INCUMBENT FRENCH BULLDOG REMAINS WASHINGTON, D.C.'S MOST POPULAR DOG BREED

Nationally, French Bulldog Holds On To The Top Spot

NEW YORK, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year in a row, the French Bulldog took Washington, D.C.'s top spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC^®) 2023 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.

The French Bulldog was also recognized as the #1 pup in West Palm Beach, FL and Philadelphia, PA.

While the Frenchie stayed in the same spot from last year, two other breeds had quite the spike in popularity. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which took the 20^th spot last year, now rests as the sixth most popular breed in D.C. Additionally, the Bulldog barreled through to make the top five.

"The Bulldog is the quintessential companion breed," said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. "They are excellent with families with young children. They are happy with moderate exercise but also love cuddling up on the couch with their family."

Washington, D.C.'s top 5 breeds for 2023:

1. French Bulldog
2. Golden Retriever
3. Labrador Retriever
4. Poodle
5. Bulldog

* Registration data pulled from Washington, D.C.'s zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

The American Kennel Club also announced its nationwide rankings today. The playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America's most popular breed for the second consecutive year,

Since overtaking the loveable Labrador Retriever as the most popular breed, the French Bulldog's popularity has continued to surge. The breed is playful, adaptable and has an even temperament. Frenchies are very popular among city dwellers, as they're also portable and get along with almost anyone.

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About the American Kennel Club

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.

Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

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SOURCE The American Kennel Club, Inc.