The loveable Labrador retriever is no longer the most popular dog breed in the US, as French bulldogs take over the top spot, the American Kennel Club announced on Wednesday.
Labs, which the New York-based registry describes as “famously friendly” and “an enthusiastic athlete”, had been the most popular dog breed for 31 years before 2022.
But Frenchies had “been quietly climbing the charts for many years”, the AKC said in a statement.
The small-dog breed, which like Labs are considered great pets for families, are described by the AKC as “one of a kind”, with their trademark feature being their “large bat ears”.
“They get on well with other animals and enjoy making new friends of the human variety,” the AKC says. “It is no wonder that city folk from Paris to Peoria swear by this vastly amusing and companionable breed.”
Frenchies made headlines in 2021, when pop star Lady Gaga had two French bulldogs stolen while a dog-walker was taking them for a stroll.
They were later returned, while the three robbers were later caught and jailed for the incident, during which the dog-walker was shot.
After Frenchies and Labs, rounding out the top five breeds for 2022 were the golden retriever, German shepherd, and poodle.
French bulldogs — like their English cousins and squish-faced pugs — have a short snout, which can lead to trouble breathing and other health complications.
New York's Halloween Dog Parade — in pictures
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Abby, a terrier, wears a costume inspired by the film 'Up' during the Halloween Dog Parade at Tompkins Square Park in New York City, US. Reuters -
ZZ, a Maltipoo aged 14, channels Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week 2022. AFP -
Mimi, a bichon dressed as a bodega cat, attends the Halloween Dog Parade in a group costume with owners Kat Liu and Kevin Condardo. Reuters -
A dog wears a pirate costume. Reuters -
Ruby, an Australian poodle dog, is dressed as a lion. Reuters -
This is the first time the parade has returned to its namesake location since 2019. Reuters -
A woman holds a cat dressed as a dog. Reuters -
The pizza rat. AFP -
Dogs compete in the 32nd Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. AFP -
It's a Halloween-inspired event. AFP -
Humans get in costume as much as the dogs. AFP -
Clowns hit the streets. AFP -
A slice of France. AFP -
Some costumes are meant to be scary. AFP -
Sporting some armour. AFP -
Boston terrier JoJo dressed as the 'new king of the UK'. AFP -
It's said to be the largest dog costume parade in the world. AFP -
Prizes were handed out to some of the best dressed. AFP -
The event is hosted by former NFL referee Dan Schachner, who also referees the Puppy Bowl. AFP -
Prizes include ones for Best Group Costume, Human and Dogs; Best Costume on Wheels; Best Celebrity-Themed Costume; Best Scariest Costume; and Best Chihuahua, Chi-lloween. Reuters
