Say Chow To Chihuahuas! L.A. Remains Bullish On The Bulldog

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —  For the second year in a row, Los Angeles thinks the bulldog is tops.

Across the nation, Labrador retrievers rank No. 1.

But according the American Kennel Club, Angelenos prefer the bulldog, followed by the French bulldog.

No surprise, L.A. residents are trendsetters. The bulldog is also enjoying its highest-ranking nationally. Bulldogs are fourth in the nation.

"Los Angelenos remain ahead of the trend," AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo said. "While the Frenchie and bulldog are trending nationally this year, they have been popular breeds in L.A. for years."

Rounding out the top five dog breeds in Los Angeles for 2014 were the German shepherd, Labrador retriever and golden retriever.

By comparison, the nationwide top five were the Lab, German shepherd, golden, bulldog and beagle (hang on, Snoopy!)

The AKC also noted that Los Angeles is one of the few cities in the nation not to have the Labrador retriever ranked in the top three.

Goldens displaced the Yorkie to make the Top 5 in 2013. The Lab slipped from third to fourth in Los Angeles between 2013 and 2014, as shepherds moved up on the list.

Nationally, 2014 marked the 24th straight year the Labrador retriever has topped the list of most-popular breeds. But AKC officials noted that the rise of the bulldog shows growing popularity for the breed that "makes an excellent family companion with a natural tendency to form strong bonds with kids."

The AKC also pointed out the bulldog also has "an easy-to-care-for coat and minimal exercise needs."

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)