DETROIT (WWJ) – The German Shepherd has reclaimed Detroit’s top spot in the American Kennel Club’s 2012 ranking of the most popular dogs in the U.S.

The German Shepherd breed, which held the No. 1 spot in Detroit for 2010, was unseated last year by the Yorkshire Terrier.

But as AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson noted, the “Motor City loves large breeds” and the protective German Shepherd was the clear winner in 2012.

Peterson also said a new face on Detroit’s top dogs list is the Bulldog, which jumped from tenth to fifth place in 2012.

Detroit’s Most Popular Breeds 2012:

1. German Shepherd
2. Rottweiler
3. Labrador Retriever
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Bulldogs

The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings, proving that like Detroiters, many Americans think bigger really is better.

Most Popular Breeds Nationwide 2012:

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

Find out how your favorite breed ranked in other U.S. cities at this link.