DETROIT – People outside of Detroit see the Motor City as rough and tough. But, inside, we’re just full of tiny, adorable French bulldogs.
That’s right: Frenchies were once again named the most popular dog breed in Detroit for 2023, according to the American Kennel Club’s rankings. It’s the third year in a row that the tiny dog with the large bat ears has won over the most hearts in Detroit.
The “playful and adaptable” French bulldog was also found to be the most popular dog breed across the entire United States in 2023, the AKC reports. Frenchies have become more popular than the Labrador retriever, which used to be the No. 1 most popular dog in America.
---> New rankings show French bulldogs reign on as top US breed, making many fans shudder
Labradors still maintained a spot among the top five for Detroit, and for the country, last year.
Top Detroit dog breeds
These were Detroit’s top dog breeds for 2023, according to AKC:
- French Bulldogs
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retriever
Top US dog breeds
These were the U.S.’ top dog breeds for 2023:
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Poodle
- Dachshund
- Bulldog
- Beagle
- Rottweiler
- German Shorthaired Pointer
It’s important to note that the AKC’s popularity rankings only include numbers for the club’s 200 recognized breeds. Certain mixed-breed dogs like doodles aren’t included in their measurements.
Why are Frenchies so popular?
French bulldogs have become increasingly popular in the U.S. over the past few years. In addition to Detroit, the breed was also reportedly ranked at No. 1 in Denver and Miami.
The AKC says French bulldogs are so popular because they are suitable for many different types of dog owners.
“The breed is playful, adaptable and has an even temperament,” the club said in a press release. “Frenchies are very popular among city dwellers, as they’re also portable and get along with almost anyone.”
Frenchies are also known to be “dogs of few words,” since they don’t bark much, the AKC says. The breed is alert, charming, and does “not require a lot of outdoor exercise,” the club’s website says.
French bulldogs have been at the center of controversy in recent years, however. Because of their extremely short noses, the dogs can have difficulty breathing and exercising, causing some to say the dogs shouldn’t be bred at all.