In a surprising turn of events, the iconic Labrador Retriever has been dethroned as the most popular dog breed in the United States. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the French Bulldog has claimed the top spot, ending the Labrador’s impressive 31-year reign as America’s favorite furry companion1.
This remarkable shift in canine popularity showcases the French Bulldog’s rising prominence as the nation’s new beloved pet. Over the past decade, French Bulldog registrations have skyrocketed by over 1,000%, underscoring the breed’s growing appeal among dog enthusiasts across the country1.
As the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs, the AKC’s annual rankings provide a fascinating glimpse into the ever-evolving preferences of American dog owners. With the French Bulldog now leading the pack, it’s clear that this playful, smart, and adaptable breed has captured the hearts of countless families and individuals seeking the perfect canine companion1.
Key Takeaways
- The French Bulldog has dethroned the Labrador Retriever as the most popular dog breed in the United States.
- French Bulldog registrations have seen a staggering 1,000% increase over the last 10 years.
- The top 5 dog breeds in 2022 were the French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Poodle.
- Rottweilers and Dachshunds have made notable moves in the rankings, with Rottweilers climbing to 7th place and Dachshunds breaking into the top 10.
- Newly recognized breeds like the Mudi and Russian Toy have made their debut in the 2022 rankings.
Unveiling the French Bulldog as America’s Favorite Pooch
The rise of the French Bulldog as America’s most popular dog breed has been nothing short of remarkable. Once ranked a mere 14th in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) rankings in 2012, this playful, compact breed has steadily climbed the charts to claim the top spot in 20222. With approximately 66,500 new registrations in the past year, the French Bulldog has surpassed the Labrador Retriever, the long-reigning champion with over 98,300 new registrations2.
The French Bulldog’s Rise to Prominence
The French Bulldog’s popularity has been fueled by its endearing personality and adaptability. Originally bred in France as a companion dog for the working class, these bat-eared companions have found a special place in the hearts of urbanites and families alike2. In fact, the French Bulldog was first recognized by the AKC in 1898, giving the breed over a century of history and tradition within the registry2.
Traits and Characteristics of the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog’s playful and affectionate nature, combined with its relatively small size, make it an ideal companion for a variety of lifestyles. These smart, adaptable dogs thrive in apartments and city living, while also being well-suited for families with children3. With their distinctive bat-like ears and wrinkled brow, French Bulldogs have a unique and endearing appearance that has captivated the hearts of dog lovers nationwide3.
| Breed | Popularity Ranking | New Registrations |
|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | 1st | 98,500 |
| Labrador Retriever | 2nd | 98,300 |
| Dachshund | 6th | N/A |
| Cane Corso | 16th | N/A |
| Bracco Italiano | 152nd | N/A |
| Sloughi | N/A | N/A |
The French Bulldog’s meteoric rise to the top of the AKC’s rankings is a testament to its growing popularity as a beloved companion dog23. With their endearing traits and adaptable nature, it’s no wonder these floppy-eared pups have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts across the United States.
“The French Bulldog’s playful and affectionate nature, combined with its relatively small size, make it an ideal companion for a variety of lifestyles.”
What’s the number one dog in America?
The French Bulldog has secured the top spot as the most popular dog breed in the United States for the second consecutive year, according to the annual rankings released by the American Kennel Club (AKC)4. This marks the end of the Labrador Retriever’s remarkable 31-year reign as the nation’s favorite canine companion5.
Following the French Bulldog in the top five most popular dog breeds are the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, and Poodle4. These breeds have maintained their positions from the previous year, solidifying their status as beloved American canine companions5.
| Rank | Breed | Popularity | Lifespan | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bulldog | Most popular in the U.S. | 10-12 years | Affectionate, playful, adaptable |
| 2 | Labrador Retriever | Second most popular | 11-13 years | Friendly, active |
| 3 | Golden Retriever | Third most popular | 10-12 years | Friendly, devoted, intelligent |
| 4 | German Shepherd | Fourth most popular | 7-10 years | Family dogs, K-9 officers |
| 5 | Poodle | Fifth most popular | 10-18 years | Active, smart, affectionate |
“The French Bulldog’s rise to the top of the AKC’s annual rankings is a testament to their growing popularity as beloved American canine companions. Their affectionate, playful, and adaptable nature makes them a top choice, especially for city dwellers.”
As the most popular dog breeds in the United States continue to evolve, the French Bulldog’s ascent to the number one spot reflects the ever-changing preferences of American dog owners45.
The Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2023
As the American Kennel Club (AKC) unveils the most popular dog breeds for 2023, the rankings showcase some exciting changes and new additions. The French Bulldog has secured the coveted No. 1 spot, retaining its position as the most popular dog breed in the United States for two consecutive years67.
Notable Breed Movements in the Rankings
Beyond the top five, the rankings have seen some notable shuffling. The Dachshund made a significant jump, moving from the No. 9 spot in 2022 to the No. 6 spot in 20236. Rottweilers, on the other hand, dropped from No. 7 in 2022 to No. 9 in 20236. Bulldogs went from No. 6 in 2022 to No. 7 in 20236, while the Beagle remains at No. 8 and the German Shorthaired Pointer maintains its position at No. 10 with no change in rank67.
Newly Recognized Breeds and Their Debut Rankings
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has recognized 201 dog breeds since 18846, and several newly recognized breeds made their debut in the 2023 rankings. The Mudi, for instance, climbed from its debut at No. 150 in 2022 to No. 130 in 20236. The Russian Toy debuted at No. 144 and now ranks No. 141 in 20236. Additionally, the Bracco Italiano, recognized in July 2022, entered the 2023 rankings at No. 1526.
FAQ
What’s the number one dog breed in America?
For the second consecutive year, the French Bulldog has secured the No.1 spot as the most popular dog breed in the United States, dethroning the Labrador Retriever after its impressive 31-year reign at the top.
How has the French Bulldog’s popularity changed over the years?
The French Bulldog’s rise to the top of the AKC’s rankings has been a steady climb over the last decade. In 2012, the breed ranked 14th, steadily gaining popularity to reach the No. 2 spot in 2021 before taking over the top position in 2022.
What makes the French Bulldog a popular choice for dog owners?
Part of the French Bulldog’s appeal lies in its playful, smart, and adaptable nature, making them easy to bring anywhere and great companions for a variety of lifestyles. These bat-eared companions are especially popular in cities, with their origins tracing back to France, where they belonged to people of all social classes, from royalty to middle-class artisans.
How have the other top dog breeds fared in the 2023 rankings?
The rest of the top five breeds follow a similar pattern, with the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, and Poodle ranking No. 2-5 respectively, the same as in 2022. Beyond the top five, there’s some shuffling in the top 10 dog breeds from 2022 to 2023, with the Dachshund making a significant jump from No. 9 to No. 6, and Rottweilers taking the No. 9 spot in 2023, moving down from No. 7 in 2022.
What new dog breeds made their debut in the 2023 AKC rankings?
Several newly recognized breeds made their debut in the 2023 rankings, including the Mudi, Russian Toy, and Bracco Italiano. The Mudi went from its debut at No. 150 in 2022 to No. 130 in 2023, while the Russian Toy debuted at No. 144 and now ranks No. 141. The Bracco Italiano, recognized in July 2022, debuted in the 2023 rankings at No. 152.
