[ad_1]
Watch out March Madness, another competition featuring underdogs and shocking upsets is here.
The French bulldog is now the most popular (pup-ular?) dog breed of 2022, ending the Labrador retriever’s 31-year term as the country’s favored dog breed, the American Kennel Club announced Wednesday.
The organization said the French bulldog has spiked in popularity in recent years. The dogs were the 14th most popular breed in 2012, but jumped to the number 2 spot in the American Kennel Club’s 2021 rankings.
“Frenchies are playful, adaptable, loyal and outgoing,” American Kennel Club’s executive secretary Gina DiNardo said in a news release. “They make wonderful companions for a variety of people, but it’s extremely important to do your research to not only find the right breed for your lifestyle, but to ensure that you’re getting a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder.”
Experts warn that some bulldog breeds are known for being highly susceptible to health complications.
A barrage of bullets:Dog breeder fatally shot selling pup, South Carolina sheriff says
Study:Feeding dogs certain table scraps could help health, but processed kibble may not
French bulldogs may have a greater chance of being diagnosed with a slate of common disorders compared to other breeds, according to a study published in 2021. The British Veterinary Association has urged people against buying flat-faced dog breeds.
French bulldogs have also been the target of thefts. Last month, officials in South Carolina said a well-known breeder was fatally shot during the sale of a French bulldog. Lady Gaga’s dog walker in 2021, Ryan Fischer, was also shot as the star’s two dogs were stolen.
The American Kennel Club in its rankings also included the least popular dog breeds of 199 rankings, with English Foxhounds coming in last place, followed by Norwegian Lundehunds and Sloughis.
You can find the full rankings here.
Most popular dog breeds of 2022
- French bulldogs
- Labrador retrievers
- Golden retrievers
- German shepherd dogs
- Poodles
- Bulldogs
- Rottweilers
- Beagles
- Dachshunds
- German shorthaired pointers
Least popular dog breeds of 2022
- English foxhounds
- Norwegian Lundehunds
- Sloughis
- American foxhounds
- Belgian Laekenois
- Azawakhs
- Harriers
- Sussex spaniels
- Cesky terriers
- Pyrenean shepherds
How are the dog breeds ranked?
The American Kennel Club explained Wednesday that it uses its “registration statistics to rank the most popular breeds of the past year.” They’re based on about 716,500 dogs newly registered last year, and registration by owners is voluntary.
The rankings do not include mixed-breeds or popular “designer” hybrids, such as labradoodles.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY; Associated Press
[ad_2]
Source link