Labrador Retriever Most Popular Breed 28th Year Row

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For the 28th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever has remained the most popular dog breed in the American Kennel Club (AKC) registry, an achievement unmatched in AKC history.

Top Ten Dog Breeds in America

The Top Ten list has remained essentially unchanged from 2017, with only minor shifts in ranking:

Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Golden Retriever
French Bulldog
Bulldog
Beagle
Poodle
Rottweiler
German Shorthaired Pointer (up one position)
Yorkshire Terrier (down one position)

The German Shorthaired Pointer has steadily climbed the rankings over the past decade, reaching its highest position since its AKC recognition in 1930. Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Terrier, which held the No. 2 spot in 2008, has gradually declined.

Why Are Labrador Retrievers So Popular?

Labradors are beloved for their versatility, temperament, and intelligence. According to breeders, their popularity stems from their friendly nature, trainability, and adaptability to various roles, including hunting, service work, and companionship.

Linda Maffett, a longtime breeder, emphasizes the importance of temperament when placing puppies in homes, ensuring they fit well with families.
Judy Heim, who has been breeding Labradors for nearly 50 years, highlights their social nature, noting that Labs thrive in homes where they are considered part of the family.
Erin Henlon-Hall, an enthusiast since the 1970s, describes Labradors as the ultimate all-purpose dog, excelling in hunting, obedience, agility, and companionship.

Despite their longstanding popularity, Labradors have never won Best in Show at major dog events such as Westminster, The National Dog Show, or the AKC National Championship.

Other Notable Trends in Breed Popularity

While the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, and Golden Retriever have maintained the top three spots for decades, the French Bulldog has risen, holding the No. 4 position for two years. The breed is now the most popular dog in several major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami.

Other breeds making notable jumps in popularity over the last decade include:

Pembroke Welsh Corgi (No. 13, up from No. 24)
Siberian Husky (No. 14, up from No. 23)
Australian Shepherd (No. 15, up from No. 29)
Bernese Mountain Dog (No. 22, up from No. 40)
Havanese (No. 24, up from No. 36)

The Miniature American Shepherd, introduced to the AKC Herding Group in 2015, has climbed rapidly to No. 34, a significant achievement for a relatively new breed.

Rare Breeds on the Rise

Several less common breeds have also gained popularity in recent years:

Pumik (up 11 spots, from No. 162 to No. 151)
Ibizan Hound (up 13 spots, from No. 165 to No. 152)
Finnish Lapphund (up 12 spots, from No. 173 to No. 161)

Additionally, several terrier breeds, which had previously seen a decline, have moved up in rank:

Rat Terrier (No. 86, up from No. 97)
Border Terrier (No. 88, up from No. 92)
Bedlington Terrier (No. 141, up from No. 151)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier (No. 176, up from No. 181)

Looking for a Labrador Retriever?

With their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature, it’s no surprise that Labradors dominate the AKC rankings. If you’re considering adding a Labrador Retriever puppy to your family, visit the AKC Marketplace to find reputable, AKC-registered breeders.