Top Dog Breed in America, Again

The Labrador Retriever has been ranked the #1 dog breed in America by the American Kennel Club. 2009 is the 19th year in a row that the Labrador Retriever has been recognized as the most adopted dog in the country. The AKC attributes the breed's loyal and gentle nature to it's popularity with American families.

The results are based on 2009 registration results and were announced today in New York City's Grand Central Terminal.

German Shepards are the runner up breed due to their reputation for being great guard dogs.

Here are the top 10 rankings: 2009 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Yorkshire Terrier

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Bulldog

8. Dachshund

9. Poodle

10. Shih Tzu

Labrador Retriever's Popularity

  The American Kennel club described the characteristics of  the Labrador Retriever's  and the reasons for his continued popularity:

"An ideal sporting and family dog, the Labrador Retriever thrives as part of an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. A double-coated breed which sheds seasonally, regular grooming keeps his coat at its water-resistant best. Because of his even temperament and trainability millions of Americans own a Labrador Retriever as a pet."

For more information on Labrador Retreivers visit the American Kennel Club website.