NEW YORK (AP): Could the French bulldog become the favorite purebred dog in the United States?
After gaining popularity on a rocket over the last quarter of a century, the French ranked second only among Labrador retrievers (leaders for 30 consecutive years) in the latest Kennel American Club rankings, which will be published Wednesday. They reflect the relative number of purebreds, mostly puppies, that were added last year to the U.S.’s oldest dog registry.
The thick-bodied, smoky-faced French bulldogs have their charm, at least in the eyes of fans, but also their limitations.
“They’re not the kind of dog to go hiking with you,” says AKC spokeswoman Brandi Hunter, “but if you want a dog to go with you, be brave, be adaptable, prepare yourself minimally … kind of race for you “.
An excavation in the details:
THE TOP 10:
After Labrador retrievers and French bulldogs, the top 10 breeds include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Poodles, Beagles, Rottweilers and German Shorthaired Toes. Dachshunds reached the top 10 for the first time since 2013.
Awarded as easy and easy-to-do dogs, Labs broke the number one race record for years, and are still very popular. More than 98,300 labs joined the AKC record last year, compared to some 66,500 French bulldogs.
However, German shepherds enjoy their own form of puppy leadership. President Joe Biden’s pastors, Champ and Major, have lived in the White House, although they were recently sent back to Biden’s Delaware home for a period of canine relaxation. after Major wounded a Secret Service agent.
The poodle can also claim the dog’s crown: a standard poodle named Siba was the latest winner of the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show, held last year.
Among the breeds that move is the cane corso, a guard dog of great endurance that burst into the top 25. It was number 51 just a decade ago.
___
LONG LIVE FRENCH
When Labrador’s catchers topped the top spot in 1991, the French Bulldogs placed 82nd away. But the French began to rise in the rankings in the late 1990s, reaching number 4 in 2017.
Celebrity owners from Martha Stewart to Lady Gaga to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have unveiled the breed. And its compact size, moderate exercise needs, trouble-free coat, and rather comical behavior greatly affected dog finders.
“They’re snoring, they bang on little love machines,” says Nicole Denny, a professional dog handler who has been raising French bulldogs for 15 years after 20 years with Doberman feeders.
He considers the popularity of the French to be increasing as “a blessing and a curse.”
“I would feel selfish, somehow, if other people couldn’t enjoy the race because they’re so wonderful,” says Denny, of Pleasant Plain, Ohio. But “it has caused a lot of people not to reproduce wisely.”
Fans of French bulldogs should be aware that the breed may be prone 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 chief veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein.
“There is no dog, whether purebred or mixed breed, that is 100% guaranteed to be trouble-free,” he said. “You should know what you get and know the possibilities.”
___
WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUTSIDE AND WHO’S NEW
The popularity ranking is limited to the more than 190 breeds recognized by the AKC: there are no scribbles or other “designer” hybrids, not to mention everyday mixes and mutts.
New on the list are two recognized breeds in 2020: the Argentine bulldog, which joins the popularity ranking in 93rd place (highlighted by a newcomer) and the barbet, in 145th place.
___
CONTRIBUTE THE RAR
The rarest breed is the Norwegian lundehund. Agile, modest-sized dogs may be little known in the United States, but they have interesting distinctions. including six-toed feet, unusual flexibility, insight into climbing, and a history of macaroni hunting.
___
THE DEBATE ON BREEDING DOGS
Animal rights advocates complain that interest in purebred dogs feeds the puppy mills and leaves other dogs trapped in shelters. The AKC states that conscientious breeding produces skilled dogs in this type of work, such as sniffing bombs, and allows pet owners to choose a breed that is appropriate for the activities they consider or lack ‘these.
However, the AKC suggests that popularity sometimes encourages people to acquire a race they have not researched.
“Don’t let popularity drive the decision,” Hunter said. “Let your lifestyle drive the decision.”