Top Dog Breeds by City in 2009

This year the AKC celebrates its 126th anniversary and for the 19th 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. The AKC released the figures and, as in past years, the Labrador far outstrips the other dogs in the top 10.

They also tallied top breeds by city for 50 US cities including Albany, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Buffalo, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinatti, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Fort Worth, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Long Beach, Long Island, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, New York City, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, Washington DC, and West Palm Beach.

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 2009 are:

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

The Top Breeds by City include:

Albany's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Pekingese
5. Bulldog/Pomeranian/Yorkshire Terrier**

*Registration data pulled from Albany zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service** Tied for 5th (2009)
"Despite the Labrador Retriever's continued reign in Albany, New York's capital city is now experiencing a takeover of the toy breeds," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "In 2009, the Pekingese moved up five places to secure the city's fourth spot while the Yorkshire Terrier made a huge leap and the Pekingese re-entered the Capital District's top dogs list, with the two tying for the fifth spot."

Albuquerque's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Poodle
4. Bulldog
5. Yorkshire Terrier

* Registration data pulled from Albuquerque zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service. Tied for 2nd (2009)
"The registration trends in Albuquerque generally mimic the national trends, with several breeds on the rise in the Duke City," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The German Shepherd Dog tied the Poodle to move into second place, while the Bulldog gained two spots to obtain the fourth ranking. Only the Golden Retriever, ranked fourth nationally, made a poor showing in Albuquerque – the breed plummeted to thirteenth place locally."

Atlanta's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Boxer
5. Yorkshire Terrier

* Registration data pulled from Atlanta zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Atlanta has remained loyal to its favorite dogs over the past two years, with the same breeds remaining in the top five," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The German Shepherd Dog and Boxer have also tussled playfully in their rankings since 2007, but this year, the German Shepherd Dog triumphed."

Austin's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Dachshund

* Registration data pulled from Austin zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"After Austin's top five remained static in 2007 and 2008, last year brought changes to the Live Music Capital of the World's list," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier and Dachshund gained ground in the rankings – music to the ears of small dog enthusiasts in Austin."

Baltimore's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Boxer
4. Golden Retriever
5. German Shepherd Dog /Poodle/Rottweiler**

* Registration data pulled from Baltimore zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service ** Tied for 5th (2009)
"The charming Yorkshire Terrier leapt three spots to fifth place on the Charm City's top dogs list, dethroning some perennial favorites in the process," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "In 2009, the Top 5 also saw the rise of two hard-working breeds with jobs – the Poodle and the Rottweiler – perhaps reflecting the nose to the grindstone nature of Baltimore."

Boston's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Bulldog
4. Boxer
5. Golden Retriever

* Registration data pulled from Boston zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The Yorkshire Terrier fell out of the Top 5 in popularity in Beantown, leaving five large, family-friendly breeds in its place," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Especially notable is the Portuguese Water Dog's large jump in popularity – from twenty-third to seventh – perhaps due to the late Senator Edward Kennedy, who championed the breed, and the popularity of the Obama family's "Bo," the new First Dog."

Buffalo's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Rottweiler
5. Poodle

* Registration data pulled from Buffalo zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The city of Buffalo seems to favor large, active breeds, with the Rottweiler's rise in the rankings from tenth to fourth especially notable," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Bulldog, however, dropped from seventh to thirteenth in 2009, despite the breed being on the rise nationally."

Charlotte's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Bulldog

* Registration data pulled from Charlotte zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Charlotteans remain steady in their breed preferences, with the same dogs in their Top 4 again this year," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Notably, the Bulldog moved into the city's Top 5 from seventh place in 2008, mimicking the breed's continued national rise."

Chicago's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Bulldog
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Golden Retriever

* Registration data pulled from Chicago zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Although its top two breeds are standing strong, Chicagoans remain ahead of the national trend with local favorite the Bulldog in the third spot," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Its short, stocky body was practically made to withstand the weather in the Windy City!"

Cincinnati's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Boxer

Registration data pulled from Cincinnati zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Cincy's Top 5 breeds remained static over the year, with only the German Shepherd Dog and Boxer swapping spots," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The German Shepherd's jump to second mirrors its national rise as well."

