The Golden Retriever has been ranked as D.C.’s most popular breed on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) 2018 ranking of the dog breeds in the U.S., which was publicized on March 20.
The Golden Retriever made it to the top of the list this year. Previously, it would come second to the Labrador Retriever nationwide and also in many cities. The Golden Retriever ranked number one in Charlotte and Boston, as well.
“It’s also interesting to see working breeds – specifically the Doberman Pinscher (ranked 10th) and Rottweiler (9th) – break into the top 10 list. Working dogs are known for their tremendous strength, endurance and intelligence, but what many individuals don’t know is that most make great companions as well,” said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo.
AKC released its nationwide ranking via a press conference at the AKC Museum of the Dog in NYC. The Labrador Retriever ranked number one most popular breed in America for the 28th year. The German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, and Bulldog were ranked second, third, fourth and fifth respectively in the nationwide ranking. German Shorthaired Pointer, a versatile and all-purpose hunter, ranked number nine in 2018, which is the breed’s highest ranking to date.
Among D.C.’s top 10 breeds for 2018, following the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever are French Bulldog, Poodle, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and German Shepherd Dog, which were ranked third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh respectively. Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher got the eighth, ninth and 10th ranking respectively on the list.
The AKC is a non-profit organization founded in 1884. It maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. AKC also oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States.