The Labrador is a man's best friend

The Labrador is the breed that man loves the best.

Dogs may be a man’s best pal, but when it comes to the breed that people are the fondest of, the Labrador has absolutely no competition.

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According to figures from The Kennel Club, Labradors have turned out to be the most popular breed in the UK thanks to their good temper, and friendly nature.

Coming in close on the Labrador retriever’s heels was another breed known for its friendly behaviour - the Cocker spaniel.

Third place went to the English springer spaniel, while the top five was rounded off by the German shepherd and the Staffordshire bull terrier, which came in fourth and fifth respectively.

Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, said 45,000 Labradors found a place in homes in the UK in 2006 alone, and added that the overall upswing in the number of registrations received for pedigree dogs was encouraging.

"The number of registrations received for pedigree dogs in 2006 is very encouraging and emphasises just how much joy and happiness pedigree dogs can bring to owners," The Scotsman quoted her, as saying.

The list for the top 10 breeds, as per The Kennel Club is:

1. Labrador retriever

2. Cocker spaniel

3. English springer spaniel

4. German shepherd

5. Staffordshire bull terrier

6. King Charles spaniel

7. Golden retriever

8. West Highland white terrier

9. Boxer

10. Border terrier