French Bulldog Is New York City’s New Most Popular Breed
-Nationally, Labrador Retriever Remains America’s Most Popular-
New York, N.Y. – This year, the French Bulldog seized the top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2014 rankings of New York City’s most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds. The Frenchie dethrones his cousin the Bulldog, who fell to number two.
The small but mighty Yorkshire Terrier – once New York City’s top dog – continues to fall out of favor with New Yorkers, dropping from sixth to eighth in 2014. Meanwhile, the Rottweiler jumped two spots to land at NYC’s sixth most popular breed.
“New York continues to be the city of the Bulldog,” said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo. “Whether the adorable Frenchie or its sweet Bulldog cousin, these mild-tempered companions make great pets for a variety of city dwellers.”
New York City’s top five breeds for 2014 as compared to 2013 are ranked as follows:
2014 2013
| 1. French Bulldog | 1. Bulldog |
| 2. Bulldog | 2. French Bulldog |
| 3. Labrador Retriever | 3. Labrador Retriever |
| 4. German Shepherd Dog | 4. German Shepherd Dog |
| 5. Golden Retriever | 5. Golden Retriever |
* Registration data pulled from New York City zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
True to the diversity of NYC, there were notable favorites among the city’s distinct neighborhoods:
- Astoria: Bulldog
- Washington Heights: Italian Greyhound
- Upper West Side: Labrador Retriever
- Upper East Side: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Tribeca: French Bulldog
- Riverdale: Yorkshire Terrier
- Park Slope: French Bulldog
- New Dorp: German Shepherd Dog
- Murray Hill: French Bulldog
- Financial District: French Bulldog
- East Village: French Bulldog
- Chelsea: French Bulldog
The AKC today also announced its nationwide rankings which places New York City’s favorite breed, the French Bulldog, at number nine. The Labrador Retriever – an intelligent, family friendly breed – holds tight to the number one spot on the most popular list for the 24th consecutive year, continuing the longest reign as the nation’s top dog in AKC history.
While the Lab holds strong, the Bulldog has quietly crept up the list, landing this year at number four for the first time – its highest ranking in breed history. This gentle breed makes an excellent family companion with a natural tendency to form strong bonds with kids, an easy-to-care-for coat and minimal exercise needs.
Meanwhile, the popular French Bulldog continues its quest for the number one spot, breaking into the top ten this year at number nine, its highest position in nearly 100 years. The Dachshund was knocked out of the top ten this year for the first time since 1985, landing at number 11.
America’s top five breeds for 2014 are ranked as follows:
| 1. Labrador Retriever |
| 2. German Shepherd Dog |
| 3. Golden Retriever |
| 4. Bulldog |
| 5. Beagle |
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The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, 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 nearly 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 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred 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 Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
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