Labrador Retrievers Celebrate Record-Breaking 25th Year as America’s Favorite Dog

For the 25th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever was the most popular breed in the United States in 2015, the American Kennel Club (AKC) announced today. It’s the longest run at No. 1 of any breed in the AKC’s 122-year history.

“The versatile, lovable Lab has firmly planted its paw print in AKC’s history,” said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo.

Continuing to grow in popularity is the French Bulldog. In 2014, for the first time in a century, the breed cracked the top 10, and it jumped from No. 9 to No. 6 last year.

“Keep your eye on the French Bulldog,” DiNardo advised. “The Frenchie has risen 32 spots over the past decade and shows no signs of stopping.”

These are some of the other breeds that are becoming more popular:

• Cane Corso (jumped from 47th place in 2014 to 35th last year)
• Norwegian Elkhound (100th to 88th)
• Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (74th to 35th)
• Belgian Malinois (59th to 51st)
• Leonberger (101st to 93rd)

These were the 10 most popular breeds of 2015, with their 2014 ranking in parentheses. I’ve also included helpful links to national rescue organizations for these breeds. Adopt, don’t shop!

1. Labrador Retriever (1)
2. German Shepherd (2)
3. Golden Retriever (3)
4. Bulldog (4)
5. Beagle (5)
6. French Bulldog (9)
7. Yorkshire Terrier (6)
8. Poodle (7)
9. Rottweiler (10)
10. Boxer (8)

Here’s the complete 2015 AKC breed popularity list.

Photo credit: Jose Roberto V Moraes