The adorable Labrador retriever remains America's favorite dog. The American Kennel Club has an annual ranking of dog breeds and their yearly results which showed that Labs were on top with other large breeds moving upwards, while smaller breeds such as the Yorkshire terrier.
"Bigger breeds are making their move," said AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson to Reuters. "The bulldog has muscled his way into the top five," she said.
"The Golden Retriever also pushed its way back to the top, overtaking the Beagle for third place, and Rottweilers continued their climb up the top 10 list by taking ninth place away from the Dachshund, both adding to the bigger breed trend," said a press release on AKC's website.
The Yorkie dropped down to number six and the German Shepard was at number two followed by the golden retriever and beagle. The lab has been the top spot for more than 2 continuous decades.
"The popularity of the pint-sized, portable pooch just gave way to a litter of larger breeds in the Top 10. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love," said Peterson in a press release on the AKC website.
"Labradors come in different temperaments, just like we do," said Micki Beerman, an owner of a lab to Reuters. "She never leaves my side," she said of her 5-year-old lab Sheena.
"They're just everyday, intelligent, loving animals," Beerman added.
The AKC reported that bulldogs were becoming a favorite breed in New York City taking the number 2 spot while the French bulldog was third.
"They're a wonderful family pet," Deirdre Nardelli said about the bulldog to Reuters.
"Founded in 1884, the AKC® and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership," says the company's website.
Their objectives are to advance the breeding, study, running, exhibiting and maintenance of purebred dogs.
The top ten most popular dogs in the U.S. Are:
2012 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Beagle
5. Bulldog
6. Yorkshire Terrier
7. Boxer
8. Poodle
9. Rottweiler
10. Dachshund
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
