New York, NY – No one can keep the Lab down! The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced at a virtual press conference today at the AKC Museum of the Dog that the ever-popular Labrador Retriever is the nation’s favorite dog for the 31st consecutive year.
While the loveable Lab remains a constant at the top of the charts, the Poodle has pawed its way back into the top five, bumping the perennial favorite Bulldog out for the first time in almost a decade. The Bulldog has been a fixture among the top five most popular breeds since 2012. This is the first time the Poodle has been back in the top five since 1997.
“The versatile, family-friendly Labrador Retriever has solidified itself as America’s dog,” said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. “With their loving, outgoing personality and eager-to-please attitude, it’s no surprise that the Lab has been able to continue its record-breaking run as the most popular breed in the U.S. As always, we encourage people to do their research to make sure they are not just getting a purebred dog, but most importantly a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder.”
Other movers and shakers in 2021 include the Flat-Coated Retriever, which jumped 10 spots year over year (#103 in 2020 and #93 in 2021). Making a comeback over the past decade are Cane Corso (#68 in 2011 and #21 in 2021), Wirehaired Pointing Griffons (#93 in 2011 and #60 in 2021), Giant Schnauzers (#96 in 2011 and #65 in 2021), Xoloitzcuintli (#156 in 2011 and #119 in 2021), Beaucerons (#145 in 2011 and #121 in 2021) and Sealyham Terriers (#164 in 2011 and #139 in 2021).
Enjoy dogs on Instagram? Here’s where some of social media’s favorites fall on the list: Pembroke Welsh Corgi (#11), Yorkshire Terrier (#13), Siberian Husky (#19) and Pug (#33).
See below for AKC’s top 10 most popular breeds in 2021, along with the 2020 comparison:
| 2021 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. | 2020 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. |
| 1. Labrador Retriever | 1. Labrador Retriever |
| 2. French Bulldog | 2. French Bulldog |
| 3. Golden Retriever | 3. German Shepherd Dog |
| 4. German Shepherd Dog | 4. Golden Retriever |
| 5. Poodle | 5. Bulldog |
| 6. Bulldog | 6. Poodle |
| 7. Beagle | 7. Beagle |
| 8. Rottweiler | 8. Rottweiler |
| 9. German Shorthaired Pointer | 9. German Shorthaired Pointer |
| 10.Dachshund | 10.Dachshund |
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Learn more about America’s most popular breed, the Labrador Retriever, HERE.
View photos of the most popular breeds HERE.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Book an interview with an AKC Spokesperson by contacting Jessica D’Amato at 212-696-8346 or jessica.damato@akc.org. Photos from the press conference are also available upon request to members of the press]
