Labrador Retriever leads the pack as most popular for 26th year, while the Rottweiler slowly rises up the ranks
Labrador Retriever Credit: (c) American Kennel Club
The Labrador Retriever does it again! In a press conference today at its new pet care space, AKC Canine Retreat, the American Kennel Club (AKC®), the nation’s largest purebred dog registry, announced that the intelligent, family friendly Lab 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.
“The Labrador Retriever has a strong hold on the top spot, and doesn’t show signs of giving it up anytime soon,” said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo. “The Lab is such a versatile dog that it’s no wonder it makes a great companion for a variety of lifestyles. Keep your eye on the Rottweiler, though. It’s been quietly winning hearts over the past decade.”
In addition to the country’s most popular, terriers were on the move in 2016. The Russell Terrier jumped a substantial 14 spots (104th to 90th), the Rat Terrier rose five spots (101st to 96th), the Parson Russell Terrier rose two spots (111th to 109th) and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier jumped five spots (172nd to 167th).
See below for AKC’s top 10 most popular breeds in 2016, along with the 2015 comparison:
| 2016 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. | 2015 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. |
| 1. Labrador Retriever | 1. Labrador Retriever |
| 2. German Shepherd Dog | 2. German Shepherd Dog |
| 3. Golden Retriever | 3. Golden Retriever |
| 4. Bulldog | 4. Bulldog |
| 5. Beagle | 5. Beagle |
| 6. French Bulldog | 6. French Bulldog |
| 7. Poodle | 7. Yorkshire Terrier |
| 8. Rottweiler | 8. Poodle |
| 9. Yorkshire Terrier | 9. Rottweiler |
| 10. Boxer | 10. Boxer |
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