NEW YORK, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club(R) announced today the "Top 10" most popular AKC(R) registered dogs in Sacramento for 2006.

The AKC also announced today that the tiny Yorkshire Terrier is making news nationwide. The "Yorkie" has overtaken the beloved Golden Retriever to become the second most popular purebred dog in America according to AKC registration figures. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in the country once again -- a spot it has held since 1991.

Here's a look at Sacramento's favorite dogs as compared to the rest of the country:

SACRAMENTO 2006
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Dachshund
5. Golden Retriever
6. Chihuahua
7. Miniature Schnauzer
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10.Boston Terrier/Pug (tie)

NATIONWIDE 2006
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Dachshund
7. Boxer
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10.Miniature Schnauzer

Local Statistical Snapshot

-- The Dachshund descends in popularity in Sacramento, moving from 2nd in 2005 to 4th this year.
-- The Yorkshire Terrier advances in popularity locally, as it has in many cities across the nation, moving from 3rd to 2nd to tie with the breed's national ranking.
-- The confident German Shepherd Dog, which held at 5th place last year, continues to gain admirers as it moves to 3rd.
-- The Pug makes a dramatic leap into Sacramento's top 10 after ranking 17th last year.

"The Boston Terrier, Pug and Chihuahua all show up on Sacramento's top 10, yet don't appear on the national list," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Active Sacramento residents obviously appreciate smaller dogs that can be taken with them when they're on the go."

SOURCE American Kennel Club

As Sacramento residents become more urban, could they be choosing smaller dogs?

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive