In 2011, BellaDOG Magazine added more criteria to the list of the Top 10 Most Dog Friendly Cities 2011 . There were some amazingly dog friendly towns (i.e. Provincetown, MA and South Lake Tahoe, CA) but they were not large enough to be considered a city (over 40,000 residents) for our rankings. We received many nominations from staff and looked at past winners as well with the new criteria. What did we look for in the city that is the most dog friendly?

Walkability - If your city is walkable, you are more likely to take your dog with you on errands, to restaurants, shopping, and exercising. We ranked each city's WalkScore™ index.

Dog Parks - A city that cares will fund off-leash dog areas and parks. This was calculated on a per capita basis using City Government websites.

Dog Businesses - We tallied Google results for nearby dog businesses on a per capita basis as well.

Legislature - We researched state, county, and local laws against puppy mills, dog fighting, and chaining/tethering with the Humane Society and Unchain Your Dog.

#10 New York, NY Despite limited urination spots, there are plenty of dog parks to go around! Over 130 infact - see Top 10 Dog Parks & Runs of New York City. Eventhough New York requires licensing and inspections to prevent puppy mills and limitations on chaining, New York lacks tough penalties on dog fighting participants compared to other states.

#9 Madison, WI

Who knew Badgers were so friendly to dogs? Madison consistently ranks in top city polls because of its education (home to the University of Wisconsin), culture, and entertainment. But our research found that they ranked well in dog parks and dog businesses per capita! They also have strict puppy mill laws requiring both licensing and inspections.

#8 Scottsdale, AZ Scottsdale was named by the New York Times as one of the "hippest and most happening" places in the country and we found Scottsdale to be very dog friendly as well. Arizona has strict puppy mill state laws and very strict dog fighting laws. Lacking is walkability, scoring the lowest of our Top 10 Most Dog Friendly Cities 2011.

#7 Orlando, FL

Orlando has a great number of dog parks and dog businesses. However, Orlando ranked low on walkability and doesn't have any licensing or inspection requirements for retail dog sales. On the plus side, Orlando has chaining and tethering limitations laws! There are also a ton of annual dog events for great causes including the 4 Paws for the Cause Dog Walk and Dogtoberfest, Dash for Dogs 5k, and Paws for Peace this fall.

#6 Boston, MA Boston is wicked rich in history, culture, sports, and dogs! In the Spring and Summer, dog owners are often on a stroll in this highly walkable city. There is so much to see and learn, so bring your pooch and explore the city by foot on The Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites.

#5 Santa Monica, CA

Home to many Hollywood celebrities and executives, this beach town has plenty of dog parks to go around and our highest number of dog businesses per capita. Walking your dog along the beach or in town is extremely easy and butt-sniffing meetings are frequent! Legislature to protect our pooches is poor in California though with some proactive stores signing the Puppy Friendly Pledge.

#4 Portland, OR

Our #1 Most Dog Friendly City of 2010 still ranks high with new criteria in 2011. This proves Portland is definitely dog friendly! With a whopping 32 dog parks in the city and limitations on chaining, we still love Portland for dogs. Where Oregon can improve is puppy mill legislature!

#3 Cambridge, MA With two of the most pretigious universities in the world, Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge is young and wise when it comes to being dog friendly. Being in the Greater Boston area (Boston ranking #6 on our list), Cambridge is often lumped together with it's neighbor but has a much different atmosphere. It ranked 2nd on walkability on our list and is arguably the most pleasurable (in the warm months of course!)

#2 Lancaster, PA

Between Harriburg and Philadelphia rests Lancaster, primarily known for its Amish population who live in the outskirts of the city. Lancaster County boasts a surprising number of dog businesses and a good amount of dog parks relative to its population. They also have great events like the 7th Annual Dogs' Day in the Park organized by Animal Rescue Inc who has been helping stray, abandoned, and neglected animals for the past 35 years. In Pennsylvania, inspections are required to prevent puppy mills!

#1 Hoboken, NJ - Most Dog Friendly City in the United States 2011

Baby strollers and dogs are plentiful in this city full of young professionals and commuters. WalkScore™ rated Hoboken as the #1 walkable city in the country. The Humane Society ranked New Jersey #1 for having the most harsh dog fighting penalties. Hoboken squeezed 4 dog parks into the Mile Square city and has many dog boutiques for spoiling your pooch. Nearly every restaurant has outdoor seating. Hoboken just had its 7th Annual Hoboken Pet Parade & Fair hosted by the Hoboken Historical Museum. The Hoboken Dog Association also organizes many other great events as well. Not enough for you in Hoboken? Carry the small one in a pet bag or cage on the PATH Train to the West Village in New York (number #10 on our list) in only 7 minutes!