Labrador Retriever Remains at the Top of the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds List
For the 27th year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has revealed their list of the most popular dog breeds in America, and for the 27th year, the Labrador Retriever has claimed the top spot.
On March 28, the AKC announced the list of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., giving kudos to their returning champion. “The Labrador Retriever has its paws firmly planted in Americans’ hearts,” says AKC executive secretary Gina DiNardo. “It’s such a versatile and family friendly breed.”
The AKC called the Labrador Retriever a “friendly, active, and outgoing [breed]. His eager to please temperament is just one of many reasons why he takes top honors year after year.”
But the Labrador Retriever has some friendly (and equally adorable) competition. The German Shepherd remained in the runner-up spot for the second year in a row, while the Golden Retriever took the bronze.
The breed to watch, however, is the French Bulldog. Landing in the 4th place spot for 2017, the Frenchie only continues to rapidly grow in popularity year after year. In fact, the French Bulldog’s jump from the no. 6 spot to the no. 4 spot knocked the Beagle out of the no. 5 spot for the first time since 1998.
“The French bulldog is poised for a takeover,” says DiNardo, crediting the breed’s “adaptability” and “loveable temperament.”
Here are the top 10 most popular breeds in the U.S. in 2017, according to the AKC:
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd
3. Golden Retriever
4. French Bulldog
5. Bulldog
6. Beagle
7. Poodle
8. Rottweiler
9. Yorkshire Terrier
10. German Shorthaired Pointer
Image via Shutterstock
Read more: 10 Best Dogs for Kids and Families
On March 28, the AKC announced the list of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., giving kudos to their returning champion. “The Labrador Retriever has its paws firmly planted in Americans’ hearts,” says AKC executive secretary Gina DiNardo. “It’s such a versatile and family friendly breed.”
The AKC called the Labrador Retriever a “friendly, active, and outgoing [breed]. His eager to please temperament is just one of many reasons why he takes top honors year after year.”
But the Labrador Retriever has some friendly (and equally adorable) competition. The German Shepherd remained in the runner-up spot for the second year in a row, while the Golden Retriever took the bronze.
The breed to watch, however, is the French Bulldog. Landing in the 4th place spot for 2017, the Frenchie only continues to rapidly grow in popularity year after year. In fact, the French Bulldog’s jump from the no. 6 spot to the no. 4 spot knocked the Beagle out of the no. 5 spot for the first time since 1998.
“The French bulldog is poised for a takeover,” says DiNardo, crediting the breed’s “adaptability” and “loveable temperament.”
Here are the top 10 most popular breeds in the U.S. in 2017, according to the AKC:
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd
3. Golden Retriever
4. French Bulldog
5. Bulldog
6. Beagle
7. Poodle
8. Rottweiler
9. Yorkshire Terrier
10. German Shorthaired Pointer
Image via Shutterstock
Read more: 10 Best Dogs for Kids and Families