The Labrador Retriever Is Chicago's Most Popular Breed

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year, the Labrador Retriever unseated the German Shepherd to take Chicago's top spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC^®) 2014 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds.

The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the number one pup in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Milwaukee.

The German Shepherd fell from first to fourth most popular breed in Chicago in 2014, making way for the French Bulldog who rose to third place. Despite achieving its highest national ranking in breed history, the Bulldog dropped two spots to fifth place on Chicago's list of most popular breeds.

"This year's rankings prove that Chicagoans love their Retrievers," said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo.  "Not only is the Lab number one this year, but the Golden Retriever also rose two spots."

Chicago's top five breeds for 2014 as compared to 2013 are ranked as follows:

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

The AKC today also announced its nationwide rankings which places Chicago's favorite breed, the Labrador Retriever, at number one.  The Lab – an 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 this year at number nine, its highest position in nearly 100 years.  The Dachshund was knocked out of the top 10 this year for the first time since 1985, landing at number 11.

America's top five breeds for 2014 are ranked as follows:

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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 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.

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.

To become a fan of the AKC on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/americankennelclub. To follow the AKC on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/akcdoglovers.

SOURCE American Kennel Club

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