Labrador retriever keeps top dog spot

NEW YORK, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The American Kennel Club in New York said the Labrador retriever topped its list of the country's most popular dogs for the 22nd consecutive year.

The club released its statistics Wednesday on NBC's "Today" show, revealing the Labrador is the nation's top dog for the 22nd straight year, with German shepherds taking second.

The group said the top 10 breeds also include golden retrievers, Rottweilers, boxers and poodles.

"Bigger breeds are making their move," AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson said. "The popularity of the pint-sized, portable pooch just gave way to a litter of larger breeds in the top 10. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love."

Small breeds still had a presence on the list, with beagles and Yorkshire terriers putting in top 10 appearances.