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Labrador Retrievers Crowned America's Most Popular Dog Breed For 25th Year In A Row

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Labrador retrievers still reign supreme after a quarter century as America's most prevalent purebred dog. But French bulldogs are riding their je ne sais quoi toward new heights, and some lesser-known breeds are climbing the popularity ladder.

That's according to the American Kennel Club, which released its annual breed rankings Monday.

Labs have held the top spot for longer than any other breed since the AKC started counting in the 1880s.

German shepherds, golden retrievers, bulldogs and beagles fill out the top five. After that come French bulldogs, Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Rottweilers and boxers.

"French bulldogs are rising in popularity, it's undeniable," AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo told 1010 WINS. "It's risen over 32 spots in the past decade and they are this year number six, and they were up three spots from last year."

DiNardo says the list shows Americans "like easy-to-care-for, fun family dogs,'' whether big or small.

The rankings reflect puppies and other newly registered dogs belonging to some 184 AKC-recognized breeds.

The top five breeds in New York City are French bulldogs, bulldogs, labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and Yorkshire terriers.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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