The Rising Popularity of Bully Breeds
Some of America’s most popular dogs are bully breeds. Bully breeds are terrier-type dogs such as the American Bully, Staffordshire Terrier, and Bullmastiff. Despite global origins, with bully breeds coming from various countries, such as France, Argentina, and Italy, bully breeds have become integral to America’s dog population.
In fact, in 21 states, bully breeds and pit bulls (a mixed breed that includes a significant portion of any type of bully breed) are the most popular breed. They make up 20% of the nation’s total dog population, with bully breeds numbering at about 18 million dogs.
Their popularity may be due to their temperaments. Across the board, bully breeds score in the top percentile of best temperaments, with the American Bully scoring 100% on the ATTS Temperament Test. This makes them an appealing dog for millions of Americans.
Over time, bully breeds are becoming more popular. For example, in 2022, the French Bulldog became the most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. The French Bulldog took the first place spot from the Labrador Retriever, which had held the position for a whopping 31 years. This suggests a potential shift in which dogs Americans are flocking toward.
Americans love bully breeds, and many even consider bully breeds as “America’s Dogs.” It is likely that their popularity will continue to soar in the coming years.
