Top Breeds in Major U.S. Cities
2009 AKC Registration Figures – Discover the Most Popular Breeds in Various U.S. Cities
Orlando’s Most Popular Breeds 2009
*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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
*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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
*Registration data pulled from Pittsburgh zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
"Pittsburgh’s list is dominated by breeds with substance, including the Bulldog which has steadily risen in popularity across the nation," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The Steel City also shares the nation’s love of another strong breed, the German Shepherd."
Portland’s Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
| 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 Most Popular Breeds 2009
* 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."
