Top Dog Breeds by City in 2008

The American Kennel Club (AKC) released their registration numbers for 2008 numbers allowing us to determine the top 10 breeds for the year. For the 18th year in a row, the Labrador retriever is once again America’s favorite purebred dog, according to registration numbers tallied by the American Kennel Club.

They also tallied top breeds by city for 50 US cities including Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Buffalo, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinatti, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, and Washington DC.

In reviewing these numbers by city, it is hard to draw any conclusions on why some cities prefer some dogs over other dogs. One might think that the warm-weather tolerant breeds might be more common in the South and outdoorsy dogs might be more common in the Midwestern cities. However, there seem to be no pattern to how these cities love their dogs!

The Top 10 Breeds of 2008 are:

1. Labrador retrievers
2. Yorkshire terriers
3. German shepherds
4. Golden retrievers
5. Beagles
6. Boxers
7. Dachshunds
8. Bulldog
9. Poodles
10. Shih Tzus

The Top Breeds by City include:

Atlanta’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Boxer
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Dachshund
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
8. Shih Tzu
9. Doberman Pinscher
10. Bulldog

Registration data pulled from Atlanta zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel which saw increase popularity in 2007 moving from seventh to fourth most popular breed, took a small down turn returning to seventh most popular breed in Atlanta for 2008,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The Bulldog, a national favorite, edged its way into Atlanta’s Top 10, moving from eleventh place.”

Austin’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Boxer
6. Dachshund
7. Bulldog
8. Miniature Schnauzer
9. Poodle
10. Doberman Pinscher

Registration data pulled from Austin zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Following the national trend, the Bulldog, made its way onto Austin’s Top 10 list, appearing in the number seven spot.” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Also notable, after dropping to twelfth place last year, the Miniature Schnauzer returns as one of Austin’s Top 10 breeds, in eighth place.”

Baltimore
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Boxer
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Bulldog
7. Pugs
8. Poodle
9. Chihuahua
10. Maltese

Registration data pulled from Baltimore zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Poodle and Pugs tied for 6th
“The Bulldog jumped from tenth to sixth most popular breed for 2008 in Baltimore,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Baltimore’s love of Toy breeds is demonstrated with two new additions to its Top 10 list, the Chihuahua, and the Maltese.”

Boston’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Bulldog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Boxer
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
8. Dachshund
9. Beagle
10. Boston Terrier/Pug

Registration data pulled from Boston zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Golden retriever and Yorkshire terrier tied for 4th
Dachshund and Cavalier tied for 7th
Beagle and Boston terrier tied for 9th
“The Bulldog’s popularity grew nationally as well as in Boston, rising from sixth most popular breed to third place,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Also noteworthy, the Boston Terrier, named after the city, and affectionately called the (American Gentleman) tied with the Pug and Beagle for ninth place.”

Buffalo’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Boxer
5. Dachshund
6. Poodle
7. Bulldog
8. Shih Tzu
9. Chihuahua
10. Rottweiler/Yorkshire Terrier

Registration data pulled from Buffalo zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“The Bulldog will be keeping Buffaloians warm this winter” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “This lovable breed muscled its way onto Buffalo’s Top 10 this year, rising eight spots to seventh place.”

Charlotte’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Boxer
6. Rottweiler
7. Bulldog
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Doberman Pinscher

Registration data pulled from Charlotte zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Dachshund and Poodle tied for 8th
“While not on the Top 10 list nationally both the Rottweiler and the Doberman Pinscher made their mark as the sixth and tenth most popular breeds in Charlotte respectively,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The Bulldog also made a quite an entrance, being ranked sixteenth in 2007, and now becoming Charlotte’s seventh most popular breed.”

Chicago’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Boxer
5. Bulldog
6. Golden Retriever
7. Rottweiler
8. Dachshund
9. Boston Terriers
10. Shih Tzu/Vizsla

Registration data pulled from Chicago zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“For the second year on the Chicago Top 10 list is the Vizsla, a Hungarian hunting dog and member of the sporting group. This unique breed ranks forty-forth nationally but is consistently more popular in the Windy City,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “There was also an increase in popularity of the Bulldog, which jumped from eighth to fifth place this year on Chicago’s Top 10 list.”

