What is the best dog breed? The most popular pooches in US since 1880

The American Kennel Club has been tracking the popularity of purebred dogs for 128 years as the number of recognized breeds grew from nine to 177. Here's of the country's most popular dog breeds by the decade, according to data released by the AKC:

8. 1950s: Beagles

Associated Press
A beagle puppy named Shiloh rests during a news conference at the American Kennel Club in New York, Jan. 30, 2013.

The beagle becomes the nation's top breed for most of the decade. Charles Schultz's Snoopy makes his first appearance in national newspapers on Oct. 4, 1950.

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