The American Kennel Club just came out with its famous list ranking the most popular dog breeds in the United States. The rankings are a compilation of data from 2016.

1.) Labrador Retriever

These friendly and outgoing dogs were named America’s most popular dog breed for a record 26th straight year. The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. The good-natured pups are considered the ideal family dog, an excellent K-9 partner and excel in sports and outdoor activities, which helps to explain why the dog has consistently taken top honors for so many years. The dog breed is also considered highly intelligent and has even been known to save lives.

2.) German Shepherd 

German Shepherds come in at number 2 on the list. These dogs are known to be confident, courageous and smart. They have medium energy and are large in size. They are also highly alert and full of life.

3.) Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are intelligent, friendly and devoted dogs. They have kind eyes and expressions and are eager, alert and self-confident. They also need daily exercise as they are highly energetic and hunting dogs.

4.) Bulldog

Bulldogs came in at number 4 on the list. These dogs are known to be calm and friendly. They have medium energy and are medium in size. This breed requires minimal grooming and is not very active.

5.) Beagle

Beagles are loving, happy, easygoing and make great companions. They have short and easy-to-care-for coats. The Beagle is a breed of small-sized hound and was developed primarily for hunting hare. They are very active dogs, requiring plenty of exercise. One of the most famous cartoon dogs was a Beagle – Charlie Brown’s pet dog Snoopy! 

6.) French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are playful, smart, affectionate and sociable. They have medium energy and are relatively small in size. They’re not very active and aren’t very athletic either. They require minimal exercise and grooming.

7.) Poodle

Poodles are very smart, active and proud. They have medium energy and are medium in size. Typically, this breed is groomed and clipped in the traditional fashion and looks very distinguished. The breed has a hypoallergenic coat, which should reduce allergic reactions, but still requires professional grooming.

8.) Rottweiler 

Coming in at number eight is the Rottweiler, which is considered a very confident guardian. The Rottweiler posted its highest ranking in nearly two decades. They are known for their loyalty and protective instincts. Though they are reserved with strangers, Rottweilers are very affectionate and loyal to their families and owners. 

9.) Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier a.k.a. Yorkie became a fashionable pup in the Late Victorian Era. They are bold, affectionate, intelligent and independent dogs. When their long coat is kept, it’s important to brush it often. The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed with medium energy and was developed during the 19th century in Yorkshire, England to catch the rats and mice in clothing mills and mine shafts. Though small in size, Yorkies tend to think they are big dogs and may even try to pick a fight with big dogs.

10.) Boxer

The Boxer is a high-energy, medium-sized and short-haired breed of dog developed in Germany. Boxers were actually one of the first breeds selected in Germany for Police Training! They are active, bright and fun-loving dogs. They’re very strong dogs and need lots of exercise. Boxers are alert and watchful yet playful and patient. He’s only really aggressive if he’s defending his family or his home.