Cincinnati’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Boxer
3. Golden Retriever
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. German Shepherd Dog
6. Bulldog
7. Poodle
8. Shih Tzu
9. Pug
10. Dachshund

Registration data pulled from Cincinnati zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“The Pug regained its spot in Cincinnati’s Top 10 after falling to nineteenth place in 2007,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The Boxer took over second place on the local list, knocking the German Shepherd from second place in 2007 to fifth.”

Cleveland’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Boxer
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Shih Tzu
7. Bulldog
8. Poodle
9. Miniature Schnauzer
10. Doberman Pinscher

Registration data pulled from Cleveland zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“The breeds included in Cleveland’s 2008 Top 10 are nearly the same as those on their 2007 list, with the exception of the Doberman Pinscher replacing the Dachshund in tenth place,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Cleveland citizens continue to remain dedicated to their perennial favorites.”

Columbus’ Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Boxer
5. Golden Retriever
6. Poodle
7. Bulldog
8. Miniature Schnauzer
9. Dachshund
10. Doberman Pinscher/Pug

Registration data pulled from Columbus zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Miniature Schnauzer and Bulldog tied with for 7

“The Bulldog has mimicked the national trend by moving up two spots to rank seventh in Columbus this year,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The Yorkshire Terrier has also risen three spots to the third ranking, nearly matching its nationwide position.”

Dallas’ Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Bulldog
6. Boxer
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
8. Dachshund
9. Miniature Schnauzer
10. Rottweiler

Registration data pulled from Dallas zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Dachshund and Miniature Schnauzer tied for # 7

“The belief that everything is bigger in Texas holds true for the Dallas registration statistics this year,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Smaller breeds like the Yorkie and Cavalier have moved down the list, while the German Shepherd (up two spots from 2007) and Bulldog (up six spots from 2007) have gained popularity.”

Denver’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Bulldog
5. Boxer
6. Poodle
7. Yorkshire Terrier
8. Dachshund
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
10. Rottweiler

Registration data pulled from Denver zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Active, outdoorsy Denver residents appreciate the same sporty qualities in their dogs, so their Top 10 features manly Sporting and Working breeds such as the Lab, Boxer Rottweiler, and German Shorthaired Pointer,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “These are great dogs to take on long walks or hikes – only the Yorkshire Terrier is meant solely for companionship.”

Des Moines’ Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Boxer
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Poodle
6. Bulldog
7. Mastiff
8. Miniature Schnauzer
9. Rottweiler
10. Cocker Spaniel

Registration data pulled from Des Moines zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Mastiff and Bulldog tied for 6th
Rottweiler and Cocker Spaniedl tied for 9th
“After rising in popularity nationally the Bulldog finally makes its appearance on Des Moines’ Top 10 list by jumping from fourteenth place in 2007 to sixth most popular breed in 2008,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “While the Yorkshire Terrier ranks second nationally, the breed is not on Des Moines’ list, ranking only twenty-fifth in the city.”

Detroit’s Top Dogs
1. German Shepherd Dog
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Labrador Retriever
4. Rottweiler
5. Shih Tzu
6. Golden Retriever
7. Poodle
8. Cocker Spaniel
9. Bullmastiff
10. Bulldog /Pomeranian

Registration data pulled from Detroit zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Detroit has caught up to the rest of the nation’s Bulldog craze,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The Bulldog leapt from twentieth in 2007 to the tenth spot this year. Otherwise, Detroit remains devoted to traditionally hard-working breeds such as the German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Bullmastiff, and remains one of the few cities that does not feature the Lab in its top spot.”

Minneapolis-St.Paul’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Boxer
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. English Springer Spaniel
6. Yorkshire Terrier
7. Poodle
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
9. Rottweiler
10. Brittany

Registration data pulled from Minneapolis zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“While Minneapolis-St. Paul keeps the nation’s two most popular Sporting dogs in the top positions, it also added the Brittany and English Springer Spaniel – which are an unusual pair to see on any urban city’s Top 10 list,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Plus, with the Rottweiler and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel also quite popular, there is no room for national favorites like the Beagle, Dachshund, Bulldog or Shih Tzu.”

