The Labrador Retriever remains a popular breed among pet owners, falling only to number two in the American Kennel Club (AKC) rankings. The Golden Retriever remains stable in position number three, while the German Shepherd and the Poodle are ranked two to five, respectively. The French Bulldog has moved to the number one position after rising in popularity over the past ten years. English Foxhounds, like their American Foxhound cousins, were bred as agile hunting dogs driven by scents.
At a training fair such as the one in Westminster, dogs are judged on how well they meet the standards of their breed. The AKC conducts thousands of inspections each year to ensure compliance with standards that support the welfare, safety and health of dogs across the country. Buddy Holly, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, came out of a field of more than 2500 dogs to win the trophy Tuesday night in New York. If you're looking for your own puppy, AKC Marketplace can connect you to a responsible breeder.
Knowing that your dog will be part of the annual breed popularity list is only a small advantage of the dog registry; the AKC is the only purebred dog registry in the United States that conducts systematic inspections and investigations. So what is the top dog breed for 2023? It's hard to say for sure, but it's likely that the Labrador Retriever will remain at the top of the list. The Golden Retriever and German Shepherd are also likely to remain popular choices. The French Bulldog may continue its rise in popularity, while other breeds such as English Foxhounds and Poodles may also gain ground.
