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 Raleigh

1. Labrador retriever
2. golden retriever
3. German shepherd dog
4. beagle
5. Yorkshire terrier
6. poodle
7. boxer
8. dachshund
8. Shetland sheepdog
10. shih tzu

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