French bulldog most popular dog breed of 2022, dethroning the Labrador retriever as longtime favorite

The French bulldog has ended the Labrador retriever's 31-year reign as the most popular dog breed in America, according to the American Kennel Club. 

AKC's list of the most popular dog breeds of 2022 has a new top dog, with the French bulldog slowly rising in popularity over the last decade. The group bases its rankings on the number of registrations in its purebred registry — so popular mixes and mutts are not included.

In 2012, the small breed with signature "bat ears" ranked at No. 14 on the AKC list, and since has seen a 1,000% increase in registrations.