For 27 straight years Americans have demonstrated their love for Labrador retrievers by making them the most popular purebred dog breed in the U.S. But Frenchies have captured the hearts of many Americans, raising their popularity in the nation to new heights in 2017.
Check out the latest list of the 10 most popular dog breeds from the American Kennel Club. One of them may be your next best friend.
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No. 1: Labrador retriever
Known for being easygoing, multi-talented and friendly, Labs have held the top spot for longer than any other breed since the AKC started counting in the 1880s.
You can take your pick of black lab, yellow lab or chocolate lab.
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No. 1: Labrador retriever
According to the AKC, the most distinguishing characteristics for Labrador retrievers include a "short, dense, weather resistant coat" plus an "otter tail" and "clean-cut" head.
More importantly for dog owners, though, is probably the breed's "kind," friendly eyes, intelligence and mild temperament.
Credit: Eric Isselée
No. 2: German shepherd
German shepherds retained the No. 2 spot on the American Kennel Club's list of of 10 most popular dog breeds for 2017.
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No. 2: German shepherd
The first impression of a German shepherd is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal.
It was first officially recognized by the AKC in 1908.
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No. 3: Golden retriever
The golden retriever has always been a popular breed and is ranked No. 3 by the American Kennel Club for 2017, the same spot it held in 2015 and 2016.
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No. 3: Golden retriever
Overall, AKC has leaned toward larger dogs in the past decade and the golden retriever is no exception.
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No. 4: French bulldog
The French bulldog (Frenchie) is one of the most popular small-dog breeds. According to the AKC, the Frenchie is alert, adaptable and playful.
Frenchies have enjoyed a surge in popularity, rising from 76th to fourth place in just 20 years.
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No. 4: French bulldog
The Frenchie is known for its "bat ears," which are the breed's trademark feature, according to the AKC.
Like the larger English bulldog, their flat noses leave them vulnerable to breathing problems.
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No. 5: Bulldog
The bulldogs have been quietly moving up the list. It hit No. 4 in 2014 -- the highest ranking in the breed's history. It kept that spot in 2016 but slipped to No. 5 in 2017.
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No. 5: Bulldog
The bulldog's rise in the top 10 hasn't been a surprise to their fans who extol their unmistakable, push-faced expressions and generally calm manner.
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No. 6: Beagle
The beagle -- a happy, inquisitive short-haired hound -- ranked No. 6 on the list of most popular dog breeds for 2017 by the AKC.
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No. 6: Beagle
Beagles are small, compact, and hardy dogs. They're scent hounds used primarily for hunting rabbits to larger hares.
The breed was officially recognized in 1885 by the AKC. It's made the top 10 every decade since.
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No. 7: Poodle
The poodle once reigned supreme, but is now ranked No. 7 by the AKC for 2017.
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No. 7: Poodle
The denominations standard, miniature, and toy are used to describe size only. All poodles are one breed.
Credit: American Kennel Club
No. 8: Rottweilers
At No. 8, the Rottweiler posted its highest ranking in almost 20 years. Renowned for their loyalty, confidence and protective instincts, Rotties were America's second-most-popular dog in 1997 but faded to 17th within a decade, as some small breeds surged for a time. But Rottweilers muscled their way back into the top 10 in 2015.
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No. 8: Rottweilers
Rottweilers are descendants of Roman drover dogs.
They were among the earliest police dogs and serve with honor in the military. They can be steady, gentle companions.
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No. 9: Yorkshire terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier slipped down in the rankings a bit from No. 7 to No. 9 in 2016. The breed stayed at No. 9 in 2017.
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No. 9: Yorkshire terrier
Although the AKC has leaned towards larger dogs in the past decade, small breed Yorkies are still popular.
Credit: Tom Pitera
No. 10: German shorthaired pointer
New to the top 10 in 2017, the German shorthaired pointer (GSP) enjoys exercise and love. According to the AKC, most owners call the breed their "perfect pointer."
Credit: American Kennel Club
No. 10: German shorthaired pointer
The GSP stands between 23 and 25 inches tall at shoulder height and weighs up to 70 pounds, according to the AKC. Females tend to be smaller in both weight and height.
The breed's coat is typically reddish brown in color with white patterns.
