Posted on 03/20/2024 10:13:21 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
French bulldogs. U.S. dog owners. C'est l'amour.
Frenchies remained the United States' most commonly registered purebred dogs last year, according to American Kennel Club rankings released Wednesday. The club calls the Frenchie the most popular breed, though other canine constituencies may beg to differ.
Is it a coup to be celebrated? Au contraire, say longtime fans who rue what popularity is doing to the breed. Nevertheless, after lapping Labrador retrievers to take the top spot in 2022, the bat-eared, scaled-down bulldogs held on in the new standings, which reflect puppies and other dogs that were added last year to the United States' oldest dog registry.
Meanwhile, dachshunds are at a nearly two-decade peak, the cane corso is making moves, and there's a new breed in the mix.
Of course, purebreds are only part of the canine population in the U.S., where animal shelters faced an influx of all sorts of dogs last year. Here's a snapshot:
TOP 10
After Frenchies, the most common breeds registered were Labs, golden retrievers, German shepherds and poodles. Then came dachshunds, bulldogs, beagles, Rottweilers and German shorthaired pointers.
All were also in the top 10 in 2022. A decade ago, Yorkshire terriers and boxers were in the group. Go back a half-century, and the third most popular breed was the Irish setter — now 76th.
Pooch preferences shift for reasons ranging from media exposure (social and otherwise) to changing lifestyles as more Americans have moved to cities.
The statistics have limits. Registration is voluntary, the AKC releases few raw numbers, and the popularity rankings measure only the club's roughly 200 recognized breeds. They don't include doodles, other deliberate hybrids or everyday mixed-breed dogs, though those can be registered as “all-American dogs” for such sports as agility and obedience.
*SNIP*
(Excerpt) Read more at channel3000.com ...
While dogs from affenpinschers to Xoloitzcuintlis were bred last year, U.S. animal shelters were already brimming with dogs and cats. Shelters and rescue groups took in about 3.2 million dogs, while 2.2 million dogs were adopted, according to Shelter Animals Count, a nonprofit that gathers shelter data.
There's “a need for a renewed effort to make adoption a priority for the community," says the group's executive director, Stephanie Filer. Shelters have a wide variety of dogs to offer, including specific breeds, she notes.
Hunter Munden, the AKC's spokesperson, has two rescue dogs and a purebred herself.
“Rescue is wonderful,” she said. “However, we do understand that people want specific characteristics to fit their lifestyle, when it comes to dog ownership, and that’s where purebred dogs come in.”
Give me a grateful mutt any day. They make the best companions.
I have a Chiweenie (chihuahua and Dachsund) and a Austra-corgi (Australian cattle dog and Corgi). Both fat and lazy!
All of my dogs in the past have been ‘Pound Found’ with the exception of The Best Dog Ever, Rufus. Basset Hound. The LOVE of my life. Got him for $100 (papered) from some friends that had a new house, a new baby and a new puppy and Rufus had to go.
There have been no others that have compared, though Black Lab Cinder came very close. :) Rufus was my Dog Soulmate. 15 years - never sick a day in his life. Had a massive stroke and that was all she wrote. He had a very good life and truly enhanced mine.
I love dogs. Currently we have two Beagles as house dogs, and we raise Treeing Walker Coon Hounds and Plott Hounds for hunting raccoon and black bear. Four puppies running around the farm these days, learning the basic commands from me. Beau takes it from there for the hunting skills.
It’s a lot of work, but a lot of fun. :)
Fashion statement dog. Heinz 57 rescue mutt is better...and very American.
LOL! The horse ranch next farm over also breeds the Blue Healers. Same rules apply!
Based on my local shelter pets on the local news, they are mostly pit bull mixes.
I don’t have dogs because, to me, they are almost like having a child—it’s a lot of responsibility. I do have cats, though (I find them much more independent and easy to care for). My first cat was a stray that adopted us, but all of my other cats have been rescues. They have all, in their own ways, filled our house with love, laughter, and companionship. The shelters are full of these wonderful creatures, both dogs and cats, that will repay you a thousandfold.
Breeds ‘em?
I have but one. One is more than enough. LOL.
Her name is Tippy, and I sing to her:
Psycho Tippy, Ques’qu’se?
Arf, arf arf arf
arf arf, arf arf arf arf.
We have a cattle dog. I’m glad that they are not on the lists. We bought ours from a back yard breeder who was 13 and saving for college. Both the parents worked cattle. Our guy just chases coyotes and squirrels. Two years ago when he first tried to chase some calves that lived in the pasture across the road, the momma’s gathered around him and told him the rules. He stopped chasing cows. He goes vicious when anyone come comes up our drive way. Since we’re old and live in the country I guess he’s our watch dog.
Frenchies, like all “pure breds” have genetic issues that become medical issues.
Same with the public shelters in my area — mostly pit bull mixes or elderly dogs (often in pairs) surrendered when the owner passes away. Seems to be a more varied selection with private rescue organizations.
yeah but ya gotta love the frenchie bulldogs looks-
The inner city and country bumpkin losers who want pit bulls don't want to pay to have them spayed.
This is what bugs me about animal shelters. Their approach is basically "adopt them or we'll kill them".
Sounds like Tippy.
Deer, Coyotes, Wild Turkeys, Squirrels, Chipmonks, Rats, Mice, Other Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Hedgehogs are chased.
Children (human) are herded into little groups and protected.
LOL.
Tippy is beloved in the neighborhood. As long as the people aren’t walking THEIR dog.
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