French bulldog frenzy may be cooling in US, but dachshunds are riding high

Four dachshunds wait in a basket of a breeder at a dog show in Dortmund, Germany, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, file) 2026-03-18T13:41:55Z NEW YORK (AP) — Americans still dig French bulldogs , retrievers and German shepherds. But dachshunds are increasingly hot dogs. For the first time in over two decades, the sausage-shaped hounds were among the top five most prevalent dog breeds, according to American Kennel Club rankings released Wednesday. The standings cover 202 breeds and are based on puppies and older purebreds that were added last year to the AKC’s registry, the nation’s oldest. Registration is voluntary. It’s not a complete picture of the U.S. canine population, which the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates at over 87 million. The kennel club’s rankings don’t include mixed-breed dogs or trendy hybrids such as goldendoodles and Pomskies. Still, the annual list can be a source of pride, or concern, among purebred fans. It’s also a wellspring of criticism from animal rights groups such as PETA, which is suing the AKC over the physical ideals it promulgates for Frenchies, dachshunds and other breeds. Here’s a look at the standings: The top 10: — French bulldogs . The leaders since 2023 , but for how much longer? The AKC’s registry added about 54,000 Frenchies last year, half as many as in 2023. The breed is known for being self-assured, apartment-friendly and endlessly funny, but it’s also at the center of increasing public conversation about the health of flat-faced dogs, and even some fans lament the Frenchie craze . AKC spokesperson Brandi Hunter Munden offers other explanations for the falloff: Breed booms come and go, particularly in the social media era, and some breeders may choose not to engage with the club. — Labrador retrievers. They set a record by owning the top spot for 31 years . Could they reclaim it? Stay tuned. — Golden retrievers. Everyone loves them . — German shepherds. Everyone respects them . — Dachshunds.

原文链接: AP News