The results are in! The American Kennel Club released its annual breed rankings today and — DRUM ROLL PLEASE — Labs brought home the gold as the most prevalent purebred in the country. Again. For the 25th year in a row. 25 as in a quarter century. 25 as in WOW.
If this information surprises you, you obviously aren’t from the same little patch of Suburbia as me. Labs were a very prominent presence in my childhood. I grew up with them, as did most of my close friends. The breed was so common that, for a time, anytime anybody mentioned their dog I just went ahead and assumed it was a Lab. Probably yellow. Definitely awesome.
The AKC’s Vice President Gina DiNardo says that the rankings show Americans prefer “easy-to-care-for, fun, family dogs” — a description that fits Labs like a pair of perfectly tailored trousers. Known for being loyal, gentle, energetic, and just the right amount of silly, Labs are perfectly cut out for family life.
They’ve now held the title the longest of any breed since the list has been kept, dating all the way back to the 1880’s!
The popularity of French Bulldogs continues to grow, making them a contender to watch in the coming years. Other breeds that came in hot were the German Shepherd, the Bulldog, the Beagle, and the Lab’s silken haired sister, the Golden Retriever, rounding out the Top Five. Honorable mention goes to Yorkies, Rottweilers, Boxers, and Poodles. Sorry pups, better luck next year!
Featured Image via I Want A Pound Dog