Cleveland's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Boxer
4. Bulldog
5. Golden Retriever/Yorkshire Terrier

Registration data pulled from Cleveland zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Breeds on the rise nationally also gained ground in Cleveland this year," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Bulldog inserted itself into the city's Top 5, and Clevelanders launched the German Shepherd Dog into the second most popular spot.Columbus' Top Dogs

1. German Shepherd Dog
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Bulldog
4. Boxer
5. Yorkshire Terrier

Registration data pulled from Columbus zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service Tied for 4th (2009)
"The German Shepherd Dog beat out the Labrador Retriever to reign supreme in Columbus," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "This culminates its steady rise up the charts – from third in 2007, second in 2008 and now first in 2009. The Bulldog also gained four spots to rank in third place, echoing the breed's national rise."

Dallas' Top Dogs 1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. BulldogRegistration data pulled from Dallas zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The Yorkshire Terrier gained ground to become Dallas' third most popular breed," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "While a small package, the Yorkshire Terrier offers a big personality, which may account for this tiny terrier's presence on a list surrounded by sizable dogs such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog and Bulldog."Denver's Top Dogs 1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Bulldog
5. BoxerRegistration data pulled from Denver zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Denver dog owners remained consistent with their canine choices in 2009," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Dogs in the top five – such as the Lab, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Boxer – are canine companions that reflect the active lifestyle so many Denver residents enjoy."## Des Moines' Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Boxer
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Mastiff
5. Yorkshire Terrier

Registration data pulled from Des Moines zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service** Tied for 4th (2009)
"Proving that dog owners in Des Moines love all canines, both big and small, the Mastiff and Yorkie are new to the top 5 this year," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "However the Golden Retriever and Poodle, both top 10 breeds nationally, dropped in popularity – from third and fifth place, respectively, in 2008 to a tie for eleventh last year."

Detroit's Top Dogs

1. German Shepherd Dog
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Rottweiler
4. Shih Tzu
5. Poodle

Registration data pulled from Detroit zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Proving that the Motor City follows its own trends, the lovable Lab – ranked the most popular breed nationally for the past 19 years – dropped from third place in 2008 to the thirteenth most popular breed in Detroit last year," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.

Fort Worth's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Bulldog
5. Boxer

* Registration data pulled from Fort Worth zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Fort Worth dog owners continue to remain dedicated to their perennial favorites," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Their choice of top breeds also mimics national trends with the Lab, German Shepherd and Yorkie all in the top three."

Honolulu's Top Dogs

1. German Shepherd Dog
2. Labrador Retriever 3. Chihuahua
4. Pomeranian
5. Dachshund/Golden Retriever *

* Registration data pulled from Honolulu zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service** Tied for #1 (2009)Tied for #5 (2009)
"The German Shepherd continued its rise in popularity to tie the beloved Lab for Honolulu's top spot this year," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "This culminates the German Shepherd's steady rise – from sixth in 2007 and second in 2008 up the charts. Other breeds that stood out from the rest of the nation include the Maltese, ranked twenty-first nationally, is Honolulu's eighth most popular breed this year and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, ranked twenty-fifth nationally, is the tenth most popular breed in Honolulu."

Houston's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Bulldog
5. Boxer

* Registration data pulled from Houston zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Houston's top dogs mimic the national trends for the most part," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "However, the Beagle, the fifth most popular breed in the nation, only ranks 17th among Houston dog owners."

Indianapolis Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Boxer
5. Golden Retriever

* Registration data pulled from Indianapolis zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Just like the "Colts" on their way to the Super Bowl, the Boxer rushed from seventh place to become the fourth most popular breed in Indianapolis," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Bulldog disappeared from the city's top five in 2009 despite its increase in popularity in the nation."

Jacksonville's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Bulldog
4. Poodle
5. German Shepherd Dog

* Registration data pulled from Jacksonville's zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The German Shepherd Dog bucked the national trend and slipped 2 places locally to fifth," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Bulldog in keeping with its national ascent jumped from sixth place to third in Jacksonville. Also, making that three-slot leap was the Poodle from seventh to fourth place."

