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AKC: Labrador Retriever America's Number 1 Dog

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The American Kennel Club says the Labrador Retriever is America's top dog for the 21st straight year in a row.

AKC released its top 10 list of the most popular breeds in America on Tuesday. Spokeswoman Lisa Peterson says it's the lab's versatility that has kept it in the top spot for more than two decades.

"It can be a wonderful family companion, it can be an excellent working dog. It's a popular K-9 law enforcement dog, you see them as search and rescue dogs, as service dogs," she said. "Because the lab can do so many things so well, it clearly makes it a favorite among dog owners."

The German Shepherd took the number two spot on the list followed the Beagle, which beat out the Yorkshire Terrier for third place.

In a big surprise, Peterson says the Rottweiler made the top 10 for the first time in more than a decade.

"I think it just reflects the national trend that people are moving towards larger dogs."

Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Boxers, Poodles and Dachshunds are also among America's favorite breeds.

To see the full list, click here.

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