Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Chicago’s top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.
The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Boston, among others.
The Labrador Retriever held strongly to the #1 spot in Chicago, but there were certainly some shifts and shake-up’s in the city’s top ten. French Bulldogs rose from 3rd to 2nd, pushing German Shepherd Dogs down to the number three spot. Siberian Huskies jumped from number 11 in 2015 to 8, making the top ten in 2016. Similarly, Doberman Pinschers moved up from 12th to 8th.
“The Labrador Retriever may hold the top spot for now, but the French Bulldog is quickly rising up the ranks,” said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo. “The Frenchie holds the number two spot in 2016; maybe the playful breed will be Chicago’s top dog next year.”
Chicago’s Top 5 Breeds for 2016
5. Rottweiler
* Registration data pulled from Chicago zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings today in a press conference at its new pet care space, AKC Canine Retreat. The intelligent, family friendly Labrador Retriever firmly holds on to the number one spot on the most popular list for a record-breaking 26th consecutive year.
While the Labrador Retriever continues its reign as America’s dog, the Rottweiler has been slowly but surely rising up the list over the past decade. The confident, loyal and loving Rottie was the eighth most popular breed in 2016, its highest ranking since landing at number two in 1997. The Rottweiler has risen nine spots over the past decade and is poised for a comeback.
Most Popular Breeds Nationwide 2016
4. Bulldog
5. Beagle
Learn more about all of the AKC-recognized breeds here. And for the list of the top 10 most popular breeds in America click here.
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