The French bulldog, a breed favoured by celebrities such as the Beckhams and Lady Gaga, is set to overtake the labrador as Britain's most popular dog.

There has been an unprecedented rise in ownership in recent years, with Kennel Club registrations up 47 per cent from 14,607 in 2015, to 21,470 in 2016.

It is thought the bat-eared breed, which first became fashionable in 19th-century Paris, could be top of the rankings by next year, the first time the labrador retriever will have been knocked off the spot for 27 years.

Kennel Club registrations of French bulldogs are up 47 per cent from 14,607 in 2015, to 21,470 in 2016

There were only 650 French bulldogs, pictured, registered with the Kennel Club ten years ago.

However, the club is concerned by the rise because it is being driven by fashion. Secretary Caroline Kisko said the surge in demand 'opens the doors to unscrupulous breeders' who do not care for a dog's health and welfare.

'It is very unwise for anyone to buy one simply because they think it looks cute or is a fashionable choice,' she said.

'Anyone doing so could inadvertently be contributing to an impending welfare crisis.

'The breed is a favourite with celebrities, who often flaunt them on their Instagram and Twitter accounts for people to coo over.

However, the club is concerned by the rise because it is being driven by fashion, opening the door for those who do not care for a dog's health and welfare

'While it's normal to want to show off your dog, when celebrities do it, it usually results in a surge in the popularity of certain breeds, which is not a good thing as it opens the doors to unscrupulous breeders who see it as an opportunity to breed lots of them without due care to health and welfare.'

She added that it was crucial for anyone intent on owning a French Bulldog to go a responsible breeder, such as a Kennel Club assured breeder.

The UK's largest dog welfare organisation is urging people to consider buying other similar breeds that may be better suited to their lifestyle and environment. These include the Miniature Schnauzer, Beagle, Border Terrier and Welsh Terrier.