Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a well-established condition that historically has been overlooked. However, BOAS has gained more attention since the French bulldog became the most popular breed in America in 2023.1 Recent data from the American Kennel Club (AKC) show that approximately 1 in 7 of nearly 716,500 dogs registered in 2023 was a French bulldog.2

It’s hard to imagine that French bulldogs were not among the AKC’s top 75 breeds just 25 years ago. Their popularity may be attributed to their prominence on social media and a slew of celebrity owners. In 2023, French bulldogs became the most-mentioned dog breed on Instagram, with more than 37 million posts featuring French bulldog hashtags. Celebrities who own French bulldogs, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga, and Megan Thee Stallion, also have helped promote the breed.