New Yorkers Love This Dog Breed The Most

NEW YORK, NY — Every New York City dog owner would probably put no pet before their own. But when it comes to breeds, the city has its favorites.

The Labrador retriever may have topped the American Kennel Club's list released Wednesday of the nation's most popular dog breeds. But the pups come in second in the Big Apple — the French bulldog is the most popular breed in New York City, according to the AKC.

The petite canines got more popular across the country, jumping two spots to No. 4 on the nationwide list and pushing the beagle out of the top five for the first time since 1998, the AKC says. The breed was also most popular in San Francisco, Los Angeles and West Palm Beach, Florida.

"The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers," the AKC says on its website. "The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible."

The Labrador retriever, though, held its spot at the top of the nationwide list for the 27th straight year. The breed dethroned the cocker spaniel in 1991 and has held on since, according to the AKC.

While French bulldogs are most beloved in the city, the Labrador retriever was the most popular breed across New York State last year, the AKC says.

"Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog," the club says on its website.

Here are the five most popular dog breeds in New York City for 2017:

1. French Bulldog
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Bulldog
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Golden Retriever

And here are the 10 most popular dog breeds in America for 2017:

1. Labrador retriever
2. German shepherd
3. Golden retriever
4. French bulldog
5. Bulldog
6. Beagle
7. Poodle
8. Rottweiler
9. Yorkshire Terrier
10. German shorthaired pointer

You can see the full list of the most popular dog breeds for 2017 here.

(Lead image: Photo via Shutterstock)