2012 AKC Registration Figures – Discover the Most Popular Breeds in Various U.S. Cities

Albany

Atlanta

Baltimore

Boston

Buffalo

Chicago

Cincinnati

Dallas

Denver

Detroit

Honolulu

Houston

Long Island

Los Angeles

Miami

Newark

New York City

Northern New Jersey

Orlando

Philadelphia

Portland

Raleigh

San Francisco

Seattle

Washington, DC

* Registration data pulled from Albany zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"While the Lab remained most popular in Albany, the city also showed favor to other breeds, with the Beagle joining the city's top five," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Albany's most popular breeds are consistent with national trends toward larger dogs."

Among the Changes in Albany's Rankings:

• Larger breeds remained on top in Albany, with smaller breeds such as the Chihuahua and Maltese falling off the list.
• Four new breeds entered Albany's top ten for 2012: The Boston Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Pug and Yorkshire Terrier shared the eighth most popular spot along with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Atlanta zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
** Tied for 5th place (2012)

"Atlanta loves larger breeds," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Mirroring the national trend, the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Dog make up the city's top 3."

Among the Changes in Atlanta's Rankings:

• While the Labrador Retriever remained on top, the Golden Retriever switched spots with the German Shepherd Dog as Atlanta's second most popular dog in 2012.
• Atlanta showed more favor to larger breeds than smaller breeds this year, with the Boxer moving up from seventh to fifth and the Yorkshire Terrier dropping from fifth to ninth on the city's list.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Baltimore zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The people of Baltimore showed love to Golden Retrievers in 2012," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "This loyal and loveable breed jumped from fourth to second, pushing the ever-popular German Shepherd Dog to third place."

Among the Changes in Baltimore's Rankings:

• Yorkshire Terriers lost their popularity in Baltimore this year, moving down from sixth to tenth.
• The Chihuahua made the biggest leap in popularity this year, joining Baltimore's top ten list as the sixth most popular dog.

 

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Boston's Most Popular Breeds 2012*	Boston's 2011 Ranking*
1. Labrador Retriever	1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog/Golden Retriever**	2. German Shepherd Dog 3. Golden Retriever 4. Yorkshire Terrier 5. Bulldog
4. Boxer
5. Yorkshire Terrier

* Registration data pulled from Boston's zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
* Tied for second place (2012)

"The Labrador Retriever remained most popular in Boston, but other breeds are vying for the top spot," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Moving up the list in 2012 were the Golden Retriever, Boxer and French Bulldog among others."

Among the Changes in Boston's Rankings:

• The Bulldog lost popularity in Boston this year, sliding down from fifth to seventh.
• New breeds on Boston's list for 2012 include the Siberian Husky in seventh and the Boston Terrier and Poodle sharing ninth.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Buffalo zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
* Tied for 3rd place (2012)

"While the Labrador Retriever remains the nation's favorite dog, the German Shepherd Dog remains most popular in Buffalo," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Buffalo did, however, show love to many smaller breeds this year as they moved up in popularity."

Among the Changes in Buffalo's Rankings:

• Don't count out the Dachshund! The Dachshund made a large leap this year, moving from seventh in 2011 to third in 2012.
• Buffalo showed more love to smaller dogs in 2012, with breeds such as the Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and Maltese making the top ten list.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Chicago zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
** Tied for 5th place (2012)
*** Tied for 5th place (2011)

"The German Shepherd Dog remains Chicago's top dog, with the Labrador Retriever close behind," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Bulldog is also inching toward the number one spot, replacing the Golden Retriever as Chicago's third most popular breed."

Among the Changes in Chicago's Rankings:

• The Yorkshire Terrier made its way into Chicago's top five list in 2012, sharing fifth place with the Boxer.
• The Rottweiler lost popularity, moving down from fifth in 2011 to tenth in 2012.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Cincinnati zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
**Tied for 5th (2011)

"There's a new top dog in Cincinnati – the German Shepherd Dog," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "This dependable breed has taken the top spot away from the Lab."

Among the Changes in Cincinnati's Rankings:

• The Shetland Sheepdog entered the top 10 in 2012, making a huge jump from twenty seventh to tenth place, tying with the French Bulldog.
• The Doberman Pinscher dropped out of Cincinnati's top 10, falling from eighth place to fifteenth in 2012.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Dallas zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
**Tied for 5th (2012)

"Dallas has a soft spot for Bulldogs," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "This kind and courageous breed held tight to its runner-up position as most popular breed in the city last year."

