Canadian Kennel Club Reveals Canada’s Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2019 

Labrador Retriever continues to fetch top spot for the 25th year in a row 
Bulldog muscles its way back into number ten spot 

Toronto, ON (October 10, 2020) - Is your pup considered popular? The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada, is thrilled to announce the top ten most popular dog breeds of 2019. 

Unsurprisingly, the Canadian breed, the Labrador Retriever continues to fetch the top spot for the 25th consecutive year! Labs originated in Newfoundland and are known for their gentle disposition, intelligence, and eager-to-please nature, making them a top-choice for service, rescue, and therapy work. 

“The versatility and friendliness of the Lab makes for the perfect addition to the family!” says Paul Pobega, President of the Labrador Retriever Club of Canada (LRCC). “From retrieving in fields, obedience, swimming, hunting, to being a couch potato—they can do it all!” Pobega adds that those considering purchasing a Labrador Retriever should keep in mind their training, socialization and exercise needs. 

The Labrador Retriever, the intelligent German Shepherd, the family-friendly Golden Retriever and the elegant Poodle have held the top four spots since 1999. 

For over a decade, the dependable Bernese Mountain Dog has been a CKC top 10 favourite breed. In 2019, this family companion and protector moved up from number 9 to the number 8 spot. 

Smaller breeds continue to make their way onto the top 10 list, likely due to their compact size and ability to adapt to urban and suburban living. The Bulldog muscles its way back into the number 10 spot, ahead of the Portuguese Waterdog, which made the top 10 list in 2019 for the first time in CKC history. In addition, the Havanese continues to steadily move up the ranks. In 2000, this charming and intelligent breed sat at number 57 and jumped up to number 6 by 2018. 

“Large or small, dogs are as unique as their owners, so it’s important to choose a breed that fits with your family and lifestyle,” says Lance Novak, CKC Executive Director. “The Canadian Kennel Club is here to help you find a dog that is right for you.”

 Here are the CKC Top 10 most popular dogs for 2019: 

1. Labrador Retriever 
2. German Shepherd Dog    
3. Golden Retriever  
4. Poodle 
5. French Bulldog
6. Shetland Sheepdog 
7. Havanese 
8. Bernese Mountain Dog  
9. Australian Shepherd
10. Bulldog

   For information and support in helping you find your new best friend, visit ckc.ca and be sure to check out available purebred puppies from CKC member breeders at thepuppylist.ca.  

About the Canadian Kennel Club 
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada and currently recognizes 175 breeds. As a non-profit organization, the CKC is dedicated to encouraging, guiding, and advancing the interests of purebred dogs and their responsible owners and breeders in Canada and promoting the knowledge and understanding of the benefits which dogs can bring to Canadian society. 

The club includes almost 18,000 individual members and over 600 breed clubs across Canada. The Club registers purebred dogs, regulates dog shows and performance events, and speaks out on major issues concerning dog ownership and the health and welfare of dogs across Canada. 

Media Contact: 
Sarah McDowell 
Manager, Government and External Relations 
The Canadian Kennel Club 
smcdowell@ckc.ca

CKC Top 10 News Release