French Bulldogs Are Once Again The Most Popular Dog Breed

Don’t tell my furry friend of indeterminate origin and mysterious heritage, but French Bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the United States, according to American Kennel Club rankings released Wednesday. 

This is the second year in a row that the small, solidly-built, bat-eared breed has topped the rankings. "The French Bulldog's surge in popularity shows no signs of slowing down," Gina DiNardo, the executive secretary at the American Kennel Club, said in a statement. While rescue dogs of any make or model are a personal favorite, there is a lot to love about French bulldogs. They are generally laidback companions, incredibly affectionate pups, and, of course, one of the most adorable dog breeds around. They are also famously good family dogs that have no qualms matching a kiddo’s high energy with their own affable, calm demeanor.

It’s important to note that just because Frenchies are popular right now, doesn’t mean they are the right fit for every home. French Bulldogs are great little homebodies and cuddly lap dogs, but folks who want a running buddy or a pooch to take on long hikes may want to look at other pups, as breeding has led to many Frenchies having breathing issues that make jogging a bit of a challenge. "Their long list of fabulous traits makes them wonderful companions for a variety of people, but that doesn't mean they're for everyone,” Nardo said in her statement.” It's extremely important to do your research to not only find the right breed for your lifestyle, but to ensure that you're getting a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder."

While Frenchies are currently at the top of the list, they only recently dethroned Labs and Golden Retrievers as favorites. Those two breeds still rank as No. 2 and No. 3 on the AKC list. Prior to the Frenchies assent, the Labrador Retriever was the  AKC's top dog for over three decades and the smart little pups are certainly still a favorite in the South.

Of course, purebred dogs with registration papers aren’t the only fluff buddies living in our homes. The AKC only recognizes specific breeds and, for example, doesn’t include the different types of doodles filling the dog parks nor does it include mixed breed pups, a.k.a. mutts. Whatever variety of furry friend you have at home, please tell them we say hi.

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