Move over, Labrador Retrievers. There's a new top dog in town.
For the first time in 31 years, the Labrador Retriever has been unseated as the most popular dog breed in the US, according to the American Kennel Club's 2022 registration statistics. In its place sits the cute and compact French Bulldog.
The French Bulldog has been steadily climbing the AKC's rankings over the last decades, hitting No. 14 in 2012. In 2021, the breed held the No. 2 spot, behind the popular labs but ahead of Golden Retrievers.
Who, after all, can resist their adorable bat-like ears and wrinkly nose? The breed has become a favorite among celebrities, beloved by everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Megan Thee Stallion.
Part of what makes this breed so easy to love is its small size and quiet demeanor, according to the AKC. French Bulldogs aren't typically prone to barking and don't need as much exercise as larger dogs, making them a good fit for those living in apartments or smaller homes.
The AKC recognizes 200 dog breeds. Here's a look at the breeds rounding out the top 10 most popular in the US.
- French Bulldogs
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Poodles
- Bulldogs
- Rottweilers
- Beagles
- Dachshunds
- German Shorthaired Pointers
