The Labrador Retriever has done it again.
The intelligent, family friendly breed held onto the number one spot on the most popular list for the 24th consecutive year, continuing the longest reign as the nation’s top dog in American Kennel Club history.
For the full list of breed rankings, click here.
While the Lab holds strong, the Bulldog has quietly crept up the list, landing this year at number four for the first time. This is the highest ranking in the breed's history. Bulldogs make excellent family companions with a natural tendency to form strong bonds with children, an easy-to-care-for coat, and minimal exercise requirements.
Meanwhile, the popular French Bulldog continues its quest for the number one spot, breaking into the top 10 for the first time in nearly 100 years. This year the Frenche finds himself at number nine, knocking the Dachshund out of the top 10 for the first time since 1985.
“The Lab truly is America’s dog,” said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo, “but the lovable Bulldog breeds are clamoring to dominate. Watch out for an upset next year.”
America’s most popular breeds aren’t the only movers and shakers this year. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon made huge strides over the past decade, jumping 38 spots from 112th in 2004 to 74th in 2014.
Other breeds making double-digit gains over the past decade include the Havanese (from 52nd in 2004 to 25th in 2014), the Border Collie (from 60th in 2004 to 39th in 2014), the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (from 118th in 2004 to 96th in 2014), and the Black and Tan Coonhound (from 140th in 2004 to 120th in 2014).
The full list of 2014's top ten breeds are as follows:
4. Bulldog
5. Beagle
7. Poodle
8. Boxer
10. Rottweiler
For the full list of breed rankings, click here.