The Labrador Retriever Was Named America's Most Popular Dog Breed for the 30th Year in a Row
It's official: The Labrador Retriever is (still) America's top dog!
This marks the 30th year in a row that the beloved breed has taken the No. 1 spot on the American Kennel Club's (AKC) annual list of the most popular dogs in the country.
"America’s love for Labs is undeniable," AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo said in a statement. "They’re such versatile, family-friendly dogs that it’s no wonder they’ve been so popular for 30 years."
Of course, Ree Drummond already knew that. While she's a lifelong basset hound lover, Ree is a proud dog mom to two beautiful yellow Labs: Lucy and Duke. (Psst. How cute are they?!)
Originally bred as a working dog, the Labrador Retriever first appeared in the AKC's Top Ten in the 1970s and has only grown in popularity over the last several decades. However, the paw-some pup might have some competition. According to the AKC, the French Bulldog "seems poised to end the Lab's reign" in the next few years. For the first time ever, the tiny breed knocked the German Shepherd out of the No. 2 spot—and now it's nipping at the Labrador's heels!
"The playful, adaptable Frenchie has become increasingly popular over the past decade and shows no signs of slowing down," Gina said.
To see this year's full list and find out how your favorite breed ranks, visit AKC.org.