Among the Changes in Dallas' Rankings:

• The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gained popularity in Dallas, tying the Yorkshire Terrier for fifth place.

• Boxers fell out of the top 10 in 2012, moving down to thirteenth place.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Denver zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The Mile High City clearly prefers larger breeds" said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "They are a great fit for the active, outdoor lifestyle of the people of Denver."

Among the Changes in Denver's Rankings:

• The Boxer moved up its way up the ladder in 2012 from seventh to fifth place.
• The French Bulldog and Doberman Pincher entered the top ten in 2012, tying for tenth place.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Detroit zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"Motor City loves large breeds" said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The German Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler, and Labrador Retriever all went up the list in 2012, while the Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu dropped down."

Among the Changes in Detroit's Rankings:

• The Yorkshire Terrier was knocked out of first place by the German Shepherd Dog and fell to fourth in 2012.
• Bulldogs gained popularity in Detroit as they jumped from tenth to fifth place in 2012.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Honolulu zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
**Tied for 5th (2011)

"Honolulu gave a welcoming Aloha to large breeds in 2012," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Labrador Retriever was the most popular breed and the Golden Retriever made a big jump from twelfth to second. The smaller breeds such as the Chihuahua, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier dropped down on the list."

Among the Changes in Honolulu's Rankings:

• The Labrador Retriever ousted the Chihuahua for the most popular breed in Honolulu. The Chihuahua dropped all the way down to fifth.
• The Golden Retriever (2) and Bulldog (3) entered the Top 5 in 2012, knocking out the Shetland Sheepdog , as well as, the Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier who were tied for fifth in 2011.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Houston zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"Bulldogs have captured the hearts of Houstonians," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "A wonderful family pet, this loveable breed is Houston's second most popular breed and entered the top 5 nationally in 2012."

Among the Changes in Houston's Rankings:

• Rottweilers rose to fifth place, swapping spots with the Boxer who fell to seventh in 2012.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels moved up the ranks. The breed entered the top 10 in 2012.

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* Registration data pulled from Nassau and Suffolk county zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"Long Island's top 5 most popular breeds are all large dogs, mirroring the national trend of bigger breeds gaining in popularity," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Many of these breeds are great family dogs that love accompanying their owners on outdoor activities."

Among the Changes in Long Island's Rankings:

• The Russell Terrier, one of AKC's newest breeds recognized in June 2012, is the 10th most popular breed on Long Island.
• Despite its national rise, the Rottweiler fell out of Long Island's top 5.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are slowly gaining in popularity – they moved to 8th on Long Island's list in 2012, up from 10th in 2011.

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* Registration data pulled from Los Angeles zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The Bulldog has been LA's top dog since 2009 despite the national obsession with the Labrador Retriever," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Like many Los Angeles residents, the breed is often in the limelight for everything from its skateboarding skills to its work as a mascot for many colleges and universities."

Among the Changes in Los Angeles' Rankings:

• In 2012, the Golden Retriever pushed the Yorkshire Terrier out of LA's top 5 most popular breeds.
• LA residents also love the Bulldog's French cousin – the French Bulldog. This cute, portable dog jumped two spots to 3rd on the city's list.

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* Registration data pulled from Miami zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"Miami residents have always been a fan of the German Shepherd Dog – it's been the city's top dog since the AKC started releasing city statistics in 2003," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "This fearless, self-confident herding breed is a great fit for the sporty, stylish residents of the 'Magic City'."

Among the Changes in Miami's Rankings:

• The Yorkshire Terrier dropped three spots in the rankings, mirroring the breed's drop in the national rankings.
• Even though the French Bulldog didn't hit the national list, it continues to rise in popularity in Miami, moving from 5th to 3rd in 2012.
• Although Beagles are ranked 4th nationally, they are way down the list in Miami – they're only tied for 25th most popular breed.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Essex county zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The rise of the Golden Retriever bumped the German Shepherd Dog and Yorkshire Terrier down a few spots in Newark," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Newark seems to prefer larger breeds, which fit well into the lives of the city's active, busy residents."

