased, 50% of
dog owners said they buy rawhide bones — particularly basted or smoke
flavored. Other popular taste treats include rawhide chew sticks
(34%), pig parts (26%) and-to keep those pearly whites healthy-dental
hygiene chews.

— The majority of AKC dog owners purchase dry dog food in 21-40 lb. or
40 lb. plus size bags.

— In general, about 72% of owners stated that they look for the best and
highest quality brands when it comes to products for their canine
companions.

— Fetch! Two out of three owners purchased an average of 9.3 balls for
their dogs to play with in the past 12 months.

Events
— Bragging rights rule. More than half (54%) of all dog owners say they
are very proud of their dog’s accomplishments, and the number rises
significantly for those who compete in AKC-sanctioned events. Around
89% of owners who compete in AKC events such as agility or field trials
with their dogs say they are most proud of their canine
accomplishments.

— Approximately one in five dog owners participated in an AKC event in
the past 12 months. To learn more about AKC events visit:
http://www.akc.org/events/index.cfm

*The American Kennel Club 21st Century Study was conducted by the Dieringer Research Group in September, 2006. The study was based on the return of 750 completed questionnaires from owners of AKC registered dogs. Margin of error is approximately +/-3.0 percent.

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well- being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog trials. Affiliate AKC organizations include the

AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Source: The American Kennel Club