NEW YORK – Could the French bulldog become America's favorite purebred pooch? After riding a rocket ship to popularity over the last quarter-century, Frenchies came in second only to Labrador retrievers — the leaders for 30 straight years — in the American Kennel Club's latest rankings, set to be released Wednesday.
They reflect the relative numbers of purebreds, mainly puppies, that were added last year to the oldest U.S. dog registry. Stocky and smush-faced, French bulldogs have their charms — at least in fans' eyes — but also their limitations. “They’re not the type of dog to go hiking with you," AKC spokesperson Brandi Hunter says, “but if you want a dog that's going to snuggle up with you, be cute, be adaptable, minimal grooming...