Rise Of The Bulldog! The Loveable Breed Hits Highest Spot Ever, While Labrador Retriever Remains Number One

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Labrador Retriever has done it again.  The American Kennel Club (AKC^®) announced today that the intelligent, family friendly breed holds tight to the number one spot on the most popular list for the 24^th consecutive year, continuing the longest reign as the nation's top dog in AKC history.

While the Lab holds strong, the Bulldog has quietly crept up the list, landing this year at number four for the first time – its highest ranking in breed history. This gentle breed makes an excellent family companion with a natural tendency to form strong bonds with kids, an easy-to-care-for coat and minimal exercise needs.    

Meanwhile, the popular French Bulldog continues its quest for the number one spot, breaking into the top 10 for the first time in nearly 100 years this year at number nine.  The Dachshund was knocked out of the top 10 this year for the first time since 1985, landing at number 11.

"The Lab truly is America's dog," said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo, "but the lovable Bulldog breeds are clamoring to dominate. Watch out for an upset next year."

America's most popular aren't the only movers and shakers. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (aka "the 4-wheel drive of hunting dogs") made huge strides over the past decade, jumping 38 spots from 112^th in 2004 to 74^th in 2014. Other breeds making double-digit gains over the past decade include the Havanese (from 52^nd in 2004 to 25^th in 2014), the Border Collie (from 60^th in 2004 to 39^th in 2014), the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (from 118^th in 2004 to 96^th in 2014), and the Black and Tan Coonhound (from 140^th in 2004 to 120^th in 2014).

See below for AKC's top 10 most popular breeds in 2014, along with the 2013 comparison:

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View photos of the most popular breeds HERE.

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

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SOURCE American Kennel Club