NEW YORK, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club(R) announced today the "Top 10" most popular AKC(R) registered dogs in Memphis for 2006.*
The AKC also announced today that the tiny Yorkshire Terrier is making news nationwide.
The "Yorkie" has overtaken the beloved Golden Retriever to become the second most popular purebred dog in America according to AKC registration figures. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in the country once again-a spot it has held since 1991.
Here's a look at Memphis' favorite dogs as compared to the rest of the country:
MEMPHIS 2006 NATIONWIDE 2006 1. Labrador Retriever 1. Labrador Retriever 2. German Shepherd Dog 2. Yorkshire Terrier 3. Boxer 3. German Shepherd Dog 4. Rottweiler 4. Golden Retriever 5. Beagle 5. Beagle 6. Golden Retriever** 6. Dachshund 7. Poodle 7. Boxer 8. Yorkshire Terrier 8. Poodle 9. Shih Tzu 9. Shih Tzu 10. Miniature Schnauzer 10. Miniature Schnauzer
* Registration data pulled from Memphis zip codes as specified by the U.S. Postal Service
** Tied with # 5. Local Statistical Snapshot -- Memphis' top 3 breeds from 2005, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs and Boxers hold steady for 2006. -- Rottweilers gain in local popularity, rising to the number 4 spot, despite failing to make the top 10 nationally. -- Local top 10 for 2005 all retain top 10 rankings for 2006, despite a shuffling in actual breed rankings. -- Memphis' preferences are in line with the rest of the nation -- 9 of the top 10 local choices appear on the national top 10. -- Big dogs reign supreme in Memphis, with 5 out of the 6 top slots occupied by large breeds.
"Although a national trend is moving toward a preference for smaller breeds, Memphis has shown a loyalty to its large breed favorites", said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Even the popular Yorkie, which hit number two nationally in 2006, only made it to number 8 on the local list."
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
American Kennel Club
CONTACT: Daisy Okas of American Kennel Club, +1-212-696-8343
