See if your favorite breed made the top 20.
It happens every year — the American Kennel Club counts up its registrations and announces the most popular dog breeds in the USA. And, for the past 10 years or so, there have been few changes at the top of the chart because like a great food once you find a great breed, you stick with them.
FIRST, HERE’S THE TOP TEN.
- Labrador Retriever
Why do we just love Labs? Because these gentle, intelligent and family-friendly dudes are just plain lovable. Yellow, black or chocolate in color, Labs are friendly and outgoing, play well with others and work hard to please their family.
- German Shepherd
German Shepherds are smart, athletic, hard-working and extremely loyal. They’re quick and nimble—it’s a pleasure to watch them jump and run.
- Golden Retriever
Intelligent, friendly, and devoted, Golden Retrievers are strong, hard workers and exuberant companions. They’re good at hunting, being guide dogs and even working search and rescue missions—but they also love to play silly games.
- Bulldog
Don’t let Bulldogs fool you with their serious Winston Churchill-like look. They’re also lovable, gentle and eager to have your affection. They can be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow or piebald in color; calm, courageous, and relatively quiet in demeanor.
- Beagle
Excellent hunting dogs and pleasant companions, Beagles are also bright and funny creatures to hang out with. Because they were bred to hunt in packs, they love the company of people and other dogs—and they require plenty of exercise.
- French Bulldog
French Bulldogs make pet parenthood easy. They don’t need much exercise or grooming, don’t bark very much, and they are incredibly loyal and eager to please. They’re also good with children.
- Poodles
Poodles come in three sizes and a variety of colors. Proud, active and very smart, they like to keep busy—they’re enthusiastic walkers, runners, and swimmers. Toy Poodles stand 10 inches or under and weigh 4-6 pounds; Miniature Poodles stand 10-15 inches and weigh 10 to 15 pounds; Standard Poodles are over 15 inches tall and weigh 40-70 pounds.
- Rottweiler
Is he a police dog? A herder? A service dog? The answer is yes. But Rottweilers are also devoted companions and protectors. They’re a little standoffish with strangers, but affectionate and loyal with the family. Rotties need to be active — at least two solid workouts every day!
- Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies were bred in the nineteenth century England to catch rats in clothing mills, but soon became popular with European high society. They’re handsome, energetic, and affectionate.
- Boxer
Like German Shepherds, Boxers are a pleasure to behold. Well-muscled and trim, they move with the grace and power of an athlete. As companions, they’re fun-loving, bright, active and loyal.
TOP 20 BREEDS FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS*
| Breed Popularity Ranking | 2016 Rank |
2015 Rank |
2014 Rank |
2013 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Labrador Retrievers | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2. German Shepherd | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 3. Golden Retrievers | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 4. Bulldogs | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| 5. Beagles | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 6. French Bulldogs | 6 | 6 | 9 | 11 |
| 7. Poodles | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| 8. Rottweilers | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| 9. Yorkshire Terriers | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| 10. Boxers | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| 11. Pointers (German Shorthaired) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 12. Siberian Huskies | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 13. Dachshunds | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| 14. Great Danes | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 |
| 15. Doberman Pinschers | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 |
| 16. Australian Shepherds | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 |
| 17. Miniature Schnauzers | 17 | 16 | 16 | 17 |
| 18. Pembroke Welsh Corgis | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| 19. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels | 19 | 18 | 19 | 18 |
| 20. Shih Tzu | 20 | 19 | 17 | 15 |
* According to American Kennel Club registration data.
As you can see, not much has changed in the breed rankings over the years … including the fact that, no matter what breed or breeds your pup has in his gene pool, Bil-Jac makes the right super premium dog food to keep him up and running.