Kansas City's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog **
3. Boxer
4. Bulldog
5. Yorkshire Terrier

* Registration data pulled from Kansas City's zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service** Tied for 1st in 2009..
"While the Lab stayed top dog in Kansas City in 2009 the German Shepherd also leapt to the position to make it a tie for 2009. the remaining top breeds all splashed around for a new position in the city known for having more fountains than any other city in the world except Rome, Italy," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.

Las Vegas Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Bulldog
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Shih Tzu
5. Golden Retriever

* Registration data pulled from Las Vegas' zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"In the "Entertainment Capital of the World" it appears the Labrador Retriever maintains top billing," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Bulldog and German Shepherd Dog continue as opening acts at second and third respectively, but it looks like the Shih Tzu and Golden Retriever have captured headlines in 2009 by breaking into the Top 5."

Little Rock's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Boxer

* Registration data pulled from Little Rock's zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Little Rock's dog lovers may not have chosen many little breeds in their top 5, but they certainly chose petite breeds overall with their 8 of their top 20 breeds all falling in the small category such as the Shih Tzu at number 20 and the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Boston Terrier and others between the Yorkshire Terrier at number three," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.

Long Beach's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Bulldog
4. French Bulldog
5. Yorkshire Terrier

* Registration data pulled from Long Beach zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The French Bulldog is an unusual favorite of Long Beach residents, ranked fourth in Long Beach but only twenty-fourth nationally," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The German Shepherd Dog rose to second in the city for 2009, however, mirroring the national rankings."

Long Island's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Shih Tzu
5. Yorkshire Terrier

*Registration data pulled from Long Island zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"While Long Island favors large breeds for its top three, the Yorkshire Terrier replaced the Rottweiler on Long Island's 2009 list of popular breeds," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Four of Long Island's most popular breeds are also ranked in the nation's top five, showing that the area is keeping with the national trend."

Los Angeles Top Dogs

1. Bulldog
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Yorkshire Terrier

* Registration data pulled from Los Angeles zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Angelenos pride themselves on their uniqueness and originality, and they lived up to that by making L.A. the only city to have the Bulldog rank as most popular dog," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Despite the top four dogs being large breeds, a number of smaller pooches fill out the Top 10, including the Yorkie, Maltese, French Bulldog and Poodle, perhaps due to their prevalence as companions to the stars."

Louisville's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Boxer
4. Poodle
5. Golden Retriever

* Registration data pulled from Louisville's zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"In a stunning come from behind finish for 2009, the Poodle earned fourth place in a dead heat with the Golden Retriever after starting in tenth and ninth places respectively in 2008," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Louisville dog owners don't pick the favorites either with national top breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, Beagle, Dachshund and Bulldog not even placing in the top 5 locally."

Memphis Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Beagle
4. Golden Retriever
5. Boxer

* Registration data pulled from Memphis zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Memphisians have declared the German Shepherd Dog as "The King" of dog breeds. Its number one spot locally even surpassed the breed's ascent to its national second place ranking in 2009," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Other breeds in waiting include the Rottweiler and Shih Tzu which dethroned the Golden Retriever and the Boxer in the Top 5."

Miami's Top Dogs

1. German Shepherd Dog
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Rottweiler
4. Labrador Retriever
5. Bulldog

* Registration data pulled from Miami zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The Rottweiler and Bulldog both increased in popularity in Miami in 2009 which mirrors the national trend for both breeds," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Although the German Shepherd rose to become the second most popular breed in the nation in 2009, the Magic City was ahead of the trend and has been caught in a love spell with the German Shepherd for several years."

Milwaukee's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Rottweiler
5. Boxer

* Registration data pulled from Milwaukee zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The German Shepherd rose to the second spot in Milwaukee, mirroring the national trend," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "While the Yorkshire Terrier and Beagle are popular around the nation, there are no small dogs in Milwaukee's Top 5."

Nashville's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Bulldog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Boxer/ Dachshund**

*Registration data pulled from Nashville zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service Tied for 5th (2009)
"While Nashville's love for the Lab and German Shepherd are consistent with the national trend, the Music City no longer shares the nation's love for the Yorkshire Terrier," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Yorkie was replaced in Nashville by the Dachshund."

