Skip to main content

Labs Stay Popular: American Kennel Club's Most Popular Dogs

Labs Stay Popular: American Kennel Club's Most Popular Dogs
This breed continues to be No. 1.

The American Kennel Club recently announced its list of the most popular dogs in the U.S. Wouldn't you know it, the Labrador came in first — a spot it has held for 21 years. And, why not? This breed makes for an excellent family pet, not to mention the fact it's one of the most versatile hunting dogs around.

There aren't many working dogs that can excel in the upland and the water. If you're a pheasant and duck hunter, it's tough to beat a Lab, especially if he's a pointing Lab.

Moving up a spot to fourth, is the golden retriever, just behind the beagle and German Shepard — one of my favorites. A state trooper friend of mine was just delivered one of these "pups" (just barely a year old, Dax is already over 80 pounds). Obviously, not a gun dog, but what a beauty.


Another friend recently purchased a yellow pointing Lab, which comes from a long line of champions — or so he was told. We'll find out soon enough. Again, I love this breed's ability to hunt multiple types of game. They may not be as accomplished in the field as a pointer or setter, or as stout as a Chessie in the water, but you won't find many dogs that can excel at both, like a Lab does.

Here's the full listing of AKC's Top 10:


2011 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

2010 Ranking

1. Labrador Retriever1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Beagle3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever4. Beagle
5. Yorkshire Terrier5. Golden Retriever
6. Bulldog6. Bulldog
7. Boxer7. Boxer
8. Poodle8. Dachshund
9. Dachshund9. Poodle
10. Rottweiler10. Shih Tzu

To Continue Reading

Go Premium Today.

Get everything Gun Dog has to offer. What's Included

  • Receive (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers

  • Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts.

  • Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine.

  • Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members.

  • Ad-free experience at GunDogMag.com.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber? Sign In or start your online account

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Gun Dog subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Dog jumping out of phone with Gun Dog website in the background
Make the Jump to Gun Dog Premium

Gun Dog Premium is the go-to choice for sporting dog owners and upland hunting enthusiasts. Go Premium to recieve the follwing benefits:

The Magazine

Recieve (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers.

Training Videos

Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts.

Digital Back Issues

Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine.

Exclusive Online Editorial

Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber? Sign In or Start your online account

Go Premium

and get everything Gun Dog has to offer.

The Magazine

Recieve (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers.

Training Videos

Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts.

Digital Back Issues

Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine.

Exclusive Online Editorial

Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members.

Subscribe Now

Already a subscriber? Sign In or Start your online account