In the United States, French bulldogs continue to captivate dog enthusiasts, topping the list of popular purebred dogs for three consecutive years as per recent American Kennel Club (AKC) statistics. However, another breed is rapidly winning the hearts of dog lovers. Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and poodles remain favorites, with dachshunds, beagles, Rottweilers, bulldogs, and German shorthaired pointers completing the top ten list.
Interestingly, the cane corso has soared in popularity, jumping from around 50th to 14th place in just 10 years. Recognized for its protective nature, this breed is gaining traction among dog owners.
While the rising popularity of certain breeds often delights owners, it also brings concerns. Some animal welfare advocates argue that the AKC’s breed rankings contribute to fads that spur demand for puppies from mills. On the other hand, the AKC emphasizes that it merely represents dog ownership trends, not shapes them, and underscores its efforts through frequent inspections conducted by breeders and pet stores.
Despite these debates, animal shelters across the nation remain filled with dogs eager for adoption, which highlights the vast pool of pets awaiting homes.
The French bulldog phenomenon can be traced back to the explosive growth in their popularity, largely fueled by exposure on social media and endorsements by celebrities. While registrations for French bulldogs were slightly down at 74,500 last year from the previous year’s 98,500, they still lead by a large margin ahead of Labrador retrievers, which saw 58,500 new registrations.
Despite their appeal, French bulldogs face criticism due to health challenges associated with their distinctive squished faces. Enthusiasts express concern that the breed’s rise in fame has attracted less reputable breeders and owners who are not adequately prepared.
The cane corso also demands careful consideration. Known for its strength and athleticism, the cane corso carries a legacy from Roman times as a war dog. Today, they provide loyal companionship and excel in dog sports. Breeders like Vickie Venzen stress the importance of understanding the breed’s temperament and are cautious when placing them with prospective owners to ensure a good fit.
The AKC also tracked breeds like the Lancashire heeler, debuting last year at the 189th spot on its list. Another emerging breed is the bracco Italiano, which climbed from 152nd to 132nd last year. Longtime enthusiasts like Deb Pereira emphasize the activity needs of these dogs, as they require extensive physical and mental engagement.
Despite the plethora of breeds, the sloughi, Norwegian lundehund, grand basset griffon Vendéen, Bergamasco sheepdog, and English foxhound remain the rarest, with the English foxhound occupying the 201st position.
While no “designer” hybrids such as sheepadoodles have been officially recognized by the AKC, they remain popular among dog fanciers. So far, no formal efforts have been made to initiate the lengthy recognition process for these hybrids.
Mixed-breed dogs, those without formal registry, form a significant part of the U.S. dog population, with estimates suggesting there are about 90 million dogs nationwide. Amid varying statistics on shelter trends, both Shelter Animals Count and Best Friends Animal Society emphasize that shelters offer numerous purebred and mixed-breed dogs for adoption, encouraging potential pet owners to consider rescuing a pet.
