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 |
Get social with the AKC! Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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]
Show Comments