For a record 29th year (2019), the versatile sporting breed reigned supreme on the American Kennel Club registry list, a run unlike any other breed has seen in the record books.
So what makes the Labrador Retriever so popular? Longtime breeders cite versatility, stable temperament, friendliness, trainability, and athleticism as just a few of its special qualities.
Temperament and family life
One longtime breeder said that temperament, overall health, and breed type are the qualities she focuses on when placing puppies in pet homes. Another noted the importance of a dog living as part of the family rather than in solitude.
A Lab enthusiast since the 1970s described the breed as a do-everything companion: hunting, showing, family life, dock diving, tracking, and obedience. The Labrador's versatility is central to its enduring appeal.
Other movers and shakers
The Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, and Golden Retriever were America's top three breeds again in 2019. The French Bulldog was also a notable fixture in the top ten, while several other breeds made pronounced jumps over the prior decade.
Source: American Kennel Club.