According to the American Kennel Club's annual rankings, labs were the most popular dog for the 24th year in a row in 2014.
While the lab holds strong, the bulldog has quietly crept up the list, landing this year at number four for the first time - its highest ranking in breed history. This gentle breed makes an excellent family companion with a natural tendency to form strong bonds with kids, an easy-to-care-for coat and minimal exercise needs.
Meanwhile, the popular French bulldog continues its quest for the number one spot, breaking into the top 10 for the first time in nearly 100 years this year at number nine.
"The lab truly is America's dog," AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo said. "But the lovable bulldog breeds are clamoring to dominate. Watch out for an upset next year."
German shepherds, golden retrievers and beagles round out the top five.
The dachshund was knocked out of the top 10 this year for the first time since 1985, landing at number 11.
And America's most popular aren't the only movers and shakers.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (aka "the 4-wheel drive of hunting dogs") made huge strides over the past decade, jumping 38 spots from 112 in 2004 to 74 in 2014.
Other breeds making double-digit gains over the past decade include the Havanese (from 52 in 2004 to 25 in 2014), the Border Collie (from 60 in 2004 to 39 in 2014), the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (from 118 in 2004 to 96 in 2014), and the Black and Tan Coonhound (from 140 in 2004 to 120 in 2014).
It was a different story locally, though, as the French bulldog seized the top spot in rankings of New York Citys most popular breeds. The Frenchie dethrones his cousin, the bulldog, who fell to number two.
The small but mighty Yorkshire terrier - once New York City's top dog - continues to fall out of favor with the Big Apple, dropping from sixth to eighth in 2014. Meanwhile, the Rottweiler jumped two spots to land as the sixth most popular breed.
"New York continues to be the city of the bulldog," DiNardo said. "Whether the adorable Frenchie or its sweet bulldog cousin, these mild-tempered companions make great pets for a variety of city dwellers."
New York City's top five breeds for 2014 are as follows: as compared to 2013 are ranked as follows:
1. French Bulldog
2. Bulldog
3. Labrador Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Golden Retriever
Here is the breakdown by neighborhood:
--Astoria: Bulldog
--Washington Heights: Italian greyhound
--Upper West Side: Labrador retriever
--Upper East Side: Cavalier King Charles spaniel
--Tribeca: French bulldog
--Riverdale: Yorkshire terrier
--Park Slope: French bulldog
--New Dorp: German Shepherd Dog
--Murray Hill: French bulldog
--Financial District: French bulldog
--East Village: French bulldog
--Chelsea: French bulldog