Pesticides in these fruits and vegetables put them on Dirty Dozen list

Strawberries remain in the top spot on an annual list of fruits and vegetables found to have the highest traces of pesticides.

The 2021 "Dirty Dozen," released Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group, ranked pesticide residue levels of fruits and vegetables based on samples taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

There were two noticeable changes to this year's list, said Thomas Galligan, an EWG toxicologist.

Collard and mustard greens joined the list at No. 3, sharing a spot with kale. The pesticide most frequently found on these greens was DCPA, a compound classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a possible carcinogen, Galligan added.

The second vegetables added to this year's "Dirty Dozen" are bell peppers and hot peppers, which ranked at No. 10, Galligan said. "In the most recent test, they found 115 pesticides on different peppers."

Nearly 70% of non-organic produce sold in the country contains pesticide residues, the new EWG report stated. And more than 90% of samples including strawberries, apples and leafy greens tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides.

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Nutritional needs vs. consumer concerns

A CDC analysis found only 1 in 10 adults gets enough fruits and vegetables, with men, younger adults and people with lower incomes consuming the fewest.

"The most important thing is that everyone should be eating lots of fruits and vegetables," Galligan said. "We do recommend you try to reduce your pesticide exposure. Choose organic whenever possible."

That's why EWG also released the "Clean Fifteen," a list of produce that tested with lower trace amounts of pesticides.

"Try to choose organic options for those 12 (Dirty Dozen)," Galligan said. "But if you can't afford or don't have access to those organic foods, then you can turn to our Clean Fifteen list."

Avocados and sweet corn took the top two spots on the clean list, where fewer than 2% of samples showed any detectable pesticides.

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Dandy Dozen 2019 list:Strawberries, spinach, kale have the most residue

However, there are some concerns this annual list may scare shoppers away from non-organic fruits and vegetables, which tend to cost less than their organic counterparts and may be more accessible to consumers living in areas without multiple grocery options.

"This list should have no impact on your shopping habits," said Tamika Sims, senior director of food technology at the International Food Information Council, a nonprofit supported by food, beverage and agricultural industries.

Organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are not regulated more than the other, Sims said. The USDA and EPA, among others, "work conservatively to make sure all these fruits and vegetables are safe for consumption."

If the concern over the potential for pesticide residue remains, Sims said, there are other options.

"Think about buying the frozen version," she said. "(Frozen) fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious and good for you, and safe, as the fresh ones. Canned goods are a great option, too."

EWG's Dirty Dozen for 2021

Strawberries Spinach Kale, collard and mustard greens Nectarines Apples Grapes Cherries Peaches Pears Bell and hot peppers Tomatoes Celery

EWG's Clean Fifteen for 2021

Dirty Dozen 2022: Produce with the most and least pesticides | CNN

CNN —

Strawberries and spinach continue to top the annual list of the “Dirty Dozen” fruits and veggies that contain the highest levels of pesticides, followed by three greens – kale, collard and mustard – nectarines, apples, grapes, and bell and hot peppers, according to the Environmental Working Group’s 2022 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

Cherries came in eighth this year on the list of the 12 most contaminated foods, with peaches, pears, celery and tomatoes rounding out the list.

But don’t stop eating these foods, which are full of the vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants needed to battle chronic disease, experts say.

“If the things you love to eat are on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list, we recommend buying organic versions when you can,” said Alexis Temkin, a toxicologist at the EWG with expertise in toxic chemicals and pesticides.

“Several peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials have looked at what happens when people switch to a fully organic diet,” she said. “Concentrations and measurements of pesticides decrease very rapidly.”

Consumers can also consult EWG’s “Clean Fifteen” – a list of produce with the least amount of pesticides. Nearly 70% of the fruits and veggies on the list had no detectable pesticide residues, while just under 5% had residues of two or more pesticides, the report said.

Avocados had the lowest levels of pesticides among the 46 foods tested, followed by sweet corn, pineapple, onions and papaya.

Multiple pesticides

Issued yearly since 2004, the EWG report uses US Department of Agriculture test data to rank 46 foods that are the most and least contaminated with pesticide residues. The USDA staffers prepare the food as consumers would – washing, peeling or scrubbing – before testing each item.

The USDA does not sample all 46 foods each year, so EWG pulls results from the most recent testing period. Strawberries, for example, have not been tested by the USDA since 2016, Temkin said,

Many samples of the 46 fruits and vegetables included in the report tested positive for multiple pesticides, including insecticides and fungicides. Over 90% of “strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines and grapes tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides,” the report said.

