Lab lovers have spoken – See who took the American Kennel Club’s top spot on the Most Popular Dogs In The U.S.

When it comes to dog breeds, owners think bigger is better – and there’s proof! The American Kennel Club (AKC) has just released its list for the 2013 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. And topping the list – yet again – is the loveably large Labrador Retriever.

“Owning bigger breeds – an economic indicator of sorts – have been on the rise during the past five years,” says AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “As the economy has improved, people are turning back to the big dogs they love, which cost more to feed and care for than the smaller breeds that saw a rise in popularity in 2007 and 2008.”

In the number 2 and 3 spots are the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever, respectively. Boxers rank at 7 and Rottweilers take the number 9 spot. Other big breeds that are on the rise (pun intended) include the Doberman Pinschers (rose from 22 to 12); Great Danes (rose from 27 to 16); and Bernese Mountain Dogs (rose from 47 to 32).

There are some interesting insights with this poll and they don’t have anything to do with the top 10 spots. It seems like French Bulldog is raising in popularity. It almost squeezed into the top 10, taking the #11 spot. Over the past decade, the Frenchie has seen a 323% increase in registrations. Another notable trend in 2013 is the comeback of rarer breeds. Giant Schnauzers rose from 96 to 83; Keeshonden from 103 to 86; Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers from 104 to 97; Irish Terriers from 132 to 123; Kerry Blue Terriers from 130 to 126; Lakeland Terriers from 137 to 134; Sussex Spaniels from 169 to 162; and Dandie Dinmont Terriers from 172 to 168.

Without further ado, here is the Top 10 Most Popular Dogs In The U.S.

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Golden Retriever

4. Beagle

5. Bulldog

6. Yorkshire Terrier

7. Boxer

8. Poodle

9. Rottweiler

10. Dachshund