The lab remained the most popular breed in 2013.
Labrador Retriever owners and breeders have spoken and the word is that, once again, the mighty Lab was the most popular breed in 2013. The Lab has remained at the top of the listing for 23 years, toppling the 22-year record set by the Poodle. The highly-trainable Lab was developed to fetch game but has become a beloved family pet and more. "It does so many different things really well -- it excels as a family companion, it's an awesome hunting dog, and it also has a great presence as a service and law-enforcement search-and-rescue dog," AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson said.
In second place comes the fearless German Shepherd, with the warm and gentle Golden Retriever taking third. Beagles and Bulldogs round out the top five. Completing the top ten are the Yorkshire Terrier at 6, with the Boxer, Poodle, Rottweiler and Dachshund completing the top ten.
Once holding the 14 place, the French Bulldog has soared in popularity over the past year. Now resting at 11th place, the French Bulldog's numbers have more than quadrupled in the last 10 years. The breed's popularity might come from the exposure they get from Martha Stewart, on TV's Modern Family and even in the Sketchers' Super Bowl commercial in 2012. People seem to love the breed because they are compact, funny, and don't require a lot of exercise or coat care.
Once a breeder of Cocker Spaniels, Gale Golden of Marlborough, Mass. developed tendinitis in her elbow from caring for the long-haired Spaniel coat. Once she decided to try the short-coated Frenchie, she was hooked on the breed. "They have so many funny and endearing qualities, including being people-oriented. A Frenchie is everyone's friend," said Golden.
The Doberman Pinscher remained at the 12th position, but the German Shorthaired Pointer rose 2 spaces to take the 13th. Also on the rise are Siberian Huskies which jumped from 16th to 14th place.