Labrador Retriever Remains Americans' Top Dog

by
posted on February 15, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (2)

No surprise here: For the twenty-second consecutive year, the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog in the United States, according to American Kennel Club (AKC) registration statistics. Here's the breakdown of 2012's most popular breeds and how that compares to 2011:

2012 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. 2011 Ranking
1. Labrador Retriever 1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog 2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever 3. Beagle
4. Beagle 4. Golden Retriever
5. Bulldog 5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Yorkshire Terrier 6. Bulldog
7. Boxer 7. Boxer
8. Poodle 8. Poodle
9. Rottweiler 9. Dachshund
10. Dachshund 10. Rottweiler

In its press release, AKC makes note of trends in the sporting group:

Dog owners are showing their love for Sporting Breeds over this past year as the Spinone Italiano (123 to 114), Boykin Spaniel (138 to 116), and Welsh Springer Spaniel (130 to 125) have all made their way up the list.

Will the Lab ever be unseated? What do you think makes it so popular even with those who don't hunt?

Latest

Doe In The Snow Smaller File
Doe In The Snow Smaller File

The Value of Post Season Scouting in the Snow

Although for most of the country deer season is over, there are some important aspects of deer hunting to be understood, particularly when it snows during the winter months. In my part of the country, we don’t often get a good blanket of snow until the deer season closes. However, when it does snow, I make a point to get outdoors and visit each of my hunting areas to learn when the learning is best.

Tuo Introduces New Camouflage Pattern: Ryse

Tuo launched its proprietary Verse camo pattern in 2024. While the supplemental light tans and sharp lines render effectiveness in wooded environments as well, Tuo wanted to offer a second exclusive pattern for whitetail hunters. It has done so with Ryse.

New for 2026: SIG Sauer Zulu10 HDX Binoculars

SIG Sauer’s new Zulu10 HDX binoculars are engineered for hunters and shooters who prioritize optical performance and mechanical precision as much as durability.

Renewed Hunting and Fishing Focus on Interior Department-Managed Property

On Jan. 7 U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued an order stating, “…public and federally managed lands should be open to hunting and fishing unless a specific, documented, and legally supported exception applies.”

#SundayGunday: Benelli Lupo HPR

This week on #SundayGunday, we test-fire the Lupo HPR, a bolt-action rifle from Benelli with a host of proprietary, high-performance features that drop it in the gap between long-range competition rig and custom hunting rig. We like this gun, not least because it shoots well. The fact is its lines, its ergonomics … everything about this rifle begs a hunter looking for something special to pick it up and carry it afield. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Member's Hunt: 54 Years and 52 Hours

Follow along with Richard Manly's Saskatchewan deer hunt, on this installment of our Member's Hunt series.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.