NEW YORK - Labrador retrievers still reign supreme after a quarter century as America's most prevalent purebred dog. But French bulldogs are riding their je ne sais quoi toward new heights, and some lesser-known breeds are climbing the popularity ladder.
That's according to the American Kennel Club, which released its annual breed rankings Monday.
Labs have held the top spot for longer than any other breed since the AKC started counting in the 1880s.
German shepherds, golden retrievers, bulldogs and beagles fill out the top five. After that come French bulldogs, Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Rottweilers and boxers.
AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo says the list shows Americans "like easy-to-care-for, fun family dogs," whether big or small.
The rankings reflect puppies and other newly registered dogs belonging to some 184 AKC-recognized breeds.
