Memphians prefer Labradors

From The Memphis Business Journal

Labrador Retriever is Memphis' favorite canine, according to the American Kennel Club.
No. 2 on the list of top 10 most popular AKC-registered dogs in Memphis for 2006 is the German Shepherd, followed by Boxer and Rottweiler. Beagle, at No. 5, tied with Golden Retriever, at No. 6. Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu and Miniature Schnauzer rounded out the list.

While Labrador Retriever also tops the national list, small breeds are becoming more popular everywhere except in Memphis. Big dogs reign supreme in Memphis, with five out of the six 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 in a release. "Even the popular Yorkie, which hit No. 2 nationally in 2006, only made it to No. 8 on the local list."
In general, Memphians stick to the dogs they've always loved:
> Memphis' top three breeds from 2005, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs and Boxers, hold steady for 2006.
> Local top 10 for 2005 all retain top 10 rankings for 2006, despite a shuffling in actual breed rankings.
And while Memphis' preferences are in line with the rest of the nation -- nine of the top 10 local choices appear on the national top 10 -- Rottweilers gain in local popularity, rising to the No. 4 spot, despite failing to make the top 10 nationally.

The American Kennel Club is a non-profit organization that oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the U.S.