Proving impossible to topple from their top spot, an impressive three decade winning streak continues with the Labrador Retriever named most popular dog breed in the US for the 31st consecutive year.
In their just-released annual list of the most popular dog breeds, the American Kennel Club (AKC) revealed that the world’s friendliest and most easy going canine has once again been awarded the crown of top dog.
"The versatile, family-friendly Labrador Retriever has solidified itself as America's dog," Gina DiNardo, and executive secretary with the AKC, said in a statement. "With their loving, outgoing personality and eager-to-please attitude, it's no surprise that the Lab has been able to continue its record-breaking run as the most popular breed in the U.S.”
The AKC’s annual popularity rankings are compiled using the clubs registry, which saw 800,000 new additions last year ranging from purebred puppies to older pooches. And while the Labrador Retriever continues to reign supreme, other pups are seeing their stars rise equally fast.
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Retaining its coveted second place position is the French Bulldog whose playful and smart personality has cemented it as one of the most beloved small dog breeds. The German Shepherd lost its usual third place spot, swapping around with the Golden Retriever, but perhaps the biggest surprise was this year's entry in the number five position.
"While the loveable Lab remains a constant at the top of the charts, the poodle has pawed its way back into the top five, bumping the perennial favorite bulldog out for the first time in almost a decade. The bulldog has been a fixture among the top five most popular breeds since 2012. This is the first time the poodle has been back in the top five since 1997," the AKC shared in its release.
The list was rounded out by the Bulldog, Beagle, Rottweiler, German Shorthaired Pointer and everyone’s favorite spunky little sausage dog, the Dachshund. The rankings don’t change much from year to year, so there’s a very good chance that the laid back and unassuming Lab will go for its 32nd win in 2023.
