AKC names most popular dogs in Raleigh

Raleigh, N.C. — Family- and children-friendly dogs are the most popular in Raleigh, and the bulldog couldn't nose his way onto the list, despite national popularity, according to the American Kennel Club.

The AKC released its local and national annual list of the most popular breeds. The local list counted the top 10 breeds found in Raleigh zip codes.

"Raleigh remains a city devoted to its larger family-friendly breeds with the top three – Labrador retriever, golden retriever and German shepherd – remaining in the same spots as last year. Other child-friendly breeds made gains," AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson said.

The beagle rose two spots to fourth place, and the Shetland sheepdog made its top 10 debut tied at eighth place.

"Surprisingly, for the second year in a row, the Bulldog, while making strides on the national list, remains off the top 10 at 13th place locally."

The shih tzu dropped to tenth place, and the Maltese fell out off the top 10 list.

Most popular dog breeds in the U.S.

1. Labrador retriever
2. Yorkshire terrier
3. German shepherd dog
4. Golden retriever
5. beagle
6. boxer
7. daschund
8. bulldog
9. poodle
10. shih tzu

7 Comments

WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

VIEW ALL 7 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments

mutts are the best =) I love my piper! stop the overpopulation spay and neuter your dogs and cats. lets give those little angels that are already here loving forever homes!

clover1019
January 27, 2009 10:26 a.m.

i don't see mutt listed...

ProzacDispenser
January 27, 2009 10:17 a.m.

Luv my mini schnauzer. Most loving and definitely the smartest dog I have ever had. And to top it off, he never sheds.

jbyrd
January 26, 2009 4:46 p.m.

I got my dog from the Wake County shelter. She's been a loyal member of our family for 5 years, and I hope for a lot more. She's and little Shih Tzu mix, and a real character. I think if you're looking for a dog it's worth a trip to the animal shelter. You'll save a life.