New York City's Top Dogs

1. Yorkshire Terrier
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Dachshund
4. Shih Tzu
5. German Shepherd Dog

* Registration data pulled from New York City zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"With the Yorkshire Terrier remaining a New York City area favorite and now joined by the Dachsund and Shih Tzu, the small dog reigned supreme in 2009," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Despite a national rise in popularity, the German Shepherd and Bulldog both dropped down the New York City area's list to rank fifth and seventh respectively."

Newark's Top Dogs

1. Bull Terrier
2. Shih Tzu 3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Bulldog
5. Pug/ Rottweiler***

*Registration data pulled from Newark zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service Tied for 1st (2009) *Tied for 5th (2009)
"While many cities across the nation have a top five that resembles the national list, Newark's favorite breeds are very different," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Newark favors the Bull Terrier, which ranks 57th nationally and is often described as playful and clownish. It's a great breed for families, which might be why it has found favor in Newark."

Oakland's Top Dogs

1. Yorkshire Terrier
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Labrador Retriever 4. Golden Retriever
5. Bulldog / Dachshund*

* Registration data pulled from Oakland zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service Tied for 2nd (2009) * Tied for 5th (2009)
"Oakland residents also march to the beat of their own drummer, crowning the Yorkshire Terrier the most beloved breed, beating out the Labrador Retriever, which has been the number one dog nationwide for 19 consecutive years," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Bulldog and Dachshund shook things up by making the Top five after not even cracking the Top ten list in 2008."

Orlando's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Dachshund

*Registration data pulled from Orlando zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Although the German Shepherd rose in popularity in Orlando, the feisty Yorkshire Terrier held on to its ranking as the second most popular breed," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "While the four top breeds closely resemble the national list, the Dachshund replaces the Beagle on Orlando's Top 5 list."

Philadelphia's Top Dogs

1. Yorkshire Terrier
2. Labrador Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Bulldog

*Registration data pulled from Philadelphia zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"While the Yorkshire Terrier moved down to third in the national ranking, it rose to number one in the City of Brotherly Love," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Bulldog is rising up the national list and remains a strong favorite in Philly, perhaps indicating that the city is ahead of the national trend."

Phoenix's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Chihuahua
5. Yorkshire Terrier**

*Registration data pulled from Phoenix zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service Tied for 4th (2009)
"Four of the breeds in Phoenix's Top 5 also appear on the national list, showing that the city is following the national trend," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "While three large breeds are the most popular in Phoenix, it's interesting that two of AKC's smallest breeds also made the list."

Pittsburgh's Top Dogs 1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Boxer
5. Bulldog

Portland's Top Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Dachshund
5. Chihuahua

*Registration data pulled from Portland zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service Tied for 2nd (2009)
"The Yorkshire Terrier, ranked third in the nation, isn't as popular as it once was in Portland. The Toy breed now ranks eighth, perhaps due to the increase in popularity of larger breeds in Portland," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The German Shepherd, ranked second in the nation, made an amazing leap from sixth place in 2008 to land in second on Portland's list."

Providence's Top Dogs

1. German Shepherd Dog
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Golden Retriever
4. Boxer
5. Poodle

*Registration data pulled from Providence zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service **Tied for 4th (2009)
"It's surprising to see that after being the nation's favorite breed for nearly two decades and ranking second in Providence in 2008, the Labrador Retriever did not make the city's list of most popular breeds in 2009," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "However, the German Shepherd rose to challenge the Lab for first on the national list and remained the favorite breed in Providence, indicating that the city was ahead of the trend."

Raleigh's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Beagle
4. Golden Retriever
5. Yorkshire Terrier

* Registration data pulled from Raleigh zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service"Raleigh followed the lead of the rest of the country with a local Top 5 nearly identical to the national Top 5 list," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The only change in 2009 was the German Shepherd Dog taking over the second spot from the Beagle."

