For the first time in 31 years, the United States has a new favorite dog breed.
The American Kennel Club has released its registration statistics for 2022 and found that the Labrador Retriever has been overtaken by the French Bulldog after being the most popular dog breed for three decades.
According to a Press ReleaseThe French Bulldog has grown exponentially over the past 10 years. In 2012, the breed was the 14th most popular and jumped to #2 in the 2021 rankings. Registrations also increased by more than 1,000% from 2012 to 2022.
According to the American Kennel Club, French Bulldog registrations increased more than 1,000% from 2012 to 2022.
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To rank the most popular dog breeds, the American Kennel Club used statistics based on roughly 716,500 voluntary registrations from dog owners.
The rankings do not include mixed breeds or popular “designer” hybrids such as Labradoodles, as the American Kennel Club recognizes only 200 dog breeds.
Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the US
- French bulldogs
- Labrador retrievers
- Golden retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Poodles
- Bulldogs
- Rottweilers
- Beagles
- Dachshunds
- German Shorthaired Pointers
French Bulldogs are popular with celebrities including Reese Witherspoon and Megan Thee Stallion.
And while the breed continues to grow in popularity, the American Kennel Club says it’s essential to do your research before committing to one.
According to a 2021 study published in Canine medicine and geneticsFrench bulldogs have a higher chance of being diagnosed with 20 common disorders compared to other breeds, such as heatstroke and respiratory problems, because of their flat faces.
The Labrador Retriever came second on the list. A longtime favorite in the US, it is widely known as a companion dog and can be trained as a guide or assistance dog.
The dog breed that rounded out the top three were golden retrievers. According to the American Kennel Club, it is an excellent guide dog for the blind and enjoys obedience and other competitive events.
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