Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Boston’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 Raleigh, Houston, and Atlanta, among others.
There were quite a few shifts and changes among Boston’s most popular breeds in 2016. The Golden Retrievers moved up from 3rd to 2nd, pushing German Shepherd Dogs down to number three. French Bulldogs climbed from 9th to 4th, while Beagles lost their place in the top ten, moving from 10th down to 14th. Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Vizslas both made Boston’s top ten in 2016, skyrocketing to 9th and 10th from 16th and 23rd, respectively.
“Boston’s love for French Bulldogs has truly shown in 2016,” said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo. “The smart, playful breed is now in the city’s top four most popular, jumping five spots since 2015, and this smart little breed shows no signs of stopping.”
Boston’s Top 5 Breeds for 2016
* Registration data pulled from Boston 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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