The French bulldog sits, stays at the top of U.S. dog owners' hearts

[Coventina]

It's official — the French have captured the hearts of Americans.

Or, the French bulldog has, anyway.

According to the latest statistics from the American Kennel Club released Wednesday, the dog popularly known as the Frenchie has held its crown as America's most popular dog breed for the second year in a row.

The bat-eared, smushed-nose, wrinkly-faced pups beat out roughly 200 other breeds to be named top dog, with the AKC saying it registered close to 98,500 Frenchies in 2023.

Rounding out the top five most common registered breeds were Labradors, golden retrievers, German shepherds and poodles.

The AKC statistic does have its limits. Registration is voluntary and it only ranks the club's 200 recognized breeds, which doesn't include hybrids such as goldendoodles or pomskies.


https://www.npr.org/2024/03/21/1239835753/french-bulldog-most-popular-breed

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I'm sorry to say: French Bulldogs SHOULD NOT EXIST!!

They are adorable, but they are a freak of human engineering.

Bitches have to be artificially inseminated, as the sexes cannot breed naturally.
All litters have to be born by c-section. This is not a healthy breed.

Go ahead, flame away!



On edit: shortened for copyright.

[JustAnotherGen]

1. I'm a Maltese Lover

Ride or Die - but Frenchies are indeed adorbs!

They just don't have that vibe of arrogance of a few thousand year old breed that thinks it's a human being that Maltese have!

I guess Frenchies can't go on planes either - because of their noses.

[Irish_Dem]

3. I'm a Maltese lover too.

They are a perfect little dog.

[Jilly_in_VA]

2. I would never have one

for the reasons you cite. If I want a dog that snores, I'll get a pug. Preferably a "pet quality" one that has too long a nose so they can't be bred, therefore will be spayed or neutered and will be strictly a pet. They're adorable clowns (my parents and my FIL both had them so both my husband and I know them well, we're just too mobile to have a dog at the moment) and fun to be around.

[MurrayDelph]

5. I have an English Bulldog

She's a rescue, dumped into a friend's yard, probably by a backyard breeder.

The first thing we did was get her fixed.

[limbicnuminousity]

4. Breeding for brachycephaly is cruel.

[GoCubsGo]

41. Yes, and that goes for cats, too.

Persians are being bred to a point where it looks like their face is pushed in. It's utterly sickening. And, don't get me started on the ones breeding other mutations, such as Munchkins--the Dachshund of cat breeds. If there really is a Hell, there's a special place in it for for those who create and continue the market for these poor animals.

[StarryNite]

6. I agree with you 100%.

They aren't the only breed humans are ruining by turning them into caricatures. There are many. Look what they have done to the noble German Shepherd Dog. They breed them to make their back legs look distorted. They used to be a powerful, healthy, athletic breed and some still are but not the ones in the show ring. They have so many health issues.

There are too many dogs and not enough people for them. Thousands upon thousands of dogs are killed at shelters every year. And it is kill, not euthanasia. Euthanasia is for the sick and dying to prevent further pain. That doesn't apply to all the healthy dogs that are killed because of lack of homes for them. Something needs to change.

Opt to adopt.

[Jilly_in_VA]

8. I detest the "show" German Shepherds

We see the "pet quality" ones at the shelter from time to time. Usually they are 1-2 year old ones that the owners just don't understand how to work with and all they need is proper training. They're good dogs with an owner who understands them.

Another thing I can't stand is what's been done with Labradors. Most of the "show" ones are too heavy. A proper Lab is sleek and fast. You'll see those in agility or obedience at times, but mostly in the field, doing what they were bred for. The last decent "show" lab was Ch. Shamrock Acres Light Brigade, and that was way back in the 1970s.

[StarryNite]

9. I love Labs and GSDs, I hate what has been done to those breeds.

The shelters are overflowing with dogs because the owners don't know how to train them, understand them, fulfill their emotional needs, or just that the novelty has worn off when they are no longer puppies. To me the saddest of all are the old dogs that wind up in shelters. It makes me sick.

We had a Lab mix that we found in the forest when we were camping. She was only about a year old. She had to have been dumped. She was an emotional mess and never really got over whatever it was that she had been put through. Even dog trainers couldn't move her past her issues. But we loved her in spite of her emotional issues. It's been 2 1/2 years since we lost her to what was most likely cancer. I miss her dearly and still cry for her. I believe dogs like many other animals can suffer from PTSD. Things that we are unaware of can trigger them.

