This is the nation’s most popular dog breed — for the first time ever, report finds
Move over, Labrador retrievers.
French bulldogs now rank as the No. 1 most popular dog breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.
The breed rose to the top of the list for the first time ever, ending a 31-year run for Labrador retrievers.
“Breaking the Lab’s top-dog status of over three decades is no small feat,” the club wrote in a March 15 report. “The Frenchie is a smart, compact breed, and they can fit into various different lifestyles, perfect for people all across the country.”
Which other types of dogs were named the most popular? Rounding out the top five were:
- Labrador retrievers at No. 2
- Golden retrievers at No. 3
- German shepherds at No. 4
- Poodles at No. 5
To create its list of top breeds, the American Kennel Club said it studied its 2022 registry of purebred dogs. On its previous list, French bulldogs landed in the runner-up spot.
So, what makes French bulldogs so special?
“They are beloved by everyone from families to single owners for their charming and adaptable nature,” the American Kennel Club wrote. “They have surged in popularity in cities across the country since their small size and generally quiet demeanor make them good fits for apartments and smaller homes.”
But, along with the popularity, the breed has become a top target for pet thefts, according to the nonprofit AKC Reunite. In one high-profile 2021 case, California police said two French bulldogs were stolen at gunpoint from a person walking dogs for singer Lady Gaga.
This story was originally published March 15, 2023 at 10:13 AM with the headline "This is the nation’s most popular dog breed — for the first time ever, report finds."
