NEW YORK, March 21, 2017  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Labrador Retriever does it again!  In a press conference today at its new pet care space, AKC Canine Retreat, the American Kennel Club (AKC^®), the nation's largest purebred dog registry, announced that the intelligent, family friendly Lab firmly holds on to the number one spot on the most popular list for a record-breaking 26^th consecutive year.

While the Labrador Retriever continues its reign as America's dog, the Rottweiler has been slowly but surely rising up the list over the past decade.  The confident, loyal and loving Rottie was the eighth most popular breed in 2016, its highest ranking since landing at number two in 1997.   The Rottweiler has risen nine spots over the past decade and is poised for a comeback.

"The Labrador Retriever has a strong hold on the top spot, and doesn't show signs of giving it up anytime soon," said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo. "The Lab is such a versatile dog that it's no wonder it makes a great companion for a variety of lifestyles. Keep your eye on the Rottweiler, though.  It's been quietly winning hearts over the past decade."

In addition to the country's most popular, terriers were on the move in 2016. The Russell Terrier jumped a substantial 14 spots (104^th to 90^th), the Rat Terrier rose five spots (101^st to 96^th), the Parson Russell Terrier rose two spots (111^th to 109^th) and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier jumped five spots (172^nd to 167^th).

See below for AKC's top 10 most popular breeds in 2016, along with the 2015 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.

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 American Kennel Club

Related Links

http://www.akc.org