Every year, the American Kennel Club analyses its registration statistics in order to establish which dog breed is the most popular one. This year’s list has a few surprises, with old favorites also returning, and a clear trend emerging: bigger is better. Large dog breeds are moving up the ranks, becoming increasingly popular in the past few years. Read on to find out which dog breed is America’s favorite.
10. Starting our list of top 10 most popular and common dog breeds is the ever-playful Dachshund. Falling in popularity compared to previous years, the Dachshund is still one of America’s favorite dog breeds due to its small size and what is often considered a comic appearance, but more importantly due to its loyalty, intelligence, and playfulness.
9. Next on the list is the big and powerful Rottweiler. A fierce protector, often aggressive and unfriendly to strangers, the Rottweiler is, however, a loving and playful dog when it comes to its family and pack.
8. In the number eight spot is the Poodle, who despite its recent falling in rank, still holds the record for the most years spent in the top position on the AKC’s list – a staggering 23 years as number 1! Some love this breed for its looks; others appreciate its intelligence, and others still adore the hypoallergenic coat they have.
7. Boxers are next in line, having spent the past decade or so in the mid range of this popularity list. Boxers are very loving, adoring adults and children alike. Protective and always calm, this breed is a favorite for many families in the US.
6. This miniature dog breed has a larger-than-life personality, which is why the Yorkshire Terrier is the number 6 on our list. Portable to the extreme and with an inexhaustible supply of energy, this breed is famed for its popularity with the ladies.
5. The Bulldog leads the way into the upper half of this list, having witnessed an increase in popularity of the past 10 to 12 years. Despite their hilarious appearance (everything from the short legs to the ever-drooling mouth), these dogs are loyal, gentle, and very protective.
4. The only breed to maintain a position in the top 10 every single year since its acceptance into the American Kennel Club in 1885, the Beagle is a happy camper who enjoys spending time playing with humans and other pets alike.
3. Hailed as the classical American pet, the Golden Retriever has found itself consistently in the top 3 places of our list, and this list it’s no different. Beautiful, versatile, intelligent, playful and calm at the same time, the Golden Retriever is the perfect pet in the eyes of many dog lovers.
2. Just shy of the first place, the German Shepherd is loved and used both as a family pet and as a service dog, serving in military or police forces across the world. Powerful and fierce, this breed is an excellent guardian for any family.
1. And in the top spot in this year’s list of most common dog breeds lies the Labrador Retriever. Again. For the 21st time in a row, as a matter of fact. Perhaps aiming to unseat the Poodle for the highest number of years spent in 1st place, the Labrador Retriever has been America’s favorite dog breed for over two decades. Active, loyal, friendly, and incredibly adorable, it’s easy to see why this breed is top dog.
