By Mariel S. Clark
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — When it comes to New York's top dogs, the Yorkie reigns supreme.
The American Kennel Club announced the most popular breeds for the New York City area in 2009 during a press conference Wednesday morning, and Yorkies topped the list for the second year running.
The announcement comes as no surprise to New Yorkers accustomed to seeing the little dogs trotting down Manhattan sidewalks or breezing by in Louis Vuitton carriers shouldered by their owners.
"The Yorkie is a pint-sized pet with a really big personality," said AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson. "They're small. They're portable. They're great for a fast-paced lifestyle here in Manhattan."
Bounding into the number two spot was the Labrador retriever, represented at the announcement by feisty pup "Jeter," who was more interested in playing than posing for pictures.
The dachshund, affectionately known as "wiener dogs" by the Manhattanites who love them, wiggled into the top five for the first time as New York's third favorite pooch.
Another portable pup, the shih tzu, took the number four spot and the powerful German shepherd rounded out the list of the city's top dogs.
"They're great to take with you for long walks in the park, Peterson said of larger breeds like German shepherds. "And they're great family pets. I think that's their appeal for families in the city."
Nationwide, the Labrador retriever was the most popular pup in 2009 for the 19th year in a row.
The German shepherd and Yorkshire terrier took spots two and three in the national ranking, with the loyal golden retriever coming in fourth and the lovable beagle taking the five spot.
