The French bulldog, also known as “Frenchie,” is a popular dog breed that has captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the world. In the United States, only this breed has broken all the barriers of popularity and become the most lovable dog breed. The French bulldog has topped the popularity chart this year. Their unique appearance, charming personality, and low-maintenance needs have made them a favorite among dog lovers. You may find some health concerns in this dog breed but generally, you will find them healthy and that’s what makes them the ideal dog breed for families. Here we will take a look at why the French bulldog is a top-ranked dog breed in the USA.
Popularity of the French bulldogs
The popularity of French bulldogs is increasing steadily over the past decade. If you look at the stats of the American kennel club (AKC) they were the fourth most popular dog breed in the US in 2011. In 2015 they moved up to the third spot, and at the end of 2022, they reached the top spot in the United States. They dethrone Labrador and they become the most popular dogs in registration statistics. The breed’s popularity has increased tenfold in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
French Bulldogs have also become the top choice of celebrities in the past few years. Many celebrities owned Frenchies like Lady Gaga, Hugh Jackman, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Reese Witherspoon, Chrissy Teigen, and John Legend. In fact, most of these celebrities are famous for their love for French Bulldogs, with Lady Gaga even having her French bulldog, Miss Asia Kinney, accompany her to events and photoshoots. This popularity among celebrities not only help increases their popularity but also makes them more visible among the general public.
Origin of the French Bulldogs
The French bulldog originated in England in the early 1800s. At that time, Bulldogs were bred to participate in bull-baiting, a bloodsport where a bull was restrained while dogs attacked it. When bull-baiting was banned in England, breeders turned to breed Bulldogs as companion dogs. In the 1860s, a group of English breeders crossed their Bulldogs with smaller terriers, which resulted in a smaller, more compact dog. These smaller Bulldogs became popular with lace-makers in Nottingham, who moved to France during the Industrial Revolution. In France, the breed became known as the Bouledogue Français, or French Bulldog.
Appearance and Personality
The appearance of French bulldogs is very cute they are small, muscular dogs with smooth short coats and a variety of coat colors like fawn, cream, and brindle. They have bat ears, square-shaped heads, and a short wrinkled muzzle. They also have very affectionate and friendly personalities that make them a great choice for families with kids and other pets.
French bulldogs also have very playful and quirky behaviors. They enjoy playing, but they are not overly active and do not require a lot of exercise. However, they may act stubbornly but a little training can help in overcoming this behavior. If you stay patient and consistent, Frenchies can be trained to follow basic commands.
Why are French Bulldogs so popular?
They are many reasons why French bulldogs become the top dog breed in the United States. One main reason is their compact size, which makes them an excellent choice for people living in apartments. They are also very low maintenance and they require very minimal exercise and grooming this makes them a good choice for those people who don’t have enough time but they want a dog in their house.
The second most important reason for their popularity is their cute-looking face. Their wrinkled face and bat ears set them apart from other dog breeds. All these features make them a top hit on social media, you will see that their videos and photos instantly go viral.
Health Concerns
French Bulldogs are generally very healthy dogs, but they are prone to multiple health issues. The most common health problem that you will hear about everywhere is brachycephalic airway syndrome, which is caused by short snouts. This condition causes many difficulties in breathing, especially during exercise and hot weather.
French Bulldogs are also very prone to spinal issues like hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease. They can also suffer from ear infections and skin allergies due to their bat ears and skin allergies. Additionally, French bulldogs are also prone to obesity, so always look up to their exercise and diet to keep them at a healthy weight.
If you want to minimize the risk of these problems in French bulldogs, always take care in purchasing French bulldogs. Always get the French bulldog from a reputable dog breeder who carefully screens their dogs for genetic problems. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet and exercise routine can also help keep Frenchies healthy and happy.
Conclusion
Overall, the popularity of French Bulldogs in the United States is a testament to their charm and lovable nature. It’s no surprise that they have captured the hearts of so many dog lovers around the world, and it’s likely that they will continue to be a beloved breed for years to come.