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Yorkshire Terrier Named Detroit's Top Dog

DETROIT (WWJ) - The Yorkshire Terrier has overtaken the protective German Shepherd to become Detroit's top dog according to the American Kennel Club's 2011 ranking of the most popular dogs in the U.S.

AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson said Detroit is one of the few cities without the Labrador Retriever in its top spot.

The Labrador Retriever, ranked number one nationally, is Detroit's fourth most popular dog, behind the Rottweiler at third, German Shepherd at second, and first placed Yorkie.

The Doberman Pinscher jumped three spots to become Detroit's sixth most popular breed. This fast and fearless breed is ranked 13th nationally.

Detroit's Most Popular Breeds 2011

  1. Yorkshire Terrier
  2. German Shepherd
  3. Rottweiler
  4. Labrador Retriever
  5. Shih Tzu
  6. Doberman Pinscher
  7. Beagle
  8. Poodle
  9. Boxer
  10. Bulldog

The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings.

The Beagle made big news by overtaking the beloved Yorkshire Terrier to become the third most popular dog breed, while the Golden Retriever advanced from the fifth to the fourth most popular dog breed.

The Rottweiler also made big news by unseating the Shih Tzu – which had been in the top 10 since 2000.

But fans of the Labrador Retriever need not fear: the beloved Lab remained the champ – a spot it has now held for 21 consecutive years – thanks to its well-earned reputation for playfulness and loyalty, and its use as a police and search-and-rescue dog.

Most Popular Breeds Nationwide

  1. Labrador Retriever
  2. German Shepherd
  3. Beagle
  4. Golden Retriever
  5. Yorkshire Terrier
  6. Bulldog
  7. Boxer
  8. Poodle
  9. Dachshund
  10. Rottweiler

A complete list of AKC's Most Popular Breeds, is available at www.akc.org.

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