Wowsa, our very own Goodnewsforpets Labrador spokesdog and publisher’s grandpup Lola sure agrees! The American Kennel Club (AKC) announced May 1 that the Labrador is the number one purebred dog for a record 29th year (2019). According to the AKC, no other breed has had such a run in the record books.
The 1970s marked the first appearance of the Labrador Retriever in the country’s top ten. Our furry friend has remained there since. While Labradors aren’t No. 1 in all major U.S. cities, they hold the hot spot in many places.
Interestingly, the No. 1 breed of the 1940s, the Cocker Spaniel, was popular in the ’80s, climbing back into the top spot from 1983–1990. That feat meant that it held the No. 1 position historically—23 times—more than any other breed. Beginning in 1991, the Labrador Retriever began its uninterrupted reign atop the registry.
Another interesting note, is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the favored dog of the Queen of England, made it into the top 10. For the second year in a row, the German Shorthaired Pointer also remains in the top 10. The ninth-place position is its highest since becoming recognized in 1930. Conversely, the Yorkie dropped from No. 2 in 2008.
Following is the top 10:
Little changed in the top ten standings from 2018. Following the Lab are:
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. French Bulldog
5. Bulldog
6. Poodle
7. Beagle
8. Rottweiler
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Most remained in their same spots from the previous year—other than the Poodle and Beagle, which swapped positions, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which knocked the Yorkshire Terrier from the No. 10 spot.
To see where your dog ranks, check out the AKC post here.
Labrador Retriever Tops The AKC Popularity Charts For 28th Year
