“This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.”
The Labrador Retriever once again breaks records! The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced that the lovable Lab remains the number one most popular dog breed in the United States.
While the Labrador Retriever continues its reign at the top, the German Shorthaired Pointer has been quietly climbing the charts over the past decade. This versatile, all-purpose hunter came in at number nine in 2018 – its highest position since becoming recognized in 1930.
“The Labrador Retriever shows no signs of giving up the top spot anytime soon,” said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. “Labs make wonderful companions for a wide variety of people, and for good reason. The breed is very intelligent, friendly and great with children. Attention must be paid to the German Shorthaired Pointer, however! This jack of all trades in the pointer world has slowly but steadily risen in popularity over the years. People continue to fall in love with its versatility, extreme intelligence and willingness to please.”
In addition to the country’s most popular, rare breeds were on the rise in 2018. Pumik rose 11 spots last year (162 to 151), Ibizan Hounds rose 13 spots (165 to 152), and Finnish Lapphunds rose 12 spots (173 to 161). Terriers also made a comeback after years on the decline. Rat Terriers rose 11 spots (97 to 86), Border Terriers rose four spots (92 to 88), Bedlington Terriers rose 10 spots (151 to 141), and Dandie Dinmont Terriers rose six spots (182 to 176).
AKC’s top 10 most popular breeds in 2018, along with the 2017 comparison are:
| 2018 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. | 2017 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. French Bulldog | 4. French Bulldog |
| 5. Bulldog | 5. Bulldog |
| 6. Beagle | 6. Beagle |
| 7. Poodle | 7. Poodle |
| 8. Rottweiler | 8. Rottweiler |
| 9. German Shorthaired Pointer | 9. Yorkshire Terrier |
| 10. Yorkshire Terrier | 10. German Shorthaired Pointer |
Learn more about America’s most popular breed, the Labrador Retriever, HERE.
View photos of the most popular breeds HERE.
About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
