There’s a new top dog in town! The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced this morning that the ever-popular Labrador Retriever’s record-breaking reign has ended. The playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the first time.
While it may come as a surprise to some that the loveable Lab’s 31-year stay at the top has come to an end, the French Bulldog has been quietly climbing the charts for many years. Over the past decade, the Frenchie has gone from 14th in 2012 to number 1 in 2022, and registrations have increased over 1,000% in that time period.
“The French Bulldog has seen a surge in popularity over the years, and for good reason,” said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. “Frenchies are playful, adaptable, loyal and outgoing. They make wonderful companions for a variety of people, but 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.”
