The 25 most popular dog breeds in America this year ... and the rarest
These rankings indicate the relative popularity of different breeds among the 589,868 purebred dogs, mostly puppies, that joined the nation’s oldest dog registry last year. Registration is voluntary.
Here are the nation’s most popular purebreds, according to American Kennel Club rankings released in May:
25. Shetland sheepdogs
Conrad, the Shetland sheepdog, competes in the Best in Show contest during 144th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
24. Pomeranians
Jubao, a 2-year-old Pomeranian, opens her mouth before entering the competition stage during the Thailand International Dog Show in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The dog show is held from June 29 until July 2. (AP Photo/Kankanit Wiriyasajja)
23. Bernese Mountain Dogs
A Bernese Mountain Dog competes with the working group at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in New York. Wilma, a boxer, won the working group. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
22. Havanese
Bono, the Havanese, competes in the Best in Show contest during 144th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
21. Boston terriers
A Boston terrier named Mango relaxes after winning best of opposite sex at the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York, Monday, Feb. 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
20. Shih Tzu
Maylee, a shih tzu, wears a Seattle Mariners ribbon in her fur as she is held by her owner, Samantha Paz, as they arrive at Safeco Field, Tuesday, May 24, 2016, in Seattle, for the first of several "Bark at the Park" nights where dogs are welcome in a special section of the ballpark, before a baseball game between the Mariners and the Oakland Athletics. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
19. Doberman Pinschers
Mobius Mancus, Doberman pinscher, keeps an eye on his handler in the benching area during the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
18. Miniature schnauzers
A miniature schnauzer is shown in the ring during the terrier group competition at the 140th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
17. Great Danes
Dog, a great dane, bottom, waits for other dogs to compete with the working group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)
16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
This Saturday, March, 4, 2017 photo shows Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's as they compete for best in breed at the Annual Kennel Club of Beverly Hills Dog Show at Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, Calif. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
15. Siberian huskies
Ella, a Siberian Husky, stands with her owner, Tracey Conway, second from right, during a protest, Thursday, March 7, 2019, at the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
14. Boxers
Wilma, the boxer, competes in the Best in Show contest during 144th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
13. Australian shepherds
Australian shepherd "Boca" competes in the masters agility Championship during the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
12. Yorkshire terriers
A woman transports a Yorkshire Terrier dog during the International pedigree dog and purebred cat exhibition in Erfurt, Germany, Sunday, June 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)
11. Dachshunds
Samira, left, and Scarlett, 8-week-old Dachshund puppies, play in the grass, Monday, June 18, 2018, in Wilmington, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
10. Pembroke Welsh corgis
A pembroke Welsh corgi is shown in the ring during the Herding group competition during at 140th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
9. German shorthaired pointers
In this Feb. 13, 2018 file photo, German shorthaired pointers wait to enter the ring during the 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
8. Rottweilers
In this March 21, 2017 file photo, Talos, a Rottweiler, poses for photos as the American Kennel Club's breed rankings are announced in New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
7. Beagles
A rescued beagle peers out from its kennel at the The Lehigh County Humane Society in Allentown, Pa., Monday, Oct. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
6. Poodles
Siba, the standard poodle, competes for Best in Show during the 144th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
5. Bulldogs
Georgetown mascot Jack the bulldog rides in a toy car on the court during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Georgetown and the Villanova, Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
4. French bulldogs
In this Oct. 7, 2007 file photo, Lola, a French bulldog, lies on the floor prior to the start of a St. Francis Day service at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, which included the Blessing of the Animals. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg, File)
3. Golden retrievers
Daniel, the Golden Retriever, competes in the Best in Show contest during 144th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
2. German shepherd
FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2017, file photo, Rumor, a German shepherd, poses for photos after winning Best in Show at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
1. Labrador retriever
In this Feb. 8, 2020 file photo, Tag, a Labrador retriever weaves, through a series of poles during Westminster Kennel Club's agility competition in New York. Labrador retrievers remain the nation’s most popular purebreds for a record-extending 29th year. That's according to American Kennel Club rankings being released Friday, May 1, 2020.(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
And the rarest breed ... English foxhounds
The English foxhound is the rarest breed in the new rankings. The sizable, high-stamina and vocal hounds have a long history in the U.S. but aren’t often found as purely house pets. Fans tend to deploy the dogs for their traditional, pack-hunting purpose.
“It’s a beautiful breed. I just don’t think people see them enough to know about them,” says AKC spokeswoman Brandi Hunter.
With our busy schedules and reliance on technology for entertainment, it's hard for little ones to get enough of the outdoor physical activity that's crucial for healthy development.
After a long day of work, this dog owner comes home to a running, panting 6-year-old golden retriever — one who bounces into his arms, wiggling with excitement each and every day.
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