Dogs Who Left Their Mark On Pop Culture

New York, NY ” From crime fighting dogs to presidential pooches that sometimes got more press than their owners, one look at popular culture proves that dogs have always had a profound influence on our daily lives. But which well-known canine is the most famous?

In celebration of its 125 Anniversary, the American Kennel Club and AOL’s PawNation.com ask America to weigh in on their favorite dogs. The nominees for most famous dogs are:

•Checkers ” Richard Nixon’s Cocker Spaniel referenced in his
famous “Checker’s Speech” during his 1952 Vice Presidential bid.

•Buddy ” Bill Clinton’s Labrador Retriever who, living up to the title of “man’s best friend,” was said to be Clinton’s key supporter during Monica-
gate.

•Tinker Bell ” Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua who caused a panic in 2004 when she
went missing.

•Fala ” Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Scottish Terrier who traveled alongside his
master and met many dignitaries during FDR’s presidency.

•Tryumph the Insult Comic Dog ” The Serbian Mountain Hound puppet made
famous on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, who puffs a cigar while insulting
celebrities.

•Bo ” Obama’s Portuguese Water Dog delivered as an Obama campaign promise to
daughters Sasha and Malia.

•McGruff the Crime Dog ” A cartoon Bloodhound used by the National Crime
Prevention Council in commercials and other media to teach children about
safety.

Which dog will be victorious? Visit pawnation.com/category/akc-top-125-dogs to cast your vote and leave your paw print on the poll.

Underscoring America’s love affair with dogs and celebrating its 125th Anniversary, the American Kennel Club (AKC) collaborated with AOL’s PawNation.com to compile a list of the Top 125 Dogs in Popular Culture. The list brings together canines from diverse backgrounds for a candid look at how dogs have been woven into the fabric of America. From movies and music, mascots and literature, to cartoons and TV characters, each week a new poll allows Americans to review the list, debate it with their friends and colleagues, and pick their favorites. Dog lovers can return each week to vote and have a final say to end the doggie debate and find who it the top dog. The AKC will tabulate results and unveil the final list of America’s Top 125 Dogs in Pop Culture the week of December 14, 2009.

###The American Kennel Club (AKC), proudly celebrates its 125th Anniversary in 2009. Since 1884 the not-for-profit organization has maintained the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, and today its rules govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year. 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 more than 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. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit 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.