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Breeder Tammy Van Etten props up a Bulldog outfitted with an AKC jersey indicating the breed's ranking at
a press conference Jan. 16.
Photo courtesy American Kennel Club
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently released its annual list of the most popular dogs in the U.S., and for the first time since 1935 the Bulldog cracked the Top 10.
The Bulldog snagged 10th place, displacing the Miniature Schnauzer.
“This breed appeals to a very wide range of dog lovers so it’s no surprise that it is a favorite amongst AKC’s 157 breeds,” said Lisa Peterson, AKC spokesperson. “The Bulldog is both docile and adoptive, and can thrive in small or large homes. It’s an excellent all-around family pet.”
The AKC first recognized the Bulldog in 1886, two years after the organization was founded. The breed peaked at fifth place in 1915, which was the first year the AKC calculated dog breed popularity statistics. The Bulldog’s popularity hit an all-time low in 1973, ranking 41st.
Bulldogs receive the most adoration in Los Angeles, where they are the second most popular breed in the city, behind the Labrador Retriever. On the other hand, having a well-known Bulldog mascot named Uga representing University of Georgia sports teams didn’t translate into Bulldog ownership. Atlanta is one of the few cities in the nation where the breed did not rank in the Top 10.
Breeds topping the Bulldog in popularity – ranked first through ninth – are: Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Boxer, Dachshund, Poodle, and Shih Tzu. The Labrador Retriever has retained the top spot for the last 17 years.
Dog breed popularity statistics are based on the AKC’s 2007 registration figures.