The cute French bulldog has won the title of the most popular dog in the US, ending the 31-year reign of the Labrador retriever in the American Kennel Club’s 2022 rankings.
With its flat snout, the French bulldog has been steadily climbing the ranks, reaching second place in 2021, according to the American Kennel Club, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the United States.
“What’s not to love about them? They are wonderful companions, cute, and very loving,” said Atlanta breeder Johnny Dunley Jr.
In the 2012 rankings, this breed was ranked 14th on the same list. Since then, registrations of French bulldogs in the American Kennel Club’s registry have increased tenfold.
Dunley started breeding them as a hobby 17 years ago, selling puppies to friends and acquaintances, before deciding in 2018 to go professional.
Purebred puppies are not cheap, with sale prices starting at $3,000. The growing popularity of French bulldogs has led to an increase in thefts involving victims of dogs of this breed. In 2021, two French bulldogs belonging to singer Lady Gaga were stolen in Los Angeles.
Danley admits that this breed is susceptible to respiratory problems and spinal disorders. He points out that the risks are much lower when only dogs with an excellent medical history are used for breeding.
