The French Bulldog is commonly listed in the top 5 most beloved breeds of dogs in the UK.
Meanwhile, in the United States, he was hailed as the most popular dog breed in America during the American Kennel Club’s popularity rankings in 2022. He impressively dethroned the Labrador Retriever, who has held the title for 31 years.
It is a testament to how the French Bulldog has grown to become the favourite canine companion for countless people all over the world.
If you are wondering, “Why are French Bulldogs so popular right now?” we have a bunch of answers prepared for you. This article will also touch upon the repercussions of the dramatic rise of the popularity of Frenchies.
1. French Bulldogs Are Affectionate and Easy-Going Canine Companion.
2. French Bulldogs Know How to Have Fun.
French Bulldogs have been called “clowns” because of their innate ability to make people laugh. Their clever ways, humour, and stubbornness make them natural entertainers.French Bulldogs’ snouts are shorter than average (brachycephalic), so they tend to make grunting noises resembling that of pigs. This adds to their comedic appeal, even earning the moniker “batpig.”
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3. French Bulldogs Are Compact-Size Pets.
4. Grooming Frenchies Is a Breeze.
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The French Bulldog’s Popularity Comes With Danger
Aside from that, dog enthusiasts are also highly concerned by the rampant unethical breeding of Frenchies. As these pooches continue to gain popularity, the demand for owning one increases exponentially. It is often fuelled by social media posts of celebrities showcasing their Frenchies.
Breeding French Bulldogs with exaggerated features has become a rampant unethical practice by some opportunistic people.
Many of the puppies they produce are born with serious physical anomalies such as exaggerated skin folds, flat faces, or hairless skin. These traits are then marketed as “rare” to justify the exorbitant prices placed on each poorly bred French Bulldog puppy.
A Dog Breed of Poor Health
Unfortunately, Frenchie is not only known for his popularity but also for his predisposition to numerous health problems. In fact, he is one of the top dog breeds with the poorest health quality.
A study highlighted that French Bulldogs are significantly less healthy compared to other dog breeds. Moreover, most of the ailments they suffer from, like breathing issues and skin problems, are linked to their physical features such as their smushed faces and body wrinkles.
For this reason, animal rights and welfare activists strongly advise breeders against breeding dogs for profit and instead focus on producing healthy pets.
Many dog lovers and veterinarians are also pushing for changes in the breed standard that allow for better physical conformation in the French bulldog breed such as allowing for a longer muzzle to prevent breathing issues.
They call for judges in dog shows to avoid giving recognition to French Bulldogs with exaggerated features as well.
British Veterinary Association discourage pet lovers from acquiring flat-faced dogs. The organisation even requested the removal of French Bulldogs from ads and even greeting cards.
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FAQs About Why French Bulldogs Are So Popular
1. What Is So Special About French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs have many traits that make them special to many dog lovers. Their comical and easy-going personality is one of their strongest charms along with their compact size.
2. What Rank Is the French Bulldog in Popularity?
In the United States, the French Bulldog ranks number 1 in terms of popularity. He is then followed by the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd.
The Frenchie dog breed is yet to take the crown in the UK. However, he has consistently ranked within the top five of the most popular dog breeds in the country.
3. Are Frenchies Luxury Dogs?
Frenchies are luxury dogs because of their popularity and health issues. The high demand for these pooches leads them to be exorbitantly priced by breeders.
Caring for French Bulldogs involves paying hefty amounts of medical bills since their physical conformation predisposes them to countless congenital illnesses.
Thus, interested dog owners should consider their financial status before deciding to own one of these dogs.
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4. Are French Bulldogs Still Popular?
Despite the controversy behind French Bulldogs, they remain widely popular amongst the masses. It contributes to the persistent issue of unethical breeding.
For this reason, many animal activists, veterinary practitioners, and dog organisations advocate for better breeding practices and breed standards for flat-faced dog breeds.
Conclusion
The French Bulldog has many wonderful qualities that endeared him to numerous animal lovers. Sadly, his rise to fame has its downsides, such as becoming a target of pet thieves, getting exploited by unethical breeders, and being prone to developing congenital issues.
With this in mind, if you are set on owning this breed of dog, we recommend adopting one instead of buying from a breeder. This way you do not take part in the problematic Frenchie breeding industry whilst providing a loving home to an abandoned or neglected dog.
