America has a new favorite dog: Labrador Retriever has been dethroned after 31-year reign
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The adorable Labrador retriever is reportedly no longer America's favorite dog breed. The sweet-faced breed known for having a heart of gold has been dethroned by its much smaller but more urban-friendly counterpart French bulldog.
It's worth noting that the labrador retriever reigned as America's favorite pooch for the past 31 years. However, its popularity was eclipsed by that of the Frenchie in 2022. The rankings are reportedly based on nearly 716,500 dogs newly registered in 2022, of which about one in seven were Frenchies. About 108,000 French bulldogs were recorded in the US that year, surpassing labrador retrievers by over 21,000.
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According to data collected by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the French bulldog’s popularity has grown exponentially over the past decade. The breed was only the 14th most popular breed in 2012, but its registrations have since gone up 1,000% and elevated them to the top of the breed rankings. Other dogs that grew in popularity during this period included the American hairless terrier, Gordon setter, Italian greyhound and Anatolian shepherd dog.
Celebrity breed
The French bulldog was largely popularized by several celebrities who have gone public with their love for the breed. According to Upworthy, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga, Megan Thee Stallion, Reese Witherspoon and Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez all own French bulldogs. The breed also garnered considerable attention as show dogs in 2022, especially after a Frenchie named Winston came second at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and took first place in the National Dog Show.
Frenchies also grabbed national headlines in early 2021 when Lady Gaga's dog walker was shot in the chest while walking two of her pooches in a reported dog heist. Fortunately, the man recovered from his injuries, and the canines were eventually returned.
Unique features
French bulldogs are also popular for their unique look and personalities. “They’re comical, friendly, loving little dogs,” Patty Sosa, spokesperson for the French Bull Dog Club of America, told AP. Sosa noted how the breed was urban-friendly with modest grooming needs and “they offer a lot in a small package." Furthermore, they fit right in with people dwelling in apartments as they don't bark a lot and don't require much outdoor exercise, per the AKC.
The French bulldog has a distinctive look resembling a miniature bulldog with large bat-like ears that are its characteristic feature. Their popularity, however, comes with a lot of physical issues and drawbacks. “French bulldogs can be a polarizing topic,” veterinarian Dr Carrie Stefaniak told AP.
Medical issues
It's important to note that since French bulldogs have been bred to have abnormally large heads, large litters usually require a C-section delivery, an expensive procedure that often threatens the mother's life. The breed is also prone to myriad health issues, including skin, ear, and eye infections. Furthermore, their flat face means they will likely suffer from respiratory problems and heat intolerance. They are also prone to spine deformations and nerve pain as they age.
According to AKC, The Top 10 most popular dog breeds in 2022 are ranked in the following order:
1 French Bulldogs
2 Labrador Retrievers
3 Golden Retrievers
4 German Shepherd Dogs
5 Poodles
6 Bulldogs
7 Rottweilers
8 Beagles
9 Dachshunds
10 German Shorthaired Pointers