Among the Changes in Newark's Rankings:

• Despite the Havanese reaching Newark's 5th spot in 2011, it fell well out of the city's top 10 in 2012.
• Despite the breed's national rise, the Bulldog dropped from 8th to 9th in Newark.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Bronx, Kings, Queens, New York and Richmond county zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The Labrador Retriever has overtaken the top spot in New York City from the Yorkshire Terrier, the breed that had reigned supreme over the past several years," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The plummet in popularity of the Yorkie also made room for the Bulldog in NYC's second spot."

Among the Changes in New York City's Rankings:

• The Golden Retriever's popularity rose nationally, but the breed dropped from 8th to 9th in popularity in New York City.
• The Rottweiler is working its way up in NYC, moving from 9th to 7th on the city's list.

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* Registration data pulled from Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
**Tied for fourth place (2011)

"Bigger breeds rule in Northern New Jersey," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Not only did the German Shepherd dog make its way to number two, but the Boxer and Rottweiler joined the top 10, knocking the Maltese and Chihuahua out."

Among the Changes in Northern New Jersey's Rankings:

• The German Shepherd Dog pawed his way up Northern New Jersey's top 5 list, taking 2nd place away from the Yorkshire Terrier. The Yorkie fell back to fifth place.
• New to Northern New Jersey's top 10 last year were the Boxer (6), Rottweiler (7), and Havanese (9).

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* Registration data pulled from Orlando zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The people of Orlando must think the Yorkshire Terrier is one terrific dog" said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "While the Yorkie fell out of favor nationally, the tiny dog unseated the mighty Labrador Retriever for Orlando's top spot."

Among the Changes in Orlando's Rankings:

• Golden Retrievers made a comeback in Orlando last year, jumping from 7th in 2011 to 4th in 2012.
• Both Rottweilers (8) and Havanese (9) entered Orlando's top 10 in 2012.

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* Registration data pulled from Philadelphia zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The City of Brotherly Love adores its large breeds -- eight of the top ten breeds are large dogs," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "This bigger breed trend mirrors what AKC has seen across the country."

Among the Changes in Philadelphia's Rankings:

• The Labrador Retriever retook the top spot from the German Shepherd Dog in 2012. The Yorkshire Terrier and Rottweiler also swapped spots, but despite that, the top 5 breeds in Philly remained the same from 2011 to 2012.
• Philadelphia is one of few cities with the Boston Terrier and German Shorthaired Pointer in its top 10.
• Despite its national rise, the Golden Retriever remained in 7th place in Philadelphia in 2012.

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* Registration data pulled from Portland zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"Portland didn't show any love for Bulldogs last year," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Even though the breed has been steadily rising nationally, it fell out of Portland's top 5, from fourth to ninth place."

Among the Changes in Portland's Rankings:

• French Bulldogs made a big jump in Portland. They rose from seventh to fifth place in 2012.
• Portland loves Poodles! The breed moved up a spot from fifth to fourth place last year.

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* Registration data pulled from Wake, Orange, and Durham zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The Yorkshire Terrier lived up to its determined nature and made its way into Raleigh's top 5," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The brave little dog took fifth place, knocking the Poodle back to seventh."

Among the Changes in Raleigh's Rankings:

• The Rottweiler (10) made it to Raleigh's top 10 in 2012.
• The German Shepherd Dog took the number two spot away from the Beagle.

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* Registration data pulled from San Francisco zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The people of San Francisco love their French Bulldogs," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The affectionate breed made its way up the city's list from fourth to second place."

Among the Changes in San Francisco's Rankings:

• Bernese Mountain Dogs made a big jump in San Francisco last year. They rose from ninth to fifth place.
• The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is steadily rising up the list, going from fifth to fourth in 2012.

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* Registration data pulled from Seattle zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

"The people of Seattle have shown their love for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The elegant, friendly little dog made a big leap from seventh to fourth place on Seattle's most popular list."

Among the Changes in Seattle's Rankings:

• The German Shepherd Dog took third place away from the French Bulldog in 2012, knocking it back to fifth.
• The Havanese made a big jump up Seattle's list last year, moving from tenth to sixth.

 

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* Registration data pulled from Washington DC zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
**Tied for 5th (2012)

"Our nation's capital agrees with the rest of the country that the Bulldog is a great dog," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Mirroring the national trend, the Bulldog rose from sixth to fifth place in Washington DC last year."

Among the Changes in Washington DC's Rankings:

• The Havanese fell out of Washington DC's top 10 last year.
• French Bulldogs made a big jump in 2012, going from tenth to tying the Bulldog for fifth place.

 

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