The Labrador retriever held onto its spot atop the American Kennel Club's (AKC) list of top dog in 2014, while previous title holder, the poodle, slid to seventh place.
Reigning as top dog on the AKC's list for 2014 marked the 24th time the Labrador retriever bested all other breeds, according to an Associated Press report. The poodle broke into the top spot and held it for decades, but the Labrador retriever, with it second consecutive win, is streaking again.
"They're just very intuitive -- they kind of know when you need them," says breeder Micki Beerman after recalling an incident in which a one of her Labrador retrievers broke through to win the affection of a shy child.
The active and outgoing Labrador retriever is described by the AKC as a high-energy breed of medium build. Labrador retrievers -- which come in yellow, black and chocolate -- were officially recognized by the AKC in 1917.
Because of their outgoing nature and agreeable personalities, Labrador retrievers are one of the most commonly selected breeds to serve as guide dogs for blind people. They also commonly pitch in on narcotics detection, as well as search and rescue missions.
Labrador retrievers have been ranked in the AKC's top ten since the 1970s. Meanwhile, French bulldogs have been finally earned a spot in the top ten, slowing moving up from 49th for about a decade.
The emergence of French bulldogs and the resilience of rottweilers saw dachshunds slip out of the top ten spot and into 11th place. French bulldogs were ranked 11th in 2013.
French bulldogs are just as agreeable with children as are Labrador retrievers, according to the AKC. They don't do as well in being alone as do Labrador retrievers and they also fall behind 2014's top breed in their tendency to play well with other pets.
"They need little exercise and grooming and are incredibly loyal to their people," says the AKC of French bulldogs. "Because of their somewhat stubborn nature, they require a bit of patience during training but are incredibly intelligent and eager to please."
The AKC's full top-ten rankings are as follows, with each breed's 2013 placements included in parentheses:
1 Labrador retrievers (1st)
2 German shepherds (2nd)
3 Golden retrievers (3rd)
4 Bulldogs (5th)
5 Beagles (4th)
6 Yorkshire terriers (6th)
7 Poodles (8th)
8 Boxers (7th)
9 French bulldogs (11th)
10 Rottweilers (9th)
