When you think of the most popular dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever is likely one of the first to come to mind. Indeed, they’ve been the most popular breed in the U.S. for over three decades according to the American Kennel Club, and it’s easy to see why. Friendly, good with children, and sociable – they’ve earned a great reputation.
But now, for the first time in 31 years, there’s a new most popular dog in town. And it’s the French Bulldog, reports AP News.
Becoming the Most Popular Breed
Their rise has been meteoric. Just 25 years ago, they weren’t even in the top 75 most popular breeds. But there are reasons for their increase in popularity, according to Patty Sosa, spokesperson for the French Bull Dog Club of America.
“They’re comical, friendly, loving little dogs,” she explains. “City-friendly, with modest grooming and exercise needs, they offer a lot in a small package.”
With the rise in popularity, however, comes security concerns – they’re valuable dogs now. Just last month, somebody fatally shot a man selling a French Bulldog. And who could forget when Lady Gaga’s dog walker was shot during a robbery in which two of the singer’s French Bulldogs were stolen?
Meanwhile, there are concerns around the breeding of French Bulldogs, particularly with the health issues many Frenchies face. Like other brachycephalic, or flat-faced, dogs, French Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties as well as eye, skin, and spinal conditions.
The British Veterinary Association has urged people not to buy flat-faced dogs, and in the Netherlands it’s even illegal to breed very short-snouted dogs.
The Rest of the Rankings
The American Kennel Club’s rankings cover around 200 breeds, not including mixes, and they base their findings on the 716,500 dogs registered last year. Registration is voluntary, however, so the rankings may not be 100% accurate.
The rest of the top 10 is as follows:
- French Bulldogs
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Poodles
- Bulldogs
- Rottweilers
- Beagles
- Dachshunds
- German Shorthaired Pointers
