Bulldogs were very popular in the past, especially in Western Europe. The ladies formed the French Bull Dog Club of America and created the breed standard which stated for the first time that the 'erect bat ear' was the correct type.In the early 20th century the breed remained in vogue for high society, with dogs changing hands for up to $3,000 and being owned by members of influential families such as the Rockefellers and the J. P. Morgans. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed quickly after the breed club was formed, and by 1906 the French Bulldog was the fifth most popular dog breed in America. A UK breed survey report on 71 dog deaths put the average lifespan of French Bulldogs at 8 to 10 years, while the UK breed club suggests an average of 12 to 14 years. The AKC lists that the French Bulldog breed has a lifespan of 11 to 13 years.In 2013 a UK Medical Study reviewed the health of 2228 French Bulldogs under veterinary care in the UK.