WORCESTER — There are more than 7,000 dogs in Worcester, enough pups to fill Polar Park up to about three-quarters capacity — and that's just the number of dogs officially registered with the city clerk.
The dogs of Worcester come in all shapes and sizes, and more than 100 different breeds, ranging from tiny chihuahuas to massive mastiffs.
The most popular dog in Worcester, though, is the Labrador retriever.
"They are just very entertaining, fun and energetic," Deb Hurteau, who was walking her 4-year-old black Labrador retriever, Jack, at Lake Park on Tuesday. "He's a big goofball."
Here are the 10 most popular dog breeds in the city, according to data from the Worcester city clerk's office.
1. Labrador retriever (661)
The Labrador retriever is the second-most popular dog in America, trailing only the French bulldog, according to the American Kennel Club. However, with 661 registered dogs in the city, the Labrador retriever is the top dog in Worcester.
Labrador retrievers come in three distinct colors: yellow, black and brown (chocolate). They are popular family dogs due to their playful attitude and are frequently used as service dogs due to their calm demeanor and intelligence.
Hurteau, who adopted Jack at 10 weeks old and has had other Labs in the past, said they were easy dogs to have around people.
"He loves other animals, he loves people, whenever we see another dog he is so well behaved," Hurteau said. "He does love to get into a little trouble sometimes. He loves going into the recycling bin and pulling out a cardboard box and taking it all over the house."
2. Chihuahua (608)
Chihuahuas are among the smallest dog breeds in the world, with most weighing in between 2 and 7 pounds. Chihuahuas have excellent hearing, which gives them an advantage in avoiding larger predators. Their size has made them a popular companion dog and perfect for dog owners living in apartments or smaller buildings.
"We love that he is a lap dog, and so easy to cuddle with," Ingrid Bordner, who was walking her eight year old chihuahua mix, Doge, at Qunsigamond Lake Park on Tuesday, said. "We've had Labs in the past, and he is easy to be around. He's so small, he doesn't scare people if he gets excited, and he's very easy to travel with, he fits everywhere."
3. Shih tzu (359)
Originally bred in Tibet, the shih tzu is a small dog that is notable for its expansive fur coat, which can be lengthened and styled many different ways. Their coat requires a lot of maintenance, with owners recommended to brush their fur several times per week to avoid it getting matted and tangled. The shih tzu is also known for its distinctive natural underbite and its large, expressive eyes.
4. German shepherd (269)
A large, powerful breed, the German shepherd is recognized for its intelligence and ability to learn numerous commands, which has made it a popular service dog, frequently used by police and military units. While normally regarded as a serious animal, German shepherds are also viewed as good family pets, as they are protective of their family and seen as useful for home security.
5. Golden retriever (218)
Often viewed as interchangeable with Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers have longer coats and slimmer builds than their stockier relatives. Golden retrievers are regarded as excellent family dogs due to their temperament and are recognized for their curiosity, and their ability to get into mischief if not properly stimulated.
6. Yorkshire terrier (212)
Another small dog, "Yorkies" are known for their lengthy coats and energetic demeanor. Originally bred as a hunting dog to help find and kill rats in England, the Yorkie is a popular family dog today thanks to its small size and playful energy.
7. Poodle (211)
Poodles are one of the most diverse dog breeds in the world, coming in a wide variety of sizes and weights that range from 6 to 70 pounds. Poodles have thick, curly hair that can be styled in an almost limitless number of ways, making it a popular show dog. Despite a reputation as a regal, fancy breed, poodles are regarded as excellent pets, with an energetic and sociable attitude.
8. Beagle (169)
Beagles possess an incredible sense of smell and are excellent trackers, which make them interesting pets as their superior noses and curiosity can lead to them getting into trouble at home. Originally bred in England, beagles are known for their distinctive bark and howl, which has also led to them being used as guard dogs.
9. Goldendoodle (156)
The most popular crossbreed in Worcester, goldendoodles were first widely bred in the 1990s in Australia and the United States. Combining traits of poodles and golden retrievers, goldendoodles provide the same kind of temperament and energy of a golden retriever in a smaller package.
10. Maltese (140)
A small dog that rarely weighs more than 10 pounds, the Maltese is known for its pure white coat and, unlike most dogs with long hair, does not shed. Hailing from the Mediterranean, the Maltese is documented throughout ancient Rome and Greece, where it served as a popular lap dog and decorative ornament for wealthy citizens.
