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

Echo With A Turkey Wing
Echo With A Turkey Wing

Know How: Hunting Fall Turkeys with your Dog

Curious about hunting fall turkeys with your dog? Join Scott Haugen as he runs through the process and tactics.

NRA Foundation Affirms the Importance of Second Amendment Philanthropy

As the year draws to a close and philanthropic giving reaches its peak, The NRA Foundation is reaffirming what has always set it apart: a steadfast commitment to independent, mission-driven philanthropy that directly supports America’s shooting sports traditions, firearm safety, and responsible gun ownership.

Range Review: Henry's U.S. Survival .22 LR Takedown Rifle

This handy little rimfire from Henry is practical, portable and enjoyable to shoot! Check out our thorough review of the rifle here.

Saiga Antelope: Conservation Success in Kazakhstan

The Saiga (antelope) in Kazakhstan has rebounded from dangerously low numbers and has been recognized as a success by the international body governing threatened and endangered wildlife.

Hardware Review: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T. is, put simply, on the fast track to being considered a waterfowling marvel. Standing for Advanced Impact technology, the SBE 3 A.I. shoots its shot with  improved downrange results thanks to a very, very proprietary barrel technology that actually assists in energy retention for greater downrange velocity. Sounds crazy, right? That’s what I thought too; then I took the gun to Montana’s Bighorn River and had my mind blown.

Bowhunting Increases in Ohio, but a New Restriction Comes to Arizona

A crossbow harvest more than double the number taken by vertical bow in Ohio illustrates why Arizona recently repealed R12-4-216.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.