Labrador retrievers remain the top dogs
NEW YORK — Labrador retrievers still reign supreme after a quarter century as America’s most prevalent purebred dog. But French bulldogs are riding their je ne sais quoi toward new heights, and some lesser-known breeds are climbing the popularity ladder, according to American Kennel Club rankings released Monday.
Here’s a look at how breeds stack up:
Known for being easygoing, multitalented and friendly, Labs have held the top spot for longer than any other breed since the AKC started counting in the 1880s. Rounding out the top 10 for 2015, in order: German shepherds, golden retrievers, bulldogs, beagles, French bulldogs, Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Rottweilers and boxers.
So what to make of a list that includes both the toy Yorkie and the powerful Rottweiler?
Americans “like easy-to-care-for, fun family dogs,” whether that means big, strong animals that can protect their families or small pets with “big-dog personalities,” says AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo.
French bulldogs moved from No. 9 to No. 6 last year and became the predominant purebred in Miami and San Francisco, having already conquered New York City. The bat-eared bulldogs last peaked at No. 6 during the 1910s. They weren’t even top 50 as recently as 2002, but TV shows, movies and celebrity owners, including Martha Stewart, Hugh Jackman and Carrie Fisher, helped spur their renaissance.
Some other movers that aren’t as visible, at least for now: the Cane Corso, an imposing Italian guard dog that rose from 47th in 2014 to 35th last year, and the Norwegian elkhound, a stalwart hunting dog that’s up from 100th to 88th.
Winning the televised Westminster Kennel Club dog show can give a breed a bump. Last Tuesday’s best-in-show champ, CJ, is a German shorthaired pointer — a breed already quite popular at No. 11.
