Labrador retriever, Yorkshire terrier and boxer are the Bay area’s top dog breeds, in that order, according to 2006 figures from the American Kennel Club.

The rest of the area’s top 10, in order of popularity, are: golden retriever, German shepherd, dachshund, poodle, Shih Tzu, Rottweiler and Chihuahua.

It turns out that Bay area dog lovers have a lot in common with dog lovers across the country, with eight of the top 10 breeds locally also making the national top 10.

The two dogs on the local list that didn’t make the cut nationally are the Rottweiler and Chihuahua. The two that made the national list that didn’t make the local list are the beagle and miniature schnauzer.

At the national level, Labrador retrievers also top the list, which the breed has done every year since 1991.

The tiny Yorkshire terrier, or Yorkie, was the second most popular on the national list, bumping the golden retriever and the German shepherd.

Here’s the nation’s top 10 list, in order: Labrador retriever, Yorkshire terrier, German shepherd, golden retriever, beagle, dachshund, boxer, poodle, Shih Tzu and miniature schnauzer.

Local dog owners seem divided on whether “big hair” is back, with five out of the top 10 favorites sporting long coats.

So why are these breeds so popular? Here’s a little information to acquaint you with these breeds.

Labrador retriever: These dogs are ridiculously friendly. Bred to be working gun dogs, they can go from the hunt to the family room with style and ease. A gentle nature makes them good pets when kids or seniors are in the household.

As pups, they are wildly energetic and often don’t “get a grip” until age 2. Labs have big appetites and need lots of exercise. They are silly and drool a lot.

Yorkshire terrier: This is the pooch most likely to be found in a tote bag! These dainty dogs require regular grooming to maintain their diva-dog reputation. When unkempt, the Yorkie resembles a large rat.

This is a delicate dog that makes a great companion for adults but may be too fragile for young children. They make great apartment dogs because they don’t need much exercise.

Boxer: This is a playful breed and quite patient with children. Instinctively a guard dog, the boxer is alert and self-assured.

These dogs generally have a super temperament with family and are initially wary of strangers.

Golden retriever: Friendly, reliable and trustworthy, this dog makes a fabulous companion.

The retrievers are highly intelligent and often chosen to be assistance dogs for those with disabilities. Goldens are friendly, good-natured and great with children of all ages. They have a big appetite and require regular exercise.

German shepherd: Strong, agile, intelligent animals, shepherds are known to be fearless and loyal. They make excellent working dogs for law enforcement, military, guiding and search and rescue. They also make great family pets.

Dashchund: These dogs are sometimes called “hot dogs” because of their long, low-to-the-ground body. They come in standard and miniature sizes.

They are clever, spunky dogs with attitude! They were bred for hunting, specializing in below-ground work.

Poodle: These dogs come in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy. Each one is an active, intelligent dog with a unique, curly, hairlike coat that sheds very little.

Poodles are proud dogs and carry an air of distinction. They are gentle companions and can do well with kids, as long as they are taught to be handled carefully.

Shih Tzu: These dogs (pronounced sheet-zoo) were bred to be companions and house pets. Chinese ancestry held the lively, happy dog as a prized palace pet. These dainty diva types have a beautiful, long flowing double coat that requires frequent brushing and professional grooming to maintain a glamorous look.

The Shih Tzu is very friendly, affectionate and trusting pet.

Rottweiler: These dogs are known to be confident and courageous. They instinctively protect home and family and have a “wait-and-see” attitude when it comes to making new friends.

Their strength may prove too much for small children to play with, but Rotties can be dependable, loving pets.

Chihuahua: This cute little Mexican dog is perfect for urban living or for apartment dwellers because of its size. Chihuahuas have a saucy personality and, because of their alertness, can be great watchdogs.

With more than 150 breeds to choose from, it is hard to decide which would be ideal for your family.

To get more information, there are plenty of books available that focus on specific breeds, or you can visit the AKC’s Web site at http://www.akc.org.

Since there’s no registry for mixed-breeds, there’s no way to which are the most popular.

Because they are not exposed to genetic deficiencies that result from overbreeding, mixed beeds tend to be healthier than purebred dogs.

Mutts also tend to be more even-tempered than some purebred varieties.

Mutts are also readily available and inexpensive at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. For a list of local animal agencies, go to TBO.com, keyword: Pets, or http://www.petfinder.com.

Hybrids have nationally rocketed in popularity in recent years. Pet Cetera will delve into the canine-hybrid phenomenon in a future column.

CRITTER CALENDAR
Shot And Microchip Clinic

Animal Coalition of Tampa offers reduced-cost vaccinations and microchipping services for dogs and cats by appointment Friday.

The clinics are available the first and third Fridays of each month. The ACT clinic is located at 1719 Lemon St. in Tampa. For information, call (813) 250-3900 or go to http://www.actampa.org.

Kristen Levine can be reached at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; fax to (727) 934-6451; or e-mail .