Testing found the highest level of multiple pesticides – 103 – on samples of the heart-healthy trio of kale, collards and mustard greens, followed by 101 different pesticides on hot and bell peppers. In general, “spinach samples had 1.8 times as much pesticide residue by weight as any other crop tested,” the report said.

Being exposed to multiple pesticides, even at low levels, is “supra-additive,” with each pesticide having more of a health impact than it might in isolation, said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, chief of environmental pediatrics at NYU Langone, who was not involved in the report.

Health risks of pesticides

Health dangers from pesticides depend on the type, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Pesticides can impact the nervous system, irritate the eyes and skin, interfere with the hormonal systems of the body, or cause cancer, the EPA said.

The pesticide DCPA, classified by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen and banned in 2009 by the European Union, was frequently detected on collards, mustard greens and kale, the EWG report said.

Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide often used on nut and fruit trees and row crops such as broccoli and cauliflower, was banned by the EPA in February 2022 after a 15-year effort by environmental groups.

Chlorpyrifos contains an enzyme “which leads to neurotoxicity, and has also been associated with potential neurodevelopmental effects in children,” the EPA said.

Babies and children are especially vulnerable to pesticides, experts say, because of the damage the chemicals can cause to the developing brain. A 2020 study found an increase in IQ loss and intellectual disability in children due to exposure to organophosphates, a common class of pesticides.

A large number of pesticides also affect the endocrine system in developing fetuses, which can interfere with developmental growth, reproduction and metabolism.

“Even a brief exposure to pesticides which alter endocrine function can cause permanent effects if the exposure occurs during critical windows of reproductive development,” according to the EPA.

Industry complaints

The agricultural industry has long complained about the release of the “Dirty Dozen,” saying EWG “willfully” misrepresents USDA data in the report.

“To put it simply, EWG’s attempt to twist the data to create bias … results in growing consumer fear of fruits and vegetables,” said Chris Novak, president and CEO of CropLife America, a national trade association that represents the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticides.

“A study found that specifically naming the “Dirty Dozen” resulted in shoppers being less likely to buy ANY vegetables and fruit, not just those named on their list,” Novak said via email.

In response, EWG said the study in question, which was funded by another industry association, the Alliance for Food and Farming, presents an entirely different reality than what Novak describes.

“The study actually shows that just over half of people surveyed said the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list made them more likely to buy fruits and vegetables,” Temkin said. “Only about 1 in 6 said our report would make them less likely to buy produce.”

Steps consumers can take

Besides eating organic, there are a number of actions consumers can take to reduce exposure to pesticides – and many other toxins such as heavy metals – that can be found in produce.

Rinse all produce before serving. Don’t use soap, detergent or commercial produce wash – water is the best choice, experts say.

“Soap and household detergents can be absorbed by fruits and vegetables, despite thorough rinsing, and can make you sick. Also, the safety of the residues of commercial produce washes is not known and their effectiveness has not been tested,” the US Food and Drug Administration stated.

Choose local. Buying food that is purchased directly from a local farmer can reduce the risk of pesticide exposure, experts say.

Get CNN Health's weekly newsletter Sign up here to get The Results Are In with Dr. Sanjay Gupta every Tuesday from the CNN Health team.

Buy in season. Prices drop when fruits and vegetables are in season and plentiful. That’s a good time to purchase organic foods in bulk, then freeze or can them for future use, experts suggest.


What's the most popular dog breed? French bulldogs take the title

Watch out March Madness, another competition featuring underdogs and shocking upsets is here.

The French bulldog is now the most popular (pup-ular?) dog breed of 2022, ending the Labrador retriever’s 31-year term as the country’s favored dog breed, the American Kennel Club announced Wednesday.

The organization said the French bulldog has spiked in popularity in recent years. The dogs were the 14th most popular breed in 2012, but jumped to the number 2 spot in the American Kennel Club’s 2021 rankings.

“Frenchies are playful, adaptable, loyal and outgoing," American Kennel Club's executive secretary Gina DiNardo said in a news release. "They make wonderful companions for a variety of people, but it’s extremely important to do your research to not only find the right breed for your lifestyle, but to ensure that you’re getting a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder.”

Experts warn that some bulldog breeds are known for being highly susceptible to health complications.

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French bulldogs may have a greater chance of being diagnosed with a slate of common disorders compared to other breeds, according to a study published in 2021. The British Veterinary Association has urged people against buying flat-faced dog breeds.

French bulldogs have also been the target of thefts. Last month, officials in South Carolina said a well-known breeder was fatally shot during the sale of a French bulldog. Lady Gaga’s dog walker in 2021, Ryan Fischer, was also shot as the star’s two dogs were stolen.