Nashville’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Poodle
4. Bulldog
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Boxer
7. Golden Retriever
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
9. Miniature Schnauzer
10. Dachshund

Registration data pulled from Nashville zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Music city is still singing the praises of the Labrador Retriever,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “However the Poodle has inched up and switched places – from third to seventh – with the Golden Retriever. Also the Bulldog, which was eleventh in Nashville last year, has made a big leap forward into fourth place.”
“The lively Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another local favorite,” added Peterson. “While increasingly popular nationwide, it ranks twenty-fifth nationally but eighth in Nashville.”

New Orleans’ Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Boxer
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Beagle
6. Dachshund
7. Bulldog
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Miniature Schnauzer/ Rottweiler

Registration data pulled from New Orleans zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“The Golden Retriever, a long time national favorite, disappeared from the New Orleans Top 10 after appearing sixth on last year’s Top 10,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The Doberman Pinscher also disappeared from the Top 10 with the addition of the Bulldog, Shih Tzu and Miniature Schnauzer indicating that the ‘Big Easy’ is trending towards smaller dogs.”

New York City’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Poodle
3. Dachshund
4. French Bulldog
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
7. Golden Retriever
8. Havanese
9. Shih Tzu**
10. Bulldog

Registration data pulled from Manhattan zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Shih Tzu and Havanese tied for #8
“Up to second place from fifth in just one year, the Poodle has really pulled ahead in Manhattan, yet the loveable Labrador still can’t be beat,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Despite its heritage as a working dog, Labs make a great pet for many active families, even those who live in the ultimate concrete jungle.”

Oklahoma City’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Miniature Schnauzer
4. Boxer
5. Bulldog
6. Dachshund
7. German Shepherd Dog
8. Shih Tzu
9. Golden Retriever
10. Chihuahua

Registration data pulled from Oklahoma City zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Labrador and Yorkshire terrier tied for #1
“For the past two years the nation’s two top breeds, the Labrador Retriever and the Yorkshire Terrier have been swapping first and second place in Oklahoma City, but in 2008 they tied for first place,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Equally big news is the Bulldog jumped halfway up the list from tenth to fifth. While the Poodle dropped off the list this year, the Miniature Schnauzer remains at third, one of the highest rankings for this breed among the 50 top cities. Along with the Chihuahua, these two breeds are the only ones in Oklahoma City not found on the national Top 10.

Omaha’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Boxer
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Bulldog
6. Golden Retriever
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
8. Rottweiler
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu

Registration data pulled from Omaha zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
German Shepherd and Yorkshire terrier tied for #3
“Despite the rise of the Yorkshire Terrier up three spots to tie for third with the German Shepherd Dog, Omaha continues to embrace larger breeds known for their working and sporting abilities,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “New breeds to the Top 10 list include the Rottweiler, Poodle and Shih Tzu as well as perennial favorites like the German Shorthaired Pointer. The Boxer continues to be extremely popular in Omaha ranking in the second spot for the second consecutive year.”

Orlando’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Bulldog
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Maltese
6. Dachshund
7. Chihuahua
8. Golden Retriever
9. Boxer
10. Pomeranian

Registration data pulled from Orlando zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“The Labrador regained Orlando’s top spot in 2008 after being overtaken by the Yorkie in 2007,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Still, Orlando loves its portable pooches even more than the rest of the nation, with the Maltese, Dachshund, Chihuahua and Pomeranian all in the city’s Top 10.”

Philadelphia’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Boxer
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Bulldog
6. Rottweiler
7. Golden Retriever
8. Poodle
9. Pug
10. Doberman Pinscher

Registration data pulled from Philadelphia zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Working breeds are popular among Philadelphians with the Boxer highest on the list in third place – perhaps as a tribute to hometown hero and boxing brethren ‘Rocky.’ Rottweilers made big gains from ninth in 2007 to sixth in 2008 along with the Doberman Pinscher which debuted this year on the list in tenth place,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Smaller breeds with loveable mugs such as Pugs and Bulldogs, at ninth and fifth respectively, remain favorites in the City of Brotherly Love while the smallest breed on the list, the Yorkshire Terrier made a big leap from fifth to second place proving that you don’t have to be a tough guy to capture hearts in Philly.”

