When we asked readers to submit their pets for our New Jersey's Top Pet competition, dog owners overwhelmingly answered the call.

While we did receive entrees for guinea pigs, rabbits, lizards, cats and small dogs, medium and large-sized dogs made up the biggest group of submissions. Whether they were pit bull, boxer or Labrador retriever mixes, purebred golden retrievers, bulldogs, Siberian huskies or German shepherds (and many, many more), New Jerseyans really wanted to show off their family dogs. The submissions included service dogs, therapy dogs, "fur babies" and working dogs.

Survey the gallery to see all the dogs in the larger group (you can vote for small dogs in a separate post) and read what their owners said about them. Then cast a vote for your favorite dog in the poll below. The top two vote-getters will advance in the competition for a chance at the Top Pet title. NJ Advance Media staff will pick two other pets from the larger submission pool -- other categories include small dogs, cats and non-dog and cat pets -- to join the final.

This round of voting for New Jersey's Top Pet will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 25.

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.