AKC releases its list of the top 10 most popular dog breeds

The American Kennel Club today released its list of the 10  most popular purebred dog breeds in the U.S.  The list was compiled from AKC registrations in 2008.

Topping the list, unsurprisingly, is the Labrador retriever.  (It's the 18th year in a row that the breed has come in at No. 1, and the AKC notes that more than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed last year.) 

The bulldog, which famously returned to the top 10 last year after a 70-year absence from the list, jumped from the No. 10 position it held in 2007 to No. 8 in 2008.  But it's especially popular here in Southern California, where it ranked No. 2 in L.A., Long Beach and San Diego.

The full list:

1.  Labrador retriever
2.  Yorkshire terrier
3.  German shepherd
4.  Golden retriever
5.  Beagle
6.  Boxer
7.  Dachshund
8.  Bulldog
9.  Poodle
10.  Shih tzu

Naturally, apartment-sized dogs ranked higher in urban areas; the French bulldog, pug, Pomeranian and Maltese all ranked among L.A.'s most popular breeds. 

AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson notes, "The French bulldog, ranked 26th nationally, has been steadily climbing the list across the nation and has risen two spots since last year to become the sixth most popular breed in Los Angeles."  The most popular breeds for L.A.:

1. Labrador retriever 
2. Bulldog   
3. German shepherd 
4. Golden retriever 
5. Yorkshire terrier 
6. French bulldog 
7. Poodle 
8. Pug 
9. Pomeranian 
10. Maltese 

The Siberian husky made it into Long Beach's top 10 list, coming in at No. 9.  And a few other curve balls made it into top 10 lists in other U.S. cities, among them the Great Dane (which ranked No. 10 in St. Louis); the mastiff (No. 10 in Indianapolis); and the Belgian Malinois (No. 8 in Kansas City).  Check out other major cities' top 10 lists on the AKC's website.

Though breeds like the bulldog and the French bulldog have surged in popularity, the AKC points out that several well-known breeds' popularity has been on the decline in recent years.  The rottweiler has seen a 76% drop in registrations nationwide over the past 10 years; Lhasa apso registrations are down 80% in the same time period; and basset hound registrations are down 66%.

--Lindsay Barnett

Photos: Labrador retriever by Steve Osman / Los Angeles Times; bulldog by On All 4's/Your Scene;  pugs by Peder/Your Scene.

Comments

[Ronin]

Unfortunately it wouldn't be PC to include the Pit Bull. The dog that helped settle this country.

[Eric]

The AKC Doesn't register Pitt Bulls. So no reason to include them PC or not..

[Tim]

What would we do with out our true best friend?

[Tom]

Goldens are much better looking than labs, but either way you can't beat the retreivers for loyalty and their kindness.

[Greg]

The APBT has its own organization to represent that breed, but the AKC registers the American Stafford Shire Terrior, which is basically the AKC version of the APBT; only the American Stafford Shire Terrior meets many physical standards that is not required from the APBT.

[Wendy]

I My Self have 3 Golden Retrievers, And Get disappointed when they don't top lists,to me their the Best.

[Annette]

the best dog ever is the English Springer Spaniel....

[Kelly Pippin]

What about the Schipperke. You can not find a more intelligent or loving Dog!

[Melanie]

WE got a 18 month old AKC registered Yellow Lab a few days ago and can see why so many people are in love with these dogs!

[derek]

i just got a yellow lab about a month ago akc registered and i love him to me best dog doesnt shed like golden or carry that smell.

[Mrs. J. Malizia]

I am so offended that Doberman Pinschers are never in any catagory!!!!! I have had some of the most beautiful, talented and loyal Dobe's for years and they never get on dog food bags, commercials or special lists! The only signs I ever see are the ones with the watch dog profile.
They are so underrated. They are wonderful with children and older folks alike. Just once I'd love to see them on a "Talk Show"!

[Alaa]

itz soooooooo stupid dat dey dont put pit bulls...................

[Hugo Chavez]

Pitt Bulls are responsible for 65% of the fatal dog attacks in the US. After these attacks, inevitably some woman laments :it was a sweet dog". Most of the PB owners want a 'tough' dog as an extention of their image.

[#1 animal lover]

The AKC has shows for people to get a breed reconized and its not the AKC that gets them reconized its the people at the show so Some breeds can't get on the list. Dobermans are on things they've been on the Me or The Dog and on dogs 101 two popular shows on animal planet and their one of the lucky AKC breeds

[#1 animal lover]

The AKC has shows for people to get a breed reconized and its not the AKC that gets them reconized its the people at the show so Some breeds can't get on the list. Dobermans are on things they've been on the Me or The Dog and on dogs 101 two popular shows on animal planet and their one of the lucky AKC breeds

[K B]

RE this comment: "Pitt Bulls are responsible for 65% of the fatal dog attacks in the US. After these attacks, inevitably some woman laments :it was a sweet dog". Most of the PB owners want a 'tough' dog as an extention of their image."

My neighbors own a pure bred Pit and that dog is the most comical, goofey, least threatening dog I've ever met in my life. The only thing you have to watch out for with her is that she doesn't flop on you.

My own half pit female is a very kind, loving, easy going, gentle dog.

Fatal dog attacks - lucky for the country and mankind that Chiuauas do not weigh 50+ pounds. As far as breeds, they are the nastiest meanest, arrogant tempered bunch of dogs I've ever encountered in my entire life. It's the only dog that has ever bitten me aggressively.

[Mitch Gries]

? For being the most popular breed year after year,
the Labrador has rarely been chosen best in the sporting group
and never in "best in show" at Westminster.

[pumkin]

Pits may not all be bad, but you never know with any breed. Pits do not stop what they start and with the strength that they have will kill what they attack. Given the chance, this is why they have the bad rap they have.

[Kayla Birgenheier]

the best dog is the miniature doberman pinscher!! :)

[Bird]

here is my list
1.Shih-tzu
2.pug
3.German sheperds
4.Labrador retreiver
5.Brittany
6.Golden retreivers
7.boston terrior
8.yorkshire terrior
9.dashaund
10.pitt bulls
Can anyone beat my list but everyone i like all dogs so please dont think im a certain dog hater.oh ya and my list goes best to least from up to down ok people.ok one last thing my name is really bird yup its bird and my brothers name is tiger,my two sisters names are leaf and moon and my mothers name is dawn and i have a pitt bull named stone and cats named sandstorm and firestar and i have a shih-tzu and a pug there names are river and tree.Ya its weird our names are from nature but i like it. my name is the best right.

[megan s]

i love french bulldogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Eric]

Pit Bulls, beside the rumors, aren't really mean at all. IF you treat them right that is!

[Ethan Taylor]

Boxers ROCK!!!! I have "2" of them.

sent from my ipod touch

[Karen]

I have a pug, I know they aren't too popular but they're the best for me! My 1st best friend she was and now they're many... I hope pugs get more so they can top more of the list too.

[Barbara]

I would like to recommend the Chesapeake Bay Retriever to all serious minded dog owners. These dogs offer incredible loyalty, intelligence and companionship. They are very rarely talked about and somewhat lost in the shuffle with the constant blob of the golden retriever or the labrador. The female chessies are real tomboys and the male chessies tough guys with a soft heart.

[pitbullLover!<333]

i have the refined list here!:

#1. Pit Bulls

..........

okay well thats it(:

[taj]

how come on another they say some of those dogs are dangerous make up your dam mind