The incredibly cute Labrador Retriever, for the 28th consecutive year in a row, has won the title of America’s most popular dog in 2018, the American Kennel Club said on Wednesday.
The top 10 dog breeds in the United States in 2018 was unaltered from the previous year except for the rise of the German shorthaired pointer and the fall of the Yorkshire terrier, which switched ninth and tenth ranks, said the AKC, the world’s largest purebred dog registry. They are located in New York City.
Following the Labrador, America’s most desired and popular dogs in 2018 in descending order were the German shepherd, Golden retriever, French bulldog, standard bulldog, beagle, poodle, rottweiler, German shorthaired pointer and Yorkshire terrier, according to the results.
“Labs make wonderful companions – very intelligent, friendly and great with children,” AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo stated after the rankings were announced.
The ranking system is based on registrations with AKC, with the breed being the most registered canine in 2018.
The Labrador’s 28-year run as the most popular U.S. dog breed surpasses the prior 22-year record held by the humble poodle in the 20th century.
The Labrador’s appeal comes in spite of a dearth of prestige in the AKC’s showcase. In 143 years of competition, a Lab has never received the Westminster Dog Show’s Best in Show grand prize.
