LABRADOR RETRIEVER KEEPS ITS SPOT AS THE MOST POPULAR BREED IN ST. LOUIS

Nationally, French Bulldog Holds On To The Top Spot

NEW YORK, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Once again, the Labrador Retriever took St. Louis' top spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC^®) 2023 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds, a spot the breed has kept for over five years.

The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in Raleigh, N.C. and Richmond, VA.

While the Dachshund broke into the top ten this year, the biggest jump was taken by the Cane Corso, which skyrocketed from the 39^th most popular breed to the ninth most popular breed in St. Louis.

"Cane Corso means "bodyguard dog" in Latin and they truly live up to their name," said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo.  "They are fierce protectors of their families and extremely loyal, but training is required with a breed with this demeanor."

St. Louis' top 5 breeds for 2023:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. French Bulldog
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Bulldog

* Registration data pulled from St. Louis zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

The American Kennel Club also announced its nationwide rankings today. The playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America's most popular breed for the second consecutive year,

Since overtaking the loveable Labrador Retriever as the most popular breed, the French Bulldog's popularity has continued to surge. The breed is playful, adaptable and has an even temperament. Frenchies are very popular among city dwellers, as they're also portable and get along with almost anyone.

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About the American Kennel Club

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club 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 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed 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, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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SOURCE The American Kennel Club, Inc.