Congrats, Labs! You’re still No. 1 in America!
America’s favorite (purebred) dog remains the Labrador retriever for 19 years running, the American Kennel Club announced today.
Close on its ball-chasing heels, however, is the German shepherd, which overtook the popular Yorkshire terrier last year to claim the No. 2 spot.
The rankings by the AKC are determined by registration data of purebred dogs in 2009.
An American favorite since the time of Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd Dog became the number one breed of the 1920s, but then slipped in popularity until after World War II.
“Labs have been America’s top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “But the German Shepherd Dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad. Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls.”
Los Angeles’ most popular breeds of 2009
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Yorkshire Terrier
* Registration data pulled from Los Angeles zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Angelenos pride themselves on their uniqueness and originality, and they lived up to that by making L.A. the only city to have the Bulldog rank as most popular dog,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Despite the top four dogs being large breeds, a number of smaller pooches fill out the Top 10, including the Yorkie, Maltese, French Bulldog and Poodle, perhaps due to their prevalence as companions to the stars.”
San Diego’s most popular breeds of 2009
Labrador Retriever
Bulldog
Golden Retriever
Yorkshire Terrier
German Shepherd Dog
* Registration data pulled from San Diego zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service