[Jilly_in_VA]

48. My brother has a Lab mix

She was supposedly half Lab, half Chesapeake, but I think she's more like 3/4 Lab from her looks. She's a character. They have to keep their garden fenced because Sadie Jo will go in and eat cucumbers and zucchini off the vines (with no digestive aftereffects, go figure). She also likes tomatoes and watermelon. When they go hiking (they live in Montana) Sadie Jo goes along but spends a lot of her time in peripheral creeks. She is a true water dog.

[maxsolomon]

7. Overbreeding will lead to genetic problems beyond Brachycephaly.

Its inevitable - I had a Wheaten that died of a genetic wasting disease due to overbreeding - you barely see Wheatens nowadays.

[limbicnuminousity]

10. Very true.

I did some work with the Newfoundland breeders association establishing diagnostic criteria and a plan for figuring out the genetics of a forelimb anomaly resulting from selective breeding. It's crippling. The forelimbs won't support the animal. And it's a complex disorder, likely resulting from two or more mutations, with unidentified carriers in in champion kennels. Polygenic disorders of that nature are a direct consequence of inbreeding or selective breeding.

Never published because the journal editors didn't like a comment justifying the work pointing out that that owners/breeders euthanize the sick animals. Never mind the fact that it was a true statement, it was hurtful of me to acknowledge the reality. sigh.

Forgive the tangent. To the point: at least most breeders attempt to breed out traits that are detrimental to the animal's health (with notable exceptions as mentioned with GSs). Breeding for brachycephaly is like selectively breeding humans for COPD.

[leftyladyfrommo]

11. There's big money in breeding French bulldogs

right now. People will pay big bucks. And the dogs suffer.

[haele]

17. A couple weeks ago there was a home invasion/murder over

The backyard breeding of French Bulldogs. The momma dog and her remaining pups disappeared.
Backyard breeding sucks, and I say that as someone with a relative who showed and bred Himalayan cats.
She was "humane" as in her two female cats only had one litter of kittens every other year. But still, her girls weren't really part of the family, like their dog and the other cats and animals they had were, no matter how much time and attention she paid to them.
They were an investment, and she kept them in a separate room of the house instead of letting them run around the house and possibly get out.

Haele

[Coventina]

20. Yikes! What a horrible story!

I've heard that dog theft is becoming more and more common(!), but had no idea it had reached that kind of level!

[Jilly_in_VA]

45. And yet

you can't show a blue (gray) Frenchie because it's a big no-no for the "breed". ?????

[lindysalsagal]

12. But what if he doesn't COME and HEEL to the old favorites?

[Bettie]

13. We have mostly had mutts

Right now, we have a Pyrenees, who was in the shelter. Someone got a big barky dog in a small apartment, so he's our big barky dog now. He and our 15 year old Terrier mix (?) get along well, but he's going to be sad when his little buddy is gone.

I don't get people spending thousands of dollars on dogs when there are so many in shelters who need homes, but if that's what they want, I guess it's their right...not saying you shouldn't, just that I don't get it.

[ForgedCrank]

14. Mutts are

generally smart, and have far less health problems and live longer. We have always had mutt dogs except for the border collies, but those were working dogs. I just don't believe in paying for pets or people breeding them for money. There are plenty of dogs to get for free that almost always end up being the best pets in the end.
I've already decided though, when my current best friend passes away, no more dogs for me. I just can't deal with the loss anymore, it's torture every time one comes to its end.

[StarryNite]

15. The exploitation of animals is unconscionable.

I'm with you on no more dogs for that very same reason. I wish I felt differently. I wish I was stronger because there are sooo many dogs and cats and horses too that need forever homes. I just don't think I could emotionally take another loss though. It makes me feel guilty because I know I could provide them with a loving home. But the loss...

[Bettie]

18. We figure we have one more set of young dogs

in us, age-wise, then we'll probably take senior dogs and give them a good place to spend their last years.

It will be sad, but there are so many who end up in the shelters, who have been loved their entire lives until their human(s) got sick or died and they end up homeless.

[JustAnotherGen]

24. After Uncle Ruckus dies

Strictly senior Maltese for us.

