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Yet again, the Labrador Retriever reigns supreme as America’s most popular dog breed. This record-breaking run is no surprise, especially for all Labrador lovers. According to the American Kennel Club, Labrador Retrievers have held the top spot since 1991. That’s 31 years!
With the Labrador’s temperament and versatility, they continue to be the chosen breed of many households. Labradors aren’t as smart as the Border Collie breed, but they make excellent companions, service dogs, and family dogs. Plus, they aren’t very high-maintenance dogs.
The French Bulldog kept its spot in #2 and the German Shepherd, previously ranking #3, moved down to #4 and got replaced by the Golden Retriever. Surprisingly, the Poodle made its way back to the top 5 for the first time since 1997. They previously ranked #6 in 2020. The Bulldog, which was ranked #5 the previous year, switched places with the Poodle and went down to #6.
Following the 2020 list of most popular breeds, the remaining top 10 did not change in rankings in 2021. Beagles remained at #7, Rottweilers at #8, German Shorthaired Pointers at #9, and Dachshunds at #10.
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 |
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 and mixed breed 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.