The American Kennel Club in its rankings also included the least popular dog breeds of 199 rankings, with English Foxhounds coming in last place, followed by Norwegian Lundehunds and Sloughis.

You can find the full rankings here.

Most popular dog breeds of 2022

French bulldogs Labrador retrievers Golden retrievers German shepherd dogs Poodles Bulldogs Rottweilers Beagles Dachshunds German shorthaired pointers

Least popular dog breeds of 2022

English foxhounds Norwegian Lundehunds Sloughis American foxhounds Belgian Laekenois Azawakhs Harriers Sussex spaniels Cesky terriers Pyrenean shepherds

How are the dog breeds ranked?

The American Kennel Club explained Wednesday that it uses its “registration statistics to rank the most popular breeds of the past year.” They're based on about 716,500 dogs newly registered last year, and registration by owners is voluntary.

The rankings do not include mixed-breeds or popular “designer” hybrids, such as labradoodles.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY; Associated Press

What is the most popular breed in each state? Here's what Google ...

Corrections and clarifications: A previous version of this story had an outdated number of dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Pet owners often pamper their fur babies with the same fervor that parents have for their human children. But dogs haven't always been given the same level of treatment that many of us aim to provide today.

National Dog Week, established by William Lewis Judy in 1928 as a way to celebrate our beloved canines, occurs annually Sept. 20-27.

Throughout Judy's career, he highlighted dog owners' responsibilities and explored various breeds in books like "The Dog Encyclopedia," published in 1923, and "Dog World Magazine," which was owned by Judy and continued to publish until 2012. His work taught people about dogs needs, the different types of breeds and how to successfully train them, according to the Animal History Museum.

Out of 200 purebred dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, less than a handful were at the top of people's minds who searched online.

Based on Google search data compiled over the last five years, Bulldogs are the most-searched dog breed in the U.S. in all but 13 states: Alaska, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Those states favored three other breeds: Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky and German Shepherd.

Most popular dog breed in each state, according to Google trends data since 2017:

Alabama – Bulldog

Alaska – Siberian Husky

Arizona – Bulldog

Arkansas – Bulldog

California – Bulldog

Colorado – Bulldog

Connecticut – Bulldog

Delaware – Bulldog

District of Columbia – Bulldog

Florida – Bulldog

Georgia – Bulldog

Hawaii – Bulldog

Idaho – Labrador Retriever

Illinois – Bulldog

Indiana – Bulldog

Iowa – Bulldog

Kansas – Bulldog

Kentucky – German Shepherd

Louisiana – Bulldog

Maine – Labrador Retriever

Maryland – Bulldog

Massachusetts – Bulldog

Michigan – Bulldog

Minnesota – Labrador Retriever

Mississippi – Bulldog

Missouri – Bulldog

Montana – Labrador Retriever

Nebraska – Bulldog

Nevada – Bulldog

New Hampshire – Labrador Retriever

New Jersey – Bulldog

New Mexico – Bulldog

New York – Bulldog

North Carolina – Bulldog

North Dakota – Labrador Retriever

Ohio – Bulldog

Oklahoma – Bulldog

Oregon – Bulldog

Pennsylvania – Bulldog

Rhode Island – Bulldog

South Carolina – Bulldog

South Dakota – Labrador Retriever

Tennessee – Bulldog

Texas – Bulldog

Utah – Bulldog

Vermont – Labrador Retriever

Virginia – Bulldog

Washington – Siberian Husky

West Virginia – German Shepherd

Wisconsin – Labrador Retriever

Wyoming – Bulldog

What other lists have Bulldogs made?

From 2013 – 2020, Bulldogs ranked in the top five most popular dog breeds, based on American Kennel Club (AKC) registration statistics. In 2021, Bulldogs were knocked down to No. 6 by the Poodle, which made top five for the first time since 1997.

How well do you know your doggos? Take the quiz

Bulldogs are believed to have been created in 13th-century England for bullbaiting — a betting "sport" where bulls fought a pack of dogs in front of spectators — according to AKC. As the sport became obsolete, Bulldogs were bred to be more of a companion than a fighter.

The Labrador Retriever has been the No. 1 most-popular breed since 1991, according to AKC.

See the most-searched dog breeds in the country.

Camille Fine is a trending visual producer on USA TODAY's NOW team.

Labs fetch first place in AKC breed popularity ranking

Sharon Dargay Staff Writer

Labrador retrievers rank first in purebred popularity. They’ve been the top dog in America for the past 25 years, according to the American Kennel Club, (AKC).

