Top dog breeds in the U.S.
For 25 straight years Americans have demonstrated their love for Labrador retrievers by making them the most popular purebred dog breed in the U.S. in 2015. But French bulldogs are riding their je ne sais quoi toward new heights.
Americans "like easy-to-care-for, fun family dogs," whether that means big, strong animals that can protect their families or small pets with "big-dog personalities," says AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo.
Check out the American Kennel Club 10 most popular breeds. One of them may be your next or current best friend.
No. 1: Labrador retriever
Known for being easygoing, multitalented and friendly, Labs have held the top spot for longer than any other breed since the AKC started counting in the 1880s.
You can take your pick of black lab, yellow lab or chocolate lab.
No. 1: Labrador retriever
According to the AKC, the most distinguishing characteristics for Labrador retrievers include a "short, dense, weather resistant coat" plus an "otter tail" and "clean-cut" head.
More importantly for dog owners, though, is probably the breed's "kind," friendly eyes, intelligence and mild temperament.
No. 2: German shepherd
German shepherds retained the No. 2 spot on the American Kennel Club's list of of 10 most popular dog breeds for 2015.
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 No. 3 by the American Kennel Club for 2015, the same spot it held in 2013 and 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 bulldogs have been quietly moving up the list. It hit No. 4 in 2014 -- the highest ranking in the breed's history and kept that spot in 2015.
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 No. 5 on the list of most popular dog breeds for 2015 by the AKC.
It actually switched places with the bulldog in 2014, dropping from 4th to 5th in the rankings.
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: French bulldog
The French bulldog jumped three spots from No. 9 to No. 6 on the top 10 list.
The droll little bat-eared bulldogs last peaked at No. 6 during the 1910s. They weren't even top 50 as recently as 2002, but TV shows, movies and celebrity owners, including Martha Stewart, Hugh Jackman and Carrie Fisher, have helped spur their renaissance.
No. 6: French bulldog
The French bulldog became the predominant purebred in Miami and San Francisco, having already conquered New York City.
Frenchies, recognized by the AKC in 1898, are indoor dogs and require air conditioning in warm weather.
No. 7: Yorkshire terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier slipped down in the rankings a bit from No. 6 to No. 7 in 2015.
No. 7: Yorkshire terrier
Although the AKC has leaned towards larger dogs in the past decade, small breed Yorkies are still popular.
No. 8: Poodle
The poodle once reigned supreme, but is now ranked number 8 by the AKC for 2015.
The poodle's decades-old record as the most popular breed ended in 2013 when it was surpassed by the labrador retriever and ended up in 8th place. It went up to 7th in 2014, but is firmly back in the 8th spot on the list this year.
No. 8: Poodle
The denominations standard, miniature, and toy are used to describe size only. All poodles are one breed.
No. 9: Rottweilers
Rottweilers just held onto a top 10 spot in 2014 and moved back up a notch this year to No. 9, a spot it held in 2013.
No. 9: Rottweilers
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.
No. 10: Boxers
Coming in at No. 10 on the list is the boxer, who has dropped in popularity in recent years.
No. 10: Boxers
The boxer has been described as the "George Clooney" of the dog world, a hunk with a sense of humor and an underlying sweetness.