The top 10 most popular dog breeds in Michigan, Detroit

DETROIT – Which dog breeds are the most popular in Michigan?

The American Kennel Club released rankings last week of America's most popular dog breeds in 2016, with the Labrador retriever taking the top spot.

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The rest of the top 10, in order: German shepherds, golden retrievers, bulldogs, beagles, French bulldogs, poodles, Rottweilers, Yorkshire terriers and boxers.

But what about locally? Here are the top 10 breeds for Detroit and then all of Michigan:

Detroit’s Most Popular for 2016

  • German Shepherd Dogs
  • Rottweilers
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Yorkshire Terriers
  • Bulldogs
  • Siberian Huskies
  • Golden Retrievers
  • Havanese
  • Shih Tzu
  • Beagles
  • Michigan’s Most Popular for 2016

  • Labrador Retriever
  • German Shepherd Dog
  • Golden Retriever
  • Beagle
  • Siberian Husky
  • German Shorthaired Pointer
  • Poodle
  • Rottweiler
  • Bulldog
  • Boxer
  • MOVERS AND SHAKERS (nationally)

    Several breeds in the top 10 have been there for a decade or more, but French bulldogs were ranked just 36th a decade ago. The quizzical, push-faced dogs had been out of the top 10 for nearly a century before making it back the past two years, while their larger bulldog cousins have hit their highest-ever ranking.

    Some other breeds making sizeable moves in the past decade: Siberian huskies, up from 25th to 12th; great Danes, from 24th to 14th; and Australian shepherds, from 34th to 16th.

    And keep an eye on the Belgian Malinois, which sprang from 90th to 47th as it became increasingly visible in the U.S. as a police dog.


    About the Author

    Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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