NEW YORK (AP) – Could the French Bulldog Become America’s Favorite Purebred Dog?
After riding a rocket to popularity for the past quarter century, Frenchies came in second to Labrador retrievers – the leaders for 30 consecutive years – in the American Kennel Club’s latest ranking, released Wednesday. They reflect the relative number of purebred animals, mainly puppies, added to the oldest American dog registry last year.
Stocky and grubby French bulldogs have their charms – at least in the eyes of fans – but also their limitations.
“They’re not the type of dog to take you for a walk,” says AKC spokesperson Brandi Hunter, “but if you want a dog that fits you nicely, be cute, be flexible, minimal grooming … that’s the kind of race for you. “
A dive into the details:
THE TOP 10:
After Labrador retrievers and French bulldogs, the top 10 breeds include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Poodles, Beagles, Rottweilers, and German Shorthaired Pointers. Dachshunds made it to the top 10 for the first time since 2013.
Labs were hailed as easygoing dogs, breaking the record for the longest number one run years ago, and they still remain the most popular. Last year, more than 98,300 Labs joined the AKC registry, compared to about 66,500 French bulldogs.
However, German Shepherds enjoy their own form of dog leadership. President Joe Biden’s herders, Champ and Major, have lived in the White House, although they were recently sent back to Biden’s Delaware home for a dog cooldown. after Major wounded a Secret Service agent.
The Poodle can also lay claim to the top dog’s crown: a Standard Poodle named Siba was the most recent winner of the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show, held last year.
Breeds on the move include the cane corso, a heavy guard dog that broke into the top 25. It was 51st just ten years ago.
LONG LIVE FRENCH
When Labrador retrievers first topped the list in 1991, French bulldogs were in a distant 82nd place. But Frenchies started to rise in the rankings in the late ’90s, reaching No. 4 in 2017
Famous owners from Martha Stewart to Lady Gaga to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have brought the breed to the fore. And his compact size, moderate exercise needs, no-fuss coat and rather comical demeanor struck a chord with many dog hunters.
“They snore, fart little love machines,” said Nicole Denny, a professional dog handler who has been breeding French bulldogs for 15 years after 20 years with Doberman pinschers.
She sees the popularity of Frenchies growing as ‘a blessing and a curse’.
“I’d feel selfish in a way if other people didn’t enjoy the breed because they’re just so wonderful,” said Denny of Pleasant Plain, Ohio. But “it has produced many people who do not breed wisely.”
French bulldog enthusiasts should be aware that the breed can be prone to overheating, breathing difficulties and back problems. Other breeds are also prone to a variety of conditions, and mixed breeds are not necessarily free from them, notes the AKC’s chief veterinary officer Dr. Jerry Klein, op.
“There is no single dog, whether purebred or mixed breed, that is 100% guaranteed to be completely trouble free,” he said. “You have to know what you are getting and know the possibilities.”
WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT AND WHO’S NEW
The popularity score is limited to the more than 190 breeds recognized by the AKC – no doodles or other ‘designer’ hybrids, not to mention run-of-the-mill mixes and mutts.
New to the list are two breeds recognized in 2020: the dogo Argentino, who comes in 93rd place – remarkable for a newcomer – in the popularity rankings and the barbet in 145th.
RARE YIELD
The rarest breed is the Norwegian Lundehund. The modest-sized agile dogs may be little known in the US, but have intriguing accolades, includes six-legged feet, unusual flexibility, climbing ability and a history of puffin hunting.
THE DEBATE ABOUT THE BREEDING OF DOGS
Animal rights advocates complain that interest in purebred dogs feeds puppy mills and leaves other puppies in shelters. The AKC refutes that conscientious breeding produces dogs adept at such work, such as sniffing bombs, and allows pet owners to choose a breed suitable for the activities – or lack thereof – they have in mind.
Still, the AKC regrets that sometimes pupality spurs people to acquire a breed they haven’t researched.
“Don’t let popularity lead to the decision,” Hunter said. “Let your lifestyle make the decision.”