NEW YORK (AP) – Could the French bulldog become America’s favorite purebred dog?
After gaining popularity in a rocket over the last quarter of a century, the French came in second only to the Labradors – the leaders for 30 consecutive years – in the latest ranking of the American Kennel Club, due to be released on Wednesday. They reflect the relative number of purebred dogs, especially puppies, that were added last year to the oldest dog registry in the United States.
Stocky and with a wrinkled face, French bulldogs have their charms – at least in the eyes of the fans – but also their limitations.
“They are not the type of dog that walks with you,” says AKC spokeswoman Brandi Hunter, “but if you want a dog that will snuggle with you, be cute, be adaptable, be careful. this is the type of race for you. “
A dig in the details:
THE 10 LARGEST:
After the Labradors and French Bulldogs, the top 10 breeds include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Poodles, Beagles, Rottweilers and German Shorthaired Pointers. The Dachshunds entered the top 10 for the first time since 2013.
Considered carefree and helpful dogs, the Labs broke the record for the longest running number one years ago, and they remain very popular. More than 98,300 laboratories joined the AKC registry last year, compared with about 66,500 French bulldogs.
German shepherds are enjoying their own form of canine leadership, however. President Joe Biden’s pastors, Champ and Major, are living in the White House, although they have recently been sent back to Biden’s home in Delaware for a canine cooling period. after Major wounded a Secret Service agent.
The poodle can also claim the dog’s crown: a standard poodle called Siba was the most recent winner of the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show, held last year.
Moving breeds include the cane corso, a large guard dog that reached the top 25. It was 51st place just a decade ago.
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LIVE LA FRENCHIE
When the Labradors reached the top of the charts in 1991, French Bulldogs occupied a distant 82nd place. But the French began to rise in the ranking in the late 90s, reaching fourth position in 2017.
Celebrity owners like Martha Stewart, Lady Gaga and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gave exposure to the breed. And its compact size, moderate exercise needs, uncomplicated coat and somewhat comical demeanor impressed many dog hunters.
“They are snoring, farting little love machines,” says Nicole Denny, a professional dog trainer who has been raising French bulldogs for 15 years, after 20 years with Doberman pinschers.
She sees the rise in popularity of the French as “a blessing and a curse”.
“I would feel selfish, in a way, if other people couldn’t enjoy the race because they are so wonderful,” says Denny, from Pleasant Plain, Ohio. But “it brought many people who do not reproduce with wisdom”.
French bulldog breeders need to be aware that the breed may be subject to overheating, breathing difficulties and back problems. Other breeds are also susceptible to various conditions, and mixed breeds are not necessarily free of them, notes AKC’s chief veterinarian, Dr. Jerry Klein.
“There is no dog, whether purebred or crossbred, which is 100% guaranteed to have no problems,” he said. “You must know what you are getting and know the possibilities.”
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WHO IS, WHO LEAVES AND WHO IS NEW
Popularity rankings are limited to more than 190 AKC-recognized breeds – no doodles or other designer hybrids, not to mention day-to-day mixes and mutts.
New on the list are two breeds that were recognized in 2020: dogo Argentino, joining the popularity ranking in 93rd place – notable for a rookie – and the barbet, in 145th.
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CREATING THE RARE
The rarest breed is the Norwegian lundehund. Dogs of modest size and agility may be little known in the United States, but they have intriguing distinctions, including six-toed feet, unusual flexibility, cleverness to climb and a history of puffin hunting.
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THE DEBATE ON DOG BREEDING
Animal rights advocates complain that interest in purebred dogs feeds puppy factories and leaves other dogs stranded in shelters. The AKC counters that careful breeding produces dogs skilled in jobs like sniffing bombs, and allows pet owners to choose a breed suitable for the activities – or lack thereof – that they have in mind.
Still, the AKC regrets that the puppy sometimes encourages people to acquire a breed that they have not researched.
“Don’t let popularity drive the decision,” said Hunter. “Let your lifestyle guide the decision.”