Top dog breeds in the U.S.
America's reigning most popular dog breed is still the labrador retriever for the 24th year in 2014, but bulldogs are making a race for the top.
Check out the American Kennel Club's (AKC) 10 most popular breeds. One of them may be your next or current best friend.
Labrador retrievers hit the top 10 list in the 1970s and haven't left since. They broke the poodles' decade-old record in 2013.
No. 1: Labrador retriever
Gina DiNardo, the American Kennel Club's vice president, said, "the lab truly is America's dog."
You can take your pick of black lab, yellow lab or chocolate lab.
No. 2: German shepherd
The German shepherd is hanging tough, retaining its number two spot on the American Kennel Club's list of of 10 most popular dog breeds for 2014.
No. 2: German shepherd
The first impression of a German shepherd is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal.
It was first officially recognized by the AKC in 1908.
No. 3: Golden retriever
The golden retriever has always been a popular breed and is ranked number 3 by the American Kennel Club for 2014.
No. 3: Golden retriever
Overall, AKC has leaned toward larger dogs in the past decade and the golden retriever is no exception.
No. 4: Bulldog
The bulldog quietly crept up the list to number 4 -- the highest ranking in the breed's history.
No. 4: Bulldog
The bulldog's rise in the top 10 hasn't been a surprise to their fans who extol their unmistakable, push-faced expressions and generally calm manner.
No. 5: Beagle
The beagle, a happy, inquisitive short-haired hound, ranked number 5 on the list of most popular dog breeds for 2014 by the AKC.
No. 5: Beagle
Beagles are small, compact, and hardy dogs. They're scent hounds used primarily for hunting rabbits to larger hares.
The breed was officially recognized in 1885 by the AKC.
No. 6: Yorkshire terrier
The Yorkshire terrier didn't quite make it into the top 5, retaining its number 6 spot on the list from 2013.
No. 6: Yorkshire terrier
Although the AKC has leaned towards larger dogs in the past decade, small breed Yorkies still held on to number 6 on the top 10 list.
No. 7: Poodle
The poodle once reigned supreme, but is now ranked number 7 by the AKC for 2014.
The poodle's decades-old record as the most popular breed ended in 2013 when it was surpassed by the labrador retriever.
No. 7: Poodle
The poodle ranked number 7 for 2014 by the AKC, moving up a spot from 8th place.
The denominations standard, miniature, and toy are used to describe size only. All poodles are one breed.
No. 8: Boxer
Coming in at number 8 on the list is the boxer.
The high energy, medium-sized dog was developed to serve as a guard, working, and companion dog.
No. 8: Boxer
The boxer has been described as the "George Clooney" of the dog world, a hunk with a sense of humor and an underlying sweetness.
No. 9: French bulldog
The French bulldog's continued quest for the number one spot gained traction as it broke into the top 10 list for the first time in nearly 100 years.
No. 9: French bulldog
The comical, playful French bulldog entered the top ten list in 2014 after a decade-long popularity spurt and now ranks 9th.
Frenchies, recognized by the AKC in 1898, are indoor dogs and require air conditioning in warm weather.
No. 10: Rottweiler
Rottweilers retained a spot in the top 10 though they slipped from 9th to 10th place in 2014.
No. 10: Rottweiler
Rottweilers are descendants of Roman drover dogs.
They were among the earliest police dogs and serve with honor in the military. They can be steady, gentle companions.