LABRADOR RETRIEVER REIGNS SUPREME IN RALEIGH

Nationally, French Bulldog Knocks Labrador Retriever Out of Top Spot

NEW YORK, March 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Raleigh's top spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC^®) 2022 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.

The Lab was also recognized as the #1 pup on Long Island, NY and Richmond, VA.

Some impressive jumps in Raleigh include the Doberman Pinscher (16^th in 2021 and 9^th in 2022) and Dachshund (11^th in 2021 and 8^th in 2022).

"Labs still rule in Raleigh," said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo.  "The versatile, family friendly breed has remained a fixture at the top of Raleigh's most popular list and doesn't seem to be going anywhere."

Raleigh's top 5 breeds for 2022:

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

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

The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings today. There's a new top dog in town! The ever-popular Labrador Retriever's record-breaking reign has ended. The playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America's most popular breed for the first time.

While it may come as a surprise to some that the loveable Lab's 31-year stay at the top has come to an end, the French Bulldog has been quietly climbing the charts for many years. Over the past decade, the Frenchie has gone from 14^th in 2012 to number 1 in 2022, and registrations have increased over 1,000% in that time period.

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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 22,000 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 and the AKC Museum of the Dog.  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.

Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers

SOURCE American Kennel Club

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