French bulldogs have maintained their status as the most commonly registered purebred dogs in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club rankings released on Wednesday. Despite facing competition from other popular breeds, the bat-eared, scaled-down bulldogs have held onto the top spot after surpassing Labrador retrievers in 2022.
The AKC rankings also revealed that dachshunds have reached a nearly two-decade peak, while the cane corso is steadily climbing the ranks. Additionally, a new breed, the bracco Italiano, made its debut in the standings at 152nd place. On the other end of the spectrum, the sloughi was the rarest among last year's registrations.
While purebred dogs continue to be popular among U.S. dog owners, animal shelters are still overflowing with dogs and cats in need of homes. Last year, shelters and rescue groups took in about 3.2 million dogs, with 2.2 million dogs being adopted. Stephanie Filer, the executive director of Shelter Animals Count, emphasized the importance of making adoption a priority in the community.
The surge in popularity of French bulldogs has raised concerns among longtime fans of the breed. Naneice Bucci, a preservation breeder and founder of Nevada French Bulldog Rescue, worries that the breed's popularity is attracting breeders who are more interested in profit than the well-being of the dogs. Bucci emphasizes the importance of responsible breeding practices to ensure the health and longevity of the breed.
Gina DiNardo, the executive secretary at the American Kennel Club, highlighted the importance of doing thorough research before choosing a breed that fits one's lifestyle. While French bulldogs may be wonderful companions for many, they may not be suitable for everyone. The top 10 breeds registered this year after Frenchies include Labs, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and poodles.
themes: Nevada
