Labrador retrievers still most popular local breed

They’ve been man’s top best friend across U.S. for 27 straight years.

Atlantans still love their Labrador retrievers.

The even-tempered dogs known for being gentle and intelligent have remained the most popular breed in the nation for the 27th year in a row, according to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) 2017 rankings of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.

Labs have been on top since 1991 when they unseated cocker spaniels from the No. 1 slot.

Not only are Labs most popular in Atlanta, they claimed the top billing in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Raleigh, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

In fact, the top dogs haven’t changed much with one exception. Bulldogs moved up to number five in Atlanta, booting the Cavalier King Charles spaniel out of the top five for 2017.

“The Labrador retriever held strongly to the No. 1 spot in Atlanta,” said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo in a statement. “But the bulldog is certainly pawing its way up the ranks, landing only one place behind its cousin, the French bulldog.”

Other breeds moving up in Atlanta are Yorkshire terriers, boxers and Rottweilers which

all claimed spots in the top ten.

Here are the top 5 dog breeds in Atlanta:

■ Labrador retriever

■ Golden retriever

■ German shepherd

■ French bulldog

■ bulldog

The list pretty much mirrors national preferences, except German shepherds rank higher across the country than in Atlanta.

Here are the most popular breeds nationwide for 2017:

■ Labrador retriever

■ German shepherd

■ Golden retriever

■ French bulldog

■ bulldog

The French bulldog made the biggest moves in 2017, jumping two spots to No. 4 in the national rankings and knocking the beagle out of the top five for the first time in 20 years.

AJC FILE Not only are Labs most popular in Atlanta, they claimed the top billing in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Raleigh, Seattle and Washington, D.C.