French Bulldog named as London's favourite breed of dog

Perfect pooch: Holly Willoughby with French Bulldog Benny

IT’S official: London loves the French bulldog above all other breeds.

New owners are choosing the diminutive dogs in almost every corner of the capital, research reveals, after a surge in popularity in recent years.

French bulldogs first made it into London’s top 10 most popular breeds in 2011 but — after years of being paraded on Instagram by stars such as Holly Willoughby, David Beckham and Hugh Jackman — they are now at the top of the list.

According to the Kennel Club, registrations increased by 484 per cent from 2011 to 2016.

Celebrity pet: Millie Mackintosh with French bulldog Herbie
Getty Images for One New Change

In the areas surveyed — east, west, north, south-east, south-west and north-west London — the dogs headed the top 10 lists in all but one: north London, where they were pipped to the top by the labrador retriever.

London's favourite dogs by borough

The 144-year-old dog welfare charity’s research also revealed that which breed Londoners go for - if they do not get a French Bulldog - varies by borough. 

Residents of leafy West and South West London are second-most likely to go for a Labrador Retriever, with a cocker spaniel third most popular. 

If going for a bigger breed, East Londoners prefer a German Shepherd or, like their South East London neighbours, a Bulldog. 

Yorkshire Terriers - once the UK’s most popular breed - only make it into the top five in North London, while the residents of Primrose Hill, Regents Park and Hampstead Heath ensure the North West continues to be the standard bearer for all types of retriever, labrador and poodle-crosses.

Smaller dogs have surged in popularity in the past five years, with the pug up by 50 per cent and the smooth coat chihuahua by 83 per cent. East Londoners appear to favour compact dogs, with the pug second behind the French bulldog in its top 10 list.

Vet warning: Lady Gaga and her French bulldogs

Last month, the Standard reported how Battersea Dogs and Cats Home took in 29 French bulldogs between January and August, compared with 11 over the same period last year and seven in 2015.

The dogs, susceptible to a host of health problems, often arrive at the rescue centre because owners cannot afford the vet bills.

Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, said: “There has been a definite move away from traditional, larger dog breeds in London towards smaller dog breeds, many of which are increasing in popularity at an astronomical rate.

"It is important that people don’t just follow fashion and that they choose a dog that is healthy and the right fit for their lifestyle.”

This weekend, the Kennel Club will hold its Discover Dogs event at ExCel in Limehouse, where fans can meet and pet more than 200 breeds.

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