Popular dogs: Labradors on top spot for 18th year

If there were any doubt, the Labrador retriever is the people's choice among purebred dogs for the 18th straight year, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

AKC said on Wednesday that more than twice as many Labs were registered in the US in 2008 as Yorkshire terriers - the No 2 dog on the list - which means the breed will probably retain its Most Popular Dog title for the indefinite future. The rest of the top 10 canines are German shepherd, golden retriever, beagle, boxer, dachshund, bulldog, poodle and shih tzu.

This word comes as the nation's new first family continues to mull its choice of a dog for the White House.