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BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Kim Lamy rides on her colorful bicycle with Chihuahuas Ayla, left, and Happy, and Italian greyhound Bingo, behind the bike. Lamy made all of their matching clothes.
The Chihuahua has overtaken the Labrador Retriever to become Honolulu’s most popular dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club’s 2011 ranking of the most popular dogs in the U.S.
The Labrador Retriever is still a favorite, placing second in 2011. It placed first in 2010, and tied for first in 2009 with the German shepherd.
"Proving the people of Honolulu follow their own trends, the tiny yet spunk Chihuahua overtook the large and lovable Labrador Retriever last year to become the most popular dog," said AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson. "Honolulu is one of the few cities without the Lab in its top spot."
New to the list are the Yorkshire Terrier, the Bulldog, the Poodle, and the French Bulldog.
The cat-like Shiba Inu, bred to hunt small wild game in Japan, dropped out of the top 10 to tie for No. 15. The Golden Retriever, Dachsund and Beagle also dropped out of the top 10.
The most popular breed nationwide is the Labrador Retriever.
Here are the top 10 breeds for 2011 in Honolulu:
>> Chihuahua
>> Labrador Retriever
>> Shetland Sheepdog
>> German Shepherd Dog
>> Pomeranian/Yorkshire Terrier (tie)
>> Bulldog/Poodle (tie)
>> French Bulldog
>> Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
