For the first time in 31 years, Labrador retrievers have been brought to heel as Americans’ favorite dog breed: enter the French bulldog.
The snorty little breed has topped the American Kennel Club’s list for this country’s favorite dog for the first time, after trotting steadily up the ranks in recent years.
The AKC’s 2022 rankings put Frenchies as top dog, which is no small feat considering they were #14 in 2012. The organization noted registrations for the breed jumped over 1,000% since then.
“[B]eloved by everyone from families to single owners for their charming and adaptable nature,” the wrinkly-faced dogs “have surged in popularity in cities across the country since their small size and generally quiet demeanor make them good fits for apartments and smaller homes,” according to the AKC.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Reese Witherspoon and Hugh Jackman all owned Frenchies, also adding to their cache.
Unfortunately, French bulldogs’ rising popularity has not been ignored by criminals. The in-demand breed, which can fetch thousands, has been the target of violent dog-nappings nationwide — Frenchies were famously at the center of the shooting of Lady Gaga‘s dog walker in 2021, for example.
Last month, a breeder was fatally shot in South Carolina by thieves who snatched a dog he agreed to sell.
For the record, the Labrador retriever took second place in the popularity list, with golden retrievers, German shepherds and poodles rounding out the top five, according to the AKC.