Portland has been named the most dog-friendly city in the U.S., paws down, according to Dog Fancy Magazine.

The City of Roses – and dogs – beat 61 other nominated cities.

With more than 136,000 canines, Portland earned top status as the best place for dogs to live, based on numerous criteria, including veterinarian-to-dog ratio, preventive care participation, percentage of spayed/neutered pets, dog-friendly businesses and the existence of a leash law.

"We were thrilled to see that Portland came out on top," said Susan Chaney, Dog Fancy's editor. "Portland's forward-thinking residents place high priority on animal welfare and adoption, as the shelter adoption numbers demonstrate. Caring neighbors, quality veterinary care and pet services, combined with Oregon's natural beauty, make Portland our favorite place for dogs this year."

The editor will travel to Portland to present the "Dogtown USA 2006" plaque to Mayor Tom Potter. A canine block party will follow starting at 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m. in Pioneer Square on September 13.

"Portland has always shown great compassion towards the animals in this community," said Sharon Harmon, Oregon Humane Society’s executive director. "This is a great town to live in if you're a dog or a dog lover."

Now that's something to woof about.