Richmond's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Miniature Pinscher
4. Rottweiler 5. Beagle / Shetland Sheepdog*

*Registration data pulled from Richmond zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service Tied for 3rd (2009)*Tied for 5th (2009)
"The Miniature Pinscher ranks 33rd nationally, but it enjoys much popularity in Richmond, where it ranks third," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "It's interesting that the German Shepherd does not appear on Richmond's list in 2009, although the breed ranked second in Richmond in 2008, and is now second in the nation in 2009."

Sacramento's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Dachshund

* Registration data pulled from Sacramento zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The Dachshund overtook the Shih Tzu to make it onto Sacramento's top five list this year," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Residents of Sacramento may find the versatility of this breed appealing, Dachshunds come in three coat types, and two sizes, making them adaptable to a variety of lifestyles."

Salt Lake City's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Shih Tzu
4. Poodle
5. German Shepherd Dog

* Registration data pulled from Salt Lake City zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"It's interesting to note that the German Shepherd Dog, which rose to second in the nation fell to fifth in Salt Lake City," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Golden Retriever, another long time national favorite, was replaced by the Poodle in Salt Lake City."

San Antonio's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Bulldog
5. Golden Retriever

* Registration data pulled from San Antonio zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"If San Antonio's list of favorite breeds is any indication, it must be true that most things are bigger in Texas," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Miniature Schnauzer was replaced by the Golden Retriever in fifth place in 2009 giving large breeds a majority in San Antonio's Top 5 list."

San Diego's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Bulldog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. German Shepherd Dog

* Registration data pulled from San Diego zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Residents of San Diego continued their love affair with the Bulldog in 2009," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The popularity of the Bulldog in San Diego mirrors a national trend in which the breed's popularity has soared in the past decade."

San Francisco's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. French Bulldog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Bulldog

* Registration data pulled from San Francisco zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"San Francisco, known for its trend setting, treasures French Bulldogs as its second most popular breed. While ranking only 24th nationally, San Francisco may be ahead of the rest of the nation on "Frenchies" but mirrors Labs and Goldens nationally at first and fourth respectively," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.

Seattle's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Poodle
5. Bulldog

* Registration data pulled from Seattle zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Seattle's top canine companions, Labs and Goldens, both share bright dispositions which are sure to bring their owners' joy even on the rainiest of days," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Bulldog bumped the Pug out of Seattle's Top 5."

St. Louis' Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Boxer
4. Golden Retriever
5. Rottweiler

* Registration data pulled from St. Louis zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The Rottweiler, ranked 13th nationally, is St. Louis' fifth most popular breed," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Gateway City certainly puts out the welcome mat for large breed lovers. Not even the Yorkshire Terrier, a breed that ranks third nationally, could make St. Louis' top 5 list."

Tampa's Top Dogs

1. Yorkshire Terrier
2. Labrador Retriever
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Boxer

* Registration data pulled from Tampa zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"This year the Yorkshire Terrier overtook the Labrador Retriever to become Tampa's most popular breed," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "This is a mighty feat for such a tiny terrier, since the Labrador Retriever has ranked number one nationally for 19 consecutive years."

Tucson's Top Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Poodle

* Registration data pulled from Tucson zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Tucson residents share their love of versatile sporting breeds such as the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever with the rest of the country," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The warm-hearted and affectionate Poodle also worked its way into Tucson's Top 5, a perfect fit in a city often referred to as the "Sunshine Factory."

Washington, DC

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Golden Retriever
4. Poodle
5. Bulldog/Dachshund/Shih Tzu **

* Registration data pulled from Washington DC zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service ** Tied for 5th (2009)
"The Lab, Yorkie and Golden are all national favorites and lead DC's top five," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "However, not even Joe Biden's love of the German Shepherd could keep it in the top five this year. While ranking second nationally this year and in DC's list in 2008, the German Shepherd fell to eleventh place locally in 2009."

West Palm Beach's Top Dogs

1. German Shepherd Dog
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Boxer

* Registration data pulled from West Palm Beach zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"The German Shepherd, which recently rose to rank second in the nation is already the favorite breed of West Palm Beach, indicating that the city may be ahead of the national trend," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Despite the Bulldog ranking fifth in West Palm Beach in 2008 and its rising popularity nationally, the breed moved off the city's top five list in 2009."

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