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.

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.

German shepherds retained the No. 2 spot on the American Kennel Club's list of of 10 most popular dog breeds for 2017.

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.

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.

Overall, AKC has leaned toward larger dogs in the past decade and the golden retriever is no exception.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The beagle -- a happy, inquisitive short-haired hound -- ranked No. 6 on the list of most popular dog breeds for 2017 by the AKC.

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.

The poodle once reigned supreme, but is now ranked No. 7 by the AKC for 2017.

The denominations standard, miniature, and toy are used to describe size only. All poodles are one breed.

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.

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.

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. 

Although the AKC has leaned towards larger dogs in the past decade, small breed Yorkies are still popular.

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." 

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.