Labrador Retriever Reigns Supreme Once Again In Chicago

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Chicago's top spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC^®) 2015 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.

The Lab was also recognized as the #1 pup in Boston, Portland, and San Diego.

Golden Retrievers fell out of favor in Chicago last year, dropping three spots to number five.  Rottweilers, Poodles, and Bernese Mountain Dogs all rose one spot, landing at seven, eight, and nine, respectively.

"The Lab may be number one in Chicago, but 2015 belonged to the German Shepherd Dog," said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo.  "The smart, courageous breed shot up to number two.  Watch out for an upset next year."

Chicago's top 5 breeds for 2015:

Chicago's Most Popular Breeds 2015

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

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

The AKC today also announced its nationwide rankings.  The Labrador Retriever – an intelligent, family friendly breed – holds tight to the number one spot on the most popular list for the 25^th consecutive year, continuing the longest reign as the nation's top dog in AKC history.

While the Lab is clearly America's dog, the French Bulldog is poised for a takeover.  The affectionate and playful breed continues to win the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, jumping three spots to number six in 2015.  The Frenchie has risen 32 spots over the past decade and shows no signs of stopping.

Most Popular Breeds Nationwide 2015

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

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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 nearly 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 20,000 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 Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

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SOURCE American Kennel Club

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