Americans love the Lab.

For the 18th consecutive year, the breed known for its pleasantness and intelligence tops American Kennel Club's 2008 list of most popular breeds in the country.

The Lab can likely walk a couple circles around the spot and lie down, too -- more than twice as many of them were registered last year than any other breed. It may as well get comfortable at No. 1.

In the winners' circle:

Cleveland
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Boxer
4. German Shepherd
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Shih Tzu
7. Bulldog
8. Poodle
9. Miniature Schnauzer
10. Doberman Pinscher
* As per registration data from Cleveland zip codes provided by USPS

Nationally
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Bulldog
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu

I'm intrigued that Clevelanders are more fond of the Miniature Schnauzer and Doberman Pinscher than the Beagle and Dachshund. In fact, it was just in the last year that the Doberman knocked the Dachshund out of 10th place.

Nationally, another noteworthy climb is the Bulldog, which advanced from 10th to 8th place this year, and made the list for the first time in seven decades only a year earlier.

For more cities' results, complete national listings, and a ranking history of the top breeds, visit the AKC's official Web site. Also, to meet the most exemplary members of the nation's favorite breeds, tune in to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship from 8 to 11 p.m. Sat., Jan. 31, on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

-- Sandra M. Klepach