German Shepherd Overtakes Labrador Retriever to Become Buffalo's Top Dog

-- Nationally, Labrador Retriever Remains America's Most Popular Breed While the Beagle and Rottweiler Make Strong Gains --

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The German Shepherd defied the nation by surpassing the Labrador Retriever to become Buffalo's top dog according to the American Kennel Club's (AKC®) 2011 ranking of the most popular dogs in the U.S.

"Proving the people of Buffalo make their own trends, the German Shepherd overtook the loveable Labrador Retriever last year to become most popular," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. 

* Registration data pulled from Buffalo zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
**Tied for #7 (2011)
***Tied for #8 (2010)
****Tied for #10 (2010)

Notable trends in Buffalo's top breeds:

• The Bulldog entered Buffalo's top 10 last year by leaping five spots to tie the Dachshund for seventh place.
• The small but spunky Chihuahua tumbled out of Buffalo's top 10 last year, falling three places to eleventh. 
• The sweet and playful Shih Tzu leapt five spots to land fifth most popular locally.

The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings today.  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.

A complete list of AKC's Most Popular Breeds, including national trends and statistics for 50 U.S. cities, is available on the AKC website at http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm.

For more information on finding a responsible breeder in your area, go to www.AKCpuppies.org.

Get social with the AKC!  Join AKC on Facebook and Twitter.  

[EDITOR'S NOTE:  Add to your story with a list of AKC trivia questions based on the rankings or book an interview with an AKC Spokesperson by contacting Jessica Rice at (212) 696-8346 or [email protected].  Photos from the press conference are also available upon request to members of the press.]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) proudly celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2009. Since 1884, the not-for-profit organization has maintained the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, and today its rules govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

SOURCE American Kennel Club