Labrador Retriever Remains America’s Most Popular Pup

New York—Once again, the French bulldog took Dallas’ top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2021 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.

The French bulldog was also recognized as the #1 pup in Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA.

Additionally, the Rottweiler appears to be growing in popularity. In 2020, they were the 10th most popular breed,and this past year, they’ve secured the sixth spot. The Cane Corso is climbing up the charts as well, taking the ninth spot in last year’s ranking.

“French Bulldogs are super adaptable and will thrive in any environment, whether that’s a city or a suburb,” AKC executive secretary Gina DiNardo said. “Rottweilers are also great family dogs as they’re natural protectors but are also very affectionate and trainable.”

Dallas’ top 5 breeds for 2021:

1. French Bulldog

2. Golden Retriever

3. Bulldog

4. Labrador Retriever

5. German Shepherd Dog.

* Registration data pulled from Dallas zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings at a virtual press conference at the AKC Museum of the Dog in NYC. No one can keep the Lab down. 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 after 24 years, bumping the perennial favorite Bulldog out for the first time in almost a decade, but the Poodle has been in the top ten for over a decade. The Bulldog has been a fixture among the top five most popular breeds since 2012.

Most Popular Breeds of 2021:

1. Labrador Retriever

2. French Bulldog

3. Golden Retriever

4. German Shepherd Dog

5. Poodle.

SOURCE American Kennel Club