French bulldogs take top spot on AKC list, ending 31-year streak for Labradors

March 15 (UPI) -- The American Kennel Club said registration data from 2022 revealed French bulldogs are now the most popular variety of purebred dogs in the country, ending the Labrador retriever's 31-year reign.

The AKC said Labrador retrievers have topped its yearly list of the most popular dog breeds in the United States for 31 consecutive years, but French bulldogs took the top spot for the first time in data from 2022.

French bulldogs were the No. 2 breed in 2021, and labs were booted down to that spot for 2022.

"Breaking the lab's top-dog status of over three decades is no small feat," the AKC said in its announcement. "The Frenchie is a smart, compact breed, and they can fit into various different lifestyles, perfect for people all across the country."

Golden retrievers, German shepherds, poodles, bulldogs, Rottweilers, beagles, dachshunds and German shorthaired pointers round out the Top 10.