Top Breeds in Major U.S. Cities
2009 AKC Registration Figures – Discover the Most Popular Breeds in Various U.S. Cities
Dallas’ Most Popular Breeds 2009
* Registration 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 1. Labrador Retriever |
| 2. Golden Retriever |
| 3. German Shepherd Dog |
| 4. Bulldog |
| 5. Boxer |
* Registration 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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’ Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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’ Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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."
