For the 19th year in a row the loyal Labrador Retriever has maintained the number one position in the hearts of American dog owners says the Club in a press release. The statistics track the registration figures for 2009, and thus don't take into account the number of unregistered pure bred dogs, or mixed breed dogs in American homes.

A surprising change in the population is the increasing popularity of the German Shepherd, which is now ranked number 2, the first time that has happened in some 30 years, said the AKC. It took that spot away from the Yorkshire Terrier.

Media influence on dog breed popularity continues with the rise of the Bulldog. According to the AKC, the Bulldog is a favorite in California, possibly due in part to Hollywood celebrity owners like Adam Sandler, Kelly Osborne and John Legend.

The AKC says the breed reached the top spot in Los Angeles, the only city where it is ranked number one. It is also popular in San Diego where it ranks number two says the AKC.

The AKC's Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.A.

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

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