Phoenix’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Chihuahua
6. Shih Tzu
7. Dachshund
8. Bulldog
9. Boxer
10. Poodle

Registration data pulled from Phoenix zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Bucking the national trend, the Bulldog dropped in popularity from seventh locally in 2007 to match its national spot in eighth place and the Golden Retriever made a huge leap of three spots to third place locally, one above its national ranking at fourth place,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Smaller breeds took a tumble in Phoenix with the Yorkshire Terrier falling two spots to fourth and the Dachshund dropping from fourth to seventh. The Chihuahua, which just missed the national Top 10 at eleventh place, continues in fifth place locally for the second consecutive year.”

Pittsburgh’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Boxer
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Beagle
7. Bulldog
8. Poodle
9. Pug
10. Rottweiler

Registration data pulled from Pittsburgh zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“No frou-frou for the Steel City – Pittsburgh’s top breeds are serious working dogs,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “When compared to the national list, the breeds meant solely for companionship, such as the Yorkie, fall lower in the city’s Top 10.”

Portland’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Chihuahua
3. Golden Retriever
4. Poodle
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. German Shepherd Dog
7. Dachshund
8. Pug
9. Havanese
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Registration data pulled from Portland zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Dachshund and Pug tied for #7
“Portland has the highest percentage of small breeds on their local Top 10 of any other big city in the nation, even keeping the nationally ranked Bulldog off their list at twelfth place. Four of the local Top 10, all smaller breeds, don’t even make the national list including the popular Havanese, Pug, Chihuahua, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from the Toy group,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Add to that the Chihuahua’s second place finish, jumping three spots from 2007, it’s easy to see that Portland’s love affair with pint-sized pooches can’t be beat anywhere in the country.”

Providence’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Chihuahua
3. Golden Retriever
4. Poodle
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. German Shepherd Dog
7. Dachshund
8. Pug
9. Havanese
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Registration data pulled from Portland zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Dachshund and pug tied for #7
“Portland has the highest percentage of small breeds on their local Top 10 of any other big city in the nation, even keeping the nationally ranked Bulldog off their list at twelfth place. Four of the local Top 10, all smaller breeds, don’t even make the national list including the popular Havanese, Pug, Chihuahua, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from the Toy group,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Add to that the Chihuahua’s second place finish, jumping three spots from 2007, it’s easy to see that Portland’s love affair with pint-sized pooches can’t be beat anywhere in the country.”

Raleigh’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Beagle
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Poodle
7. Boxer
8. Dachshund
9. Shetland Sheepdog
10. Shih Tzu

Registration data pulled from Raleigh zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Dachshund and Shetland Sheepdog tied for #8
“Raleigh remains a city devoted to its larger family-friendly breeds with the top three – Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Dog remaining in the same spots as last year. Other child-friendly breeds made gains with the Beagle rising two spots to fourth place and the Shetland Sheepdog making its Top 10 debut tied at eighth place,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Smaller breeds, like the Yorkshire Terrier and the Dachshund held steady at fifth and eighth respectively while the Shih Tzu dropped to tenth and the Maltese fell off the list completely. Surprisingly, for the second year in a row, the Bulldog while making strides on the national list remains off the Top 10 at thirteenth place locally.”

Sacramento’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Shih Tzu
6. Bulldog
7. Dachshund
8. Miniature Pinscher
9. Rottweiler
10. Cocker Spaniel

Registration data pulled from Sacramento zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Miniature Pinscher and Rottweiler tied for # 8
“While the top four breeds mirror the national list, the rest of Top 10 shows just how independent thinking Northern Californians can be with the Miniature Pinscher and Rottweiler tied for eight place followed by the Cocker Spaniel debuting at tenth place, none of which are ranked nationally in the Top 10,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Sacramento residents even traded the popular Poodle and Boxer off the list and elevated the Shih Tzu to fifth place followed by the Bulldog at sixth.”

Salt Lake City’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Shih Tzu
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Golden Retriever
6. Miniature Schnauzer
7. Dachshund
8. Poodle
9. Boxer
10. Boston Terrier

Registration data pulled from Salt Lake City zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Dachshund and poodle tied for # 7
“The citizens of Salt Lake City favor their small companion dogs,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund and Boston Terrier are all easy travelers, a great fit for families and singles alike.”

