​Labrador Retriever Leads the Pack Once Again in Denver

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Denver’s top spot in the 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 Boston, Atlanta, and Houston.

Although there were no changes in the Mile High City’s top five, there were some fluctuations in the top ten. Bernese Mountain Dogs moved up one spot to number six, and Rottweilers dropped from 6^th to 11^th. Great Danes and Siberian Huskies skyrocketed on Denver’s list in 2016, landing at 9^th and 10^th from 19^th and 17^th, respectively.

“Denver stood their ground on their top five breeds, with the Lab remaining the top dog,” said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo. “Rottweilers are great dogs, but contrary to the national trend, fell out of the city’s top ten this year.”

Denver’s Top 5 Breeds for 2016

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Golden Retriever

4. Bulldog

5. French Bulldog

* Registration data pulled from Denver zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

We also announced our nationwide rankings today in a press conference at our 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 the nation 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

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Golden Retriever

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.