After 31 years, the beloved Labrador Retriever has been dethroned as America’s favorite dog breed. The new top dog is the French Bulldog, a smaller and more urban-friendly breed that has gained immense popularity in recent years.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Labrador Retriever held the top spot for over three decades but was surpassed in 2022 by the French Bulldog. The rankings are based on approximately 716,500 newly registered dogs in 2022, with French Bulldogs making up about 1 in 7. With around 108,000 new registrations, French Bulldogs outnumbered Labradors by more than 21,000.
The rise of the French Bulldog has been dramatic. In 2012, the breed was ranked 14th in popularity, but in just a decade, its registration numbers skyrocketed by 1,000%, propelling it to the top spot.
Other breeds that saw increased popularity from 2021 to 2022 include the American Hairless Terrier, Gordon Setter, Italian Greyhound, and Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
While French Bulldogs were once popular among the upper class in the early 1900s, they faded in popularity before making a major comeback. Celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Megan Thee Stallion, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Reese Witherspoon, and Lady Gaga have helped boost the breed's profile. The Frenchie also gained attention in 2022 after a French Bulldog named Winston took second place at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and first place at the National Dog Show.
The breed made national headlines in 2021 when Lady Gaga's dog walker was shot during a robbery attempt involving her two French Bulldogs. Thankfully, the dog walker recovered, and the dogs were returned.
French Bulldogs are adored for their distinctive look and personalities. “They’re comical, friendly, loving little dogs,” said Patty Sosa, a spokesperson for the French Bulldog Club of America. Their small size and minimal grooming needs make them ideal for city living, and their low exercise requirements make them perfect for apartment dwellers.
Their signature bat-like ears and compact, bulldog-like appearance contribute to their charm, but their popularity has sparked some controversy. Veterinarians note that French Bulldogs are prone to several health issues. Their large heads often require C-sections for delivery, and they are susceptible to respiratory problems, heat intolerance, skin infections, and spinal issues.
Despite these concerns, the French Bulldog’s rise to the top reflects its appeal to dog lovers across the country.
Here are the top 10 most popular dog breeds in 2022, according to the AKC:
- French Bulldogs
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Poodles
- Bulldogs
- Rottweilers
- Beagles
- Dachshunds
- German Shorthaired Pointers