The Reign Is Over for Labradors, America Has Officially Crowned a New Favorite Dog Breed
For over 30 years, the Labrador Retriever sat proudly at the top of America’s dog rankings. But that era is officially over. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has named the French Bulldog as the nation’s most popular breed for the third year in a row. The breed has held the crown in 2022, 2023, and 2024. And heading into 2025, there’s no sign that the little “Frenchie” is slowing down.
The French Bulldog’s Big Moment
Image via Pexels/Jorge Zaldívar Marroquín
The French Bulldog’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. In 2012, they were the 14th most popular breed in the U.S. Fast-forward to 2022, and registrations increased by 1,000%. Such growth is almost unheard of in the dog world. Out of 716,500 dogs registered with the AKC that year, more than 108,000 were French Bulldogs. For context, that’s 21,000 more than Labradors, a gap that keeps widening.
Their appeal makes sense. They’re playful, affectionate, and perfectly sized for apartment living. Patty Sosa from the French Bull Dog Club of America describes them as “comical, loving little dogs” who don’t bark much and are happy with minimal exercise. For city dwellers or busy families, that combination is hard to beat.
Celebrities And City Life Boost Their Popularity
The French Bulldog’s return also owes much to Hollywood glamour. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Megan Thee Stallion, Reese Witherspoon, Lady Gaga, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez all have Frenchies. Their social media posts featuring the dogs helped push the breed back into the spotlight. A Frenchie named Winston even took second place at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and first at the National Dog Show in 2022, sealing their reputation as both adorable and prestigious.
This isn’t the first time French Bulldogs have been trendy. They were once favorites among America’s upper class in the early 1900s before fading from view. Now, over a century later, they’ve made one of the biggest comebacks in AKC history.
Health Issues Haven’t Slowed The Craze
Image via Pexels/Koji Kikuhara
Of course, popularity comes with some controversy. French Bulldogs are prone to health problems due to their short snouts and compact bodies. Breeding them often requires C-sections because of their large heads, and they can suffer from breathing issues, spinal problems, and heat intolerance. Vets warn that these traits shouldn’t be ignored. Yet even with the warnings, demand hasn’t dropped. Many owners say the joy they bring outweighs the challenges.
America’s Top Dogs
Labradors may have slipped to second place, but their legacy still runs deep. Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles, Dachshunds, and Bulldogs continue to hold strong in the AKC’s top ranks, while the Cane Corso has climbed quickly since its 2010 debut.
The French Bulldog’s rise isn’t hard to understand. Small, spirited, and easy to care for, they fit effortlessly into city apartments and busy routines. Their mix of charm and practicality captures exactly what modern pet owners are looking for.
As 2025 unfolds, one thing’s certain—America’s love affair with dogs is stronger than ever, and the French Bulldog is leading the charge.