[Bettie]

33. The vet tells us that

our terrier-style mutt is part Maltese. I have my doubts....he's just a weird little dog, made of spare dog parts. LOL.

But, as I said, he has personality and a mind of his own.

[JustAnotherGen]

39. That is definitely the bully breed

The Maltese!

he has personality and a mind of his own




Also - if you ever get the look: Did I STUTTER Bettie?

Definitely a Maltese. And they - they 'talk' to you!

[Bettie]

40. Oh, he has a loot to say

and he prances when he walks while complaining, like "look at me when I'm talking to you!'

He is a funny little dog. Got him from a rescue transport (my mother knew the people running shelters, so they found a pup for my middle son). He's a good little guy, he's fifteen now, mostly blind, pretends he's deaf.

[Jilly_in_VA]

46. SOME mutts are smart LOL

We had a spaniel mix that we got from a kill shelter on his "last day". He was sweet and I just could not stand to see him euthanized, so I asked my husband and daughter and they agreed. I took my daughter with me and she liked him so I brought him home. He was sweet and housebroken but lord, he was dumb as a rock! I just felt sorry for him. He was struck by lightning, of all things, and died in our backyard.

[Zeitghost]

35. I have both a rescue and a pure breed

Shelter dogs are a crap shoot, my Husky mix is nothing like what we expected when we got him, which was actually a blessing, but not what we expected (fairly low energy, low prey drive, quiet). My Euro working Doberman is exactly what I expected and what the breeder assured me I would be getting in intelligence, personality, temperament and health. He's not for everyone, but you're not going to find one at a rescue, even a Doberman rescue. It all comes down to what you're looking for in a dog.

[nolabear]

16. Welp, I'm the evil Frenchie owner. We have two.

Actually one is 1/4 English but that’s quibbling. They are fine, healthy and stubborn, breathe well and are ridiculously funny. I have no breeding aspirations.

I get the concerns, though frankly humans have screwed up many a domestic animal with selective breeding. German Shepherds, Irish Setters, Collies, Border Collies, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and a host of others have suffered from inbreeding to exaggerate features and just to take advantage of a small base of celebrated studs. Happens with horses and other livestock as well. Happens with chickens, rabbits, chinchillas, and on and on.

That said, I care deeply about my dogs, give them a healthy and loving home, and in case those flinging epithets around wonder if they are without effect on caring dog owners, they are not.

[Coventina]

19. I'm not going to fling epithets, and I agree that humans have interfered with MANY species.

Frenchies are an EXTREME case, though, as they cannot breed on their own, and a pregnancy is lethal without major abdominal surgery.

That is why I will always insist that they should not exist. However, I would adopt one in need of a home in a heartbeat. A living animal needs love and care, no matter how it got here. (I would never purchase one, though).

I would just ask breeders to think twice, and then thrice, about their choices.

[JustAnotherGen]

28. I never regret Uncky

My Maltese overlord . . . I love the breed. And his mommy and daddy (agility show and show dog) were naughty . . . and that's how he came to be. Good enough for Aristotle and Elizabeth the First - good enough for me!

Not everyone has the lifestyle PR personality for a large breed. In our case - my husband has allergies.

[Arthur_Frain]

21. Nope.

Seriously going to tell me that French Bulldogs are more popular than Golden Retrievers or Labs?

I’ll put this in the same file telling me tsf leads Biden by anything in any poll not conducted in shithole states like Idaho, Wyoming or Utah.

[Coventina]

23. NPR admits in the article that it's a problematic poll as it is not at all scientific.

I mean, depending on how you decide to collect data you could say pitbulls are the most popular, or chihuahuas.

Having said all that, I do find the popularity of the breed to be disturbing.

[Arthur_Frain]

32. All I ever have are rescues.

Two mutts, two cats of indeterminate lineage.

I’ve never understood the drive to pedigreed animals.

Have to admit, I didn’t click on the link. Sadly NPR is not what it was in it heyday.

Seems like everything is click bait these days.

[ismnotwasm]

22. I am a fan of German Shepherds

Also an overbred breed.

Frenchies are adorable, but they have tons of health issues. My understanding is Cavalier King Charles spaniels, are the worst when it comes to health issues.

[Goodheart]

26. Cavalier King Charles are the worst when it comes to health

but the sweetest things in the whole wide world.

