Most Popular Dog Breeds in US Include Labrador, French Bulldog

The most popular dog breed in the U.S. is the Labrador retriever — again, the American Kennel Club announced Wednesday.

For 27 years in a row the loveable retriever has topped the American Kennel Club's annual list of most popular dog breeds, and it is little wonder why. The breed is friendly, outgoing, active and has an overall pleasant temperament, the organization noted.

Add to this the fact that Labrador retrievers make for exceptional service dogs, search and rescue dogs and therapy dogs and you have an overall well-rounded animal.

"The Labrador Retriever has its paws firmly planted in Americans' hearts," AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo said on the organization's website. "It's such a versatile and family friendly breed."

While the Labrador has clinched the title of most popular breed since 1991, there has been some movement in the top 10 list for 2017.

The French Bulldog is snapping close at the Labrador's tail, having climbed to No. 4 and knocking the Beagle out of the top five for the first time since 1998, ABC News noted.

DiNardo said that the breed was "poised for a takeover" and was already considered to be the most popular breed in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and West Palm Beach.

While the topic of pure bred dogs is cause for celebration among pet owners, it is also one of controversy among animal rights activists.

"Breeding 'purebred' dogs—dogs with certain genetic traits or appearances—can cause inherited health conditions that can be painful and deadly, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said in a statement.

The 2017 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S., according to ABC News, is as follows:

1. Labrador retriever
2. German shepherd
3. Golden retriever
4. French bulldog
5. Bulldog
6. Beagle
7. Poodle
8. Rottweiler
9. Yorkshire terrier
10. German shorthaired pointer

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