The reign of the Retriever is over. The number one breed recognized by the American Kennel Club for 31 years running has been replaced by the French Bulldog.

A cross between British Toy Bulldogs and Parisian rat-chasing dogs during the Industrial Revolution, the scrappy short-legged, pug-faced dog has been slipping past the competition’s legs and rising in rank for the past ten years. In 2012 it was 14th. Trendy, AKC registration has grown 1,000% since then. Their like Boston Terriers without a coat on.

Michelle Mantor, Editor and Publisher of Houston Pet Talk Magazine says Frenchies are the perfect big city dog. “I think what really attracts people to the Frenchie is the size of the dog. They don’t require as much exercise, they are reality quiet, they’re not big barkers.”

But selective breeding to shorten the snout for cuteness has led to potential for health issues, often respiratory, and the folding skin can lead to irritations. French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, with a skull that is broad and stout.

The breed originated in England as a Toy Bulldog, taken by lace workers to Normandy, France, where some females met up with Parisian rat dogs, and the little ratdogs became the height of fashionable society. Owners may want to cite the breed appearing in artwork by Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Terrier stock was added to give height to the erect ears.

For those keeping score, with the French Bulldog on top, the most popular AKC breeds are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles.

If you want to the be the least fashionable household on the block, the least popular breed is a Sloughi, a sighthound that looks like a bald Afghan.

photo: Getty Images