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

Lead Photo 2
Lead Photo 2

Top 10 Rimfire Loads for Hunters

Phil Massaro loves rimfire rifles of all shapes and sizes, and enjoys the majority of rimfire cartridges available. Here is his top ten of the latter, in no particular order.

Tips for Waterfowl Hunters to Safeguard Against Bird Flu

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a reminder for waterfowl hunters that applies throughout the nation. Following a few simple step can protect yourself and domestic animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is commonly known as bird flu.

EchoCore Suppressors Win Awards, Sign with Silencer Shop

In its first year of public evaluation, EchoCore Suppressors made an immediate impact at the 2025 Silencer Summit, taking first and second place in the 5.56mm category with its Sector 5.56 Full Size and Sector 5.56 Compact suppressors. On the heels of this, EchoCore has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with Silencer Shop. 

New to the Flyway: Waterfowl Gear Roundup

Check out our roundup of the best of this season's waterfowl gear.

Chevron Commits $450,000 Wetland and Mottled Duck Conservation

Chevron recently continued its commitment to restoring and enhancing critical wetlands along the Louisiana coast by partnering with Ducks Unlimited (DU) to enhance private lands for waterfowl and other wildlife through the Louisiana Mottled Duck Project and the USA Rice-DU Rice Stewardship Partnership.

Behind the Scenes: Hard Truths of Conservation

Hard Truths tackles misconceptions about hunting and conservation, but these ambitious goals require filming in tough conditions and in remote areas alongside some of the world’s most dangerous wildlife.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.