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[[French bulldogs fit their big personalities in small packages. Their unique blend of energy and cuteness has made them the most popular dog breed in the United States. For VOA News in Washington, Julia Riera has the story.]]
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: TV French Bulldog U.S. - Riera
HEADLINE: Most Popular Dog Breed in US? French Bulldog
TEASER: Americans love "Frenchies," canines known for their cuteness and moderate exercise needs
PUBLISHED AT: 04/26/2023 at 12:10pm
BYLINE: Julia Riera
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER:
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: KEnochs; Bowman
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA, REUTERS, ZOOM
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:04
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:
PLEASE RETURN TO CRISTINA CAICEDO SMIT AND COPY TO HFR WHEN DONE))
((INTRO))
[[French bulldogs fit their big personalities in small packages. Their unique blend of energy and cuteness has made them the most popular dog breed in the United States. For VOA News in Washington, Julia Riera has the story.]]
((NARRATION))
According to the American Kennel Club, there's a new favorite dog in the United States: the French bulldog, dethroning the Labrador, which has been a longtime favorite.
((Brandi Hunter Munden - American Kennel Club)) ((Zoom))
“A “Frenchie” is great for apartment living. They are not a noisy breed; they need moderate exercise and just a little bit of walking, and you're good to go.”
((NARRATION)) ((Photo courtesy: Library of Congress/George Grantham Bain Collection))
French bulldogs have been around since the 1800s.
((Photo courtesy: American Kennel Club))
Despite their name, they were originally bred in England and imported to France during the Industrial Revolution. ((end credit))
Today, their adaptability for traveling and their playful nature make them ideal companions...
((Kelley, French Bulldog Owner))
“They're super cute, really relaxed and playful when you want them to be”.
((Paul, French Bulldog Owner))
“They're a really cool, chill dog... Like, relaxed dog, you know, very fun to have.”
((NARRATION))
But there is a downside to the breed’s new popularity.
((Video courtesy: Instagram: @therock))
Their increasing visibility and price, which can exceed $6,000, has made them ((end courtesy)) a target for thieves who steal them and sell them on the black market.
((Video courtesy: Instagram: @ladygaga))
In 2021, gunmen kidnapped two of Lady Gaga's French bulldogs ((end courtesy)) — and shot and seriously injured the person walking them.
The singer offered a reward of five-hundred-thousand dollars and was able to recover them.
((NAT SOUND OF A MAN WALKING HIS DOG))
“My friend had his bulldog stolen, yeah, at gun point.”
((NARRATION))
The American Kennel Club says owners should be careful.
((Brandi Hunter Munden, American Kennel Club)) ((Zoom))
"We tell people all the time to be vigilant to make sure you're not putting too much on social media about your dogs. Try walking them at times where it's more highly trafficked, so you do don't want to do it too early in the morning or too late at night.”
((NARRATION))
Despite the potential headaches, and even risks of owning any dog, experts say it’s worth it.
((Sarah Gomez, Clinical Psychologist)) ((IN SPANISH)) ((Zoom))
“What they provide is a feeling of social support, and they not only improve your mood, but they help you not to feel so alone, to give you company, interaction."
((NARRATION))
Knowing that, it’s no surprise the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals notes that nearly one in five American households adopted a pet during the COVID lockdowns… and 90 percent of the new pets were dogs.
((For VOA News Julia Riera, Washington.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)
For VOA News Julia Riera, Washington
Embargo DateApril 26, 2023 16:31 EDT
Byline
For VOA News Julia Riera, Washington
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
