Statistically speaking

The Kennel Club's annual breed registration information paints an interesting picture of modern buyer behaviour, says David Tomlinson

- David Tomlinson

WHILE THE MUCHloved labrador retriever is still Britain’s most popular pedigree dog, in recent years it’s been involved in something of a statistical battle with the French bulldog. The labrador has managed to keep ahead by a wet nose at 44,311 Kennel Club (KC) registrations in 2022, but the French bulldog is closing the gap with no fewer than 42,538 registrations. The rise of the Frenchie seems unstoppable. Just 10 years ago only 6,990 were registered, but nearly every year since has seen increasing numbers, despite it being one of unhealthiest breeds around.

The French bulldog is a member of the KC’s utility group, a wide-ranging and varied lot of dogs that ranges from the poodles (miniature, standard and toy) to the Japanese spitz and the bulldog. The latter is also enjoying a popularity boom. Last year 11,667 were registered, up from 5,769 10 years ago. These figures suggest that there are an awful lot of puppy buyers who have little or no interest in the future health of their dog, though these flat-faced breeds are notoriously unhealthy and should really be sold with a serious health warning.