New Favorite Dog Breed in the U.S. Just Beat Out Beloved Labradors

After 31 years, the Labrador retriever is no longer top dog.

For the first time in 31 years, the Labrador Retriever is no longer the top dog. Labrador Retrievers, as wonderful and beautiful as they are, are no longer the number one dog owned by people in the United States.

The American Kennel Club has released the latest ranking for dog breed ownership, and the loyal lab has been unseated by a compact, wrinkly-faced little pupper with ears like a bat. Watch the following to see if you have one of these cute little dogs watching on the sofa alongside you.

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Besides the fact that these guys are adorable little dogs, they are also playful, friendly, and happily able to reside in an apartment, which may explain their increase in pupularity.

TikTok viewers all seem to be a big fan of this little dog, and @MelissaTheGroomer comments, "Smoooooooooshies!" @Solo comments, "We love well bred frenchies!!" @2deviously adds, "Beautiful pups." @Rosie says, "I love frenchies but I hate how the only reason they’re the most popular is because of breeders making fad unethical colors."

What Rosie is referring to is what FrenchBulldogRescue.org calls “non-standard” colors, “fault colors” and (by unscrupulous breeders trying to sell dogs for inflated prices) “rare” or “designer” colors, a fad color is any color that does not conform to the breed standard. Dogs bred to be these 'designer colors' usually comes with more health issues. You can protect yourself (and your dog) by making sure you only obtain your Frenchie from a rescue or an ethical breeder. In addition to this, French Bulldogs can be prone to certain health issues, such as respiratory problems and hip dysplasia, which is another good reason to make sure you know where you're getting one from.

According to the American Kennel Club, the ten most popular dog breeds in the United States are:

  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

Are you a Frenchie owner? Or are you currently taking your Lab out for a pupcup to take away the sting of no longer being number one? Let us know in the comments!

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