[Goodheart]

25. I'm not fond of smash-nosed dogs. It's not fair to the dogs.

And they're kind of ugly, anyway.

My maltipoo is GORGEOUS.

[nolabear]

29. Maltipoos are ridiculous, yappy and high maintenance.

I actually don’t believe that but as a Frenchie owner I felt like giving back.

[Goodheart]

31. She's far from yappy. She's only high maintenance now because she's 18 years old.

She's been very healthy. And lots of fun.

[nolabear]

43. And my Frenchies aren't monstrous choking abominations.

Of course she’s wonderful. And you want to defend her against unwarranted attacks. My point.

[Celerity]

36. Lol, me as a dog

ridiculous, yappy and high maintenance

[TexasBushwhacker]

27. They're so mouthy!

[WarGamer]

30. 100% on your commentary...

Unhealthy dogs... cute as hell but many many issues.

[SarahD]

34. I agree with you.

Several breeds have congenital defects that people find cute. I prefer large dogs. Big, fluffy, goofy dogs. I particularly like the large poodle crossbreeds: golden doodle, bernadoodle, labradoodle. It's cruel to breed little dogs that can't breathe, can't chew, can't run.

[Sky Jewels]

37. I don't get why they're so popular.

I know it’s not their fault, but I think they are weird looking and not “cute.” At all. But I’m a cat person all the way, so what do I know.

In any case, I wish people would stop breeding and buying dogs and cats. Get them from shelters! Stop this cruel cycle.

[GoCubsGo]

42. Same here. I never understood the appeal.

I love dogs, but I'm also more a cat person. I don't like the mutant cat breeds, either. Give me an alley cat over one of them, any day.

[elocs]

38. Correct. French bulldogs are not a healthy breed to say the least.

They have breathing, spinal, eye, and skin conditions and vet care these days is not cheap but then that's the price for being trendy.

[NanaCat]

44. When I was very young

One of my cousins had a Frenchie, back in the days before the noses got so smashed in. They had more of a 'bulldog' look to them then. Still the kind of dog that's so ugly he's cute.

Happy little guy, though, and quite fond of children. My 20 y/o cousin got mad because the dog would always abandon him the second my brothers and I showed up, and then didn't want us to go. Always made a scene whimpering and yowling when we were getting in the car. One time, he even chased our car for nearly a mile after we left, I guess because he wanted to keep playing with us. My grandmother finally told the grandfather to speed up, he was being cruel going so slowly to see how long the dog would follow us.

[ProfessorGAC]

47. Our Vincent Is From #2 On The List

So were 2 of our prior beasties.
Vincent is actually got a little of something else in him, but he is definitely a lab.
I understand why that breed is popular.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

49. I 'rec' this because of YOUR comments about human engineering of freaks.

[StarryNite]

50. Short list of dogs ruined by selective breeding...

This article shows just some of the dog breeds that have been ruined by selective breeding. It also shows photos of what they used to look like and how they look now.

How 100 Years of Breeding Ruined Ten Popular Dogs

For hundreds of years, dogs have lived side-by-side with humans, not only offering companionship and unconditional love, but working alongside us, performing tasks suited to the inherent physical and mental traits of their breeds.

Throughout the history of canine companionship, humans have shaped and altered the physical appearance and attributes of dogs to make them most suitable to perform a specific task. By isolating desirable characteristics, such as size and weight, body and face shape, muscular structure, prey drive, coat texture, length, and color, humans have successfully created more than 300 distinct and unique breeds.

For hundreds of years, dogs have lived side-by-side with humans, not only offering companionship and unconditional love, but working alongside us, performing tasks suited to the inherent physical and mental traits of their breeds.

Throughout the history of canine companionship, humans have shaped and altered the physical appearance and attributes of dogs to make them most suitable to perform a specific task. By isolating desirable characteristics, such as size and weight, body and face shape, muscular structure, prey drive, coat texture, length, and color, humans have successfully created more than 300 distinct and unique breeds.

However, with the popularity of conformation and breed judging, many breeds began to be bred for physical appearance alone, with certain physical characteristics, even those that are a hindrance to performing the jobs they were once bred for, becoming more desirable and more important than the health, vitality, and quality of life of the dog.

[link:https://www.dogingtonpost.com/how-100-years-of-breeding-ruined-ten-popular-dogs/|

[Danascot]

51. Frenchies look like gargoyles to me