San Antonio’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Bulldog
5. Miniature Schnauzer
6. Golden Retriever
7. Boxer
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Chihuahua

Registration data pulled from San Antonio zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever and the Boxer as well as the nationally popular Bulldog all leapt two spots to land at sixth, seventh, and fourth place respectively on San Antonio’s Top 10 list,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Once again the nationally ranked Shih Tzu failed to make the local Top 10 while the Miniature Schnauzer remained at fifth place, far above its national ranking at eleventh place. However, the twelfth-ranked Chihuahua remained a local favorite at tenth place for the second consecutive year.”

San Diego’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Bulldog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Dachshund
6. Miniature Pinscher
7. German Shepherd Dog
8. Poodle**
9. Shih Tzu
10. French Bulldog

Registration data pulled from San Diego zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
German Shepherd and Poodle tied for #7
“San Diego appears to mirror the rest of the country when it comes to its favorite dogs,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “But, we are happy to see the Miniature Pinscher and French Bulldog make an appearance on the Top 10 in Southern California’s largest coastal city.”

San Francisco’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Bulldog
4. Golden Retriever
5. French Bulldog
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
7. Poodle
8. German Shepherd Dog
9. Maltese
10. Rottweilers

Registration data pulled from San Francisco zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Maltese and Rottweilers tied for #9
“San Franciscans seem to be moving their preferences from petite pooches to larger breeds,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The city by the bay added the German Shepherd and Rottweiler to its Top Ten while smaller breeds, such as the Pug and Dachshund, dropped in popularity.”

San Jose’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Boxer
6. Bulldog
7. Chihuahua
8. Maltese
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu

Registration data pulled from San Jose zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Despite the fact that perennial favorites such as the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever still stand firm in San Jose, it’s clear that residents love their petite pooches,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “At least half of their Top 10 breeds are small. The Poodle, which includes the Toy variety, also entered the Top 10 this year to land in ninth place.”

Seattle’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Poodle
5. Pug
6. Dachshund
7. Bulldog
8. Pomeranian
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
10. Yorkshire Terrier

Registration data pulled from Seattle zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Pomeranian and Bulldog tied for #7
Cavalier and Yorkshire terrier tied for #9
“Seattle residents favor the portable, apartment-friendly breeds such as the Pomeranian, Pug, and Dachshund,” AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson said. “However, the German Shepherd made the largest leap on the Emerald City’s Top 10 list, rising seven spots to third place.”

St. Louis’ Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Boxer
4. Golden Retriever
5. Bulldog
6. Poodle
7. Shih Tzu
8. Yorkshire Terrier
9. Rottweiler
10. Great Dane

Registration data pulled from St. Louis zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“St. Louis is the only major city to have the Great Dane in its Top 10,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “This gentle giant breed ranks twenty-second nationally. And, other than the Rottweiler, the rest of St. Louis’ list is pretty consistent with the rest of the nation.”

Tampa’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Dachshund
5. Boxer
6. Bulldog
7. Golden Retriever
8. Poodle
9. Rottweiler
10. Chihuahua/Pug

Registration data pulled from Tampa zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Tampa has made room on its list for the Chihuahua and Pug — tied for tenth place,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “While very popular nationally these two Toy breeds, along with the Rottweiler, have displaced the Beagle and Shih Tzu in comparison to the national Top 10.”

Tucson’s Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Dachshund
6. Shih Tzu
7. Bulldog
8. Boxer
9. Poodle
10. Chihuahua

Registration data pulled from Tucson zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
“Tucson is pretty consistent with the rest of the country in terms of their love for versatile Sporting dogs such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “However, residents proved that Tucson does have its own preferences by including the Chihuahua on their local Top 10 list and relegating the fifth most popular breed nationally, the beagle, to fourteenth place locally.”

Washington, DC
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Poodle
6. Pug
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
8. Boxer
9. Bulldog
10. Shih Tzu/ Cocker Spaniel

Registration data pulled from Washington, D.C. zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
Yorkshire tied with #2
Bulldog tied with #8
“While Obama focuses on the Portuguese Water Dog as potential “first dog” Washingtonians are casting their votes for the more traditional Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Residents of the nation’s capital also saw a rise in a popular Sporting dog, the Cocker Spaniel. This family-friendly breed makes a great pet for active families – in fact, it was ranked number one nationwide for 25 years.”

Data from akc.org – at http://www.akc.org/reg/topdogsbycity.cfm