The organization tallies purebred dog registrations each year and uses those statistics as the basis for its annual breed popularity list, which it released this week. According to AKC’s 2015 stats, the Labrador retriever took the top spot.

Marla Stuck isn’t surprised.

“I think it’s because they are naturally a friendly dog. They are super duper smart and they are easy to train and good with children. You can’t have a better family dog. If you want a guard dog, you’re not going to get a Lab,” said Stuck, president of MI Lab Rescue.

But there’s a downside to popularity.

“People go to the breeder and buy these puppies and then no one wants to potty train and clean up,” Stuck said. “People buy this dog because they want to go hunting and then they never hunt. Or they don’t want to train them and don’t understand positive training like we do. They don’t want to walk them. Labs are athletes and if you don’t exercise them, it makes them go crazy.”

Or they buy a puppy as a family Christmas gift, but soon discover dog ownership is too much work.

“So, a lot of people don’t understand basic stuff before getting a dog and how much work it is. The shelters are full of the number one breed.”

A quick check of Petfinder.com turns up 525 Labs or Lab mixes for adoption within 100 miles of Livonia’s 48150 zip code. Eighty-seven German shepherds, AKC’s second most popular breed, are listed for adoption within the same geographic area.

Stuck started the Ypsilanti-based rescue two years ago upon the urging of an acquaintance. The non-profit organization has a seven-member board of directors and volunteers who foster the dogs. MI Lab Rescue adopted out 16 dogs its first year, 23 dogs last year and four this year. Stuck said the organization placed two new rescued Labs in foster care this week.

“She was a puppy mill dog,” Stuck described one of the newcomers. “They used her as a puppy mill dog and then tied her to a picnic table at a shelter up north and drove away.”

Dog decides

Stuck said all of the rescue’s dogs are vetted and spayed or neutered. The organization requires a home visit and a meet and greet before an adoption is finalized. The dogs have the final say.

“I tell people if the dog doesn’t want to be with you, the dog won’t be with you.”

Stuck recalls one potential adopter that passed the home visit, but failed to make the cut after the dog became shy, stressed and urinated inside the house.

“My vice president knelt down and (the dog) put both paws around her head and hugged her tight. When I opened the door she made a beeline for my van.”

New life

In some cases, dogs go from a rags-to-riches existence when they’re placed with a new family. Stuck said an adopter in Plymouth offered the perfect setting — a big backyard — for their rescued Lab, which initially had been heartworm positive and came from a shelter in Mobile, Ala.

“We got quite a few of ours from Alabama. We had one pup that had been tossed out onto a highway in Alabama. Someone took it to a shelter there, but it was a high-kill shelter.”

MI Lab Rescue pulls dogs from high-kill shelters in Michigan and Alabama. Its adoption fees are $250 per dog. Stuck said her organization spends approximately $1,000 on each dog it prepares for adoption. All of its members are volunteers and they rely on donations to pay expenses.

Its first fundraising event is a four-person golf scramble, 10 a.m. May 21, at Pine View Golf Course, 5820 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti. Register for MI Lab Rescue’s Par For Pups golf outing or check out the rescue’s success stories and adoptable dogs at milabrescue.com.

sdargay@hometownlife.com

Top 10 AKC dog breeds in America

1. Labrador retriever — “Friendly, active, outgoing. Labs play well with others.”

2. German shepherd — “Smart, confident, courageous and steady. A true dog lover’s dog.”

3. Golden retriever — “Intelligent, friendly and devoted.”

4. Bulldog — “Calm, courageous and friendly, dignified but amusing.”

5. Beagle — “Curious, friendly, merry...loving and lovable, happy, easygoing and companionable.”

6. French bulldog — “Playful, smart, adaptable and completely irresistible.”

7. Yorkshire terrier — “Affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish.”

8. Poodle — “Active, proud, very smart.”

9. Rottweiller — “Confident guardian, loving, reserved with strangers and affectionate and loyal with his family.”

10. Boxer — “Active, bright, fun-loving, and loyal.”

Cane Corso is most searched for dog breed in Delaware, study finds

Delaware dog lovers are literally searching for an underdog.

Labrador retrievers, German shepherds and golden retrievers have consistently topped the list of the American Kennel Club's most popular dog breeds both nationwide and in Delaware the past few years.

But research by FranchiseOpportunities.com, an online franchise opportunity directory, dug into the data and found that interest by Delaware dog lovers has turned to another breed this past year.

According to Melody Porter, a representative of FranchiseOpportunities.com, Delawareans have searched the web for the Cane Corso breed more than any other dog breed in 2017.

The