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The best boys have been revealed. 

As part of its annual tradition, the American Kennel Club has announced the country’s most popular dog breeds of last year. 

While the No. 1 spot went to a longtime winner, there was some switch-up for the silver and bronze. 

In 2020, for the 30th year in a row, the Labrador retriever again scored the title of the nation’s favorite dog. “America’s love for labs is undeniable,” said AKC executive secretary Gina DiNardo in a press release. “They’re such versatile, family-friendly dogs that it’s no wonder they’ve been so popular for 30 years.”

The No. 2 pup is close on the lab’s tail, though, and may pose a serious threat to its streak in future years.

The French bulldog, which took home the silver in 2020’s popularity contest, “seems poised to end the lab’s reign,” said DiNardo. “The playful, adaptable Frenchie has become increasingly popular over the past decade and shows no signs of slowing down.”


  French bulldogs beat out German shepherds for the No. 2 slot last year. Getty Images French bulldogs beat out German shepherds for the No. 2 slot last year. Getty Images

However, following the February dognapping of two of Lady Gaga’s Frenchies — and the shooting of her dog walker — breed owners are reportedly horrified of experiencing anything even remotely similar.  

In addition, DiNardo had a warning for those considering taking in one of the lovable, squished-face furballs: “We encourage people to do their research to make sure they are not just getting a purebred dog, but most importantly a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder.”


  German shepherds were demoted to third place in 2020’s breed popularity ranking. Getty Images/EyeEm German shepherds were demoted to third place in 2020’s breed popularity ranking. Getty Images/EyeEm

The German shepherd, last year’s second-place winner, was pushed into third by the Frenchie. 

Taking up the tail of the top five is the golden retriever in fourth and the bulldog in fifth.

Rounding out spots six through 10, in order, were the poodle, beagle, rottweiler, German shorthaired pointer and dachshund, which pushed the Pembroke Welsh corgi from the list. 

“Other movers and shakers in 2020 include the dachshund, which pawed its way back into the top 10 at number 10 for the first time in seven years,” noted the release.

2020 Most Popular Dogs in the US

1 of 14
American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
1. Labrador retrieverTom Pitera
American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
2. French bulldogAngie Kerins
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American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
3. German shepherdTom Pitera
American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
4. Golden retrieverTom Pitera
American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
5. BulldogTom Pitera
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American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
6. PoodleTom Pitera
American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
7. BeagleTom Pitera
American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
8. RottweilerAngie Kerins
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American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
9. German shorthaired pointerTom Pitera
American Kennel Club top 10 dogs of 2020
10. DachshundTom Pitera
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