Skip to footer

What is the best dog breed? The most popular pooches in US since 1880

The American Kennel Club has been tracking the popularity of purebred dogs for 128 years as the number of recognized breeds grew from nine to 177. Here's of the country's most popular dog breeds by the decade, according to data released by the AKC:

9. 1960 - 1982: Poodles reign supreme

Melanie Stetson Freeman
A poodle wears tiny shoes on its paws on September 16, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dogs are popular pets in Brazil.

  • By Staff Associated Press

Poodles take over as No. 1 in 1960 and stay there until 1982. In the 1970s, in a harbinger of things to come, the Labrador retriever makes the top 10 for the first time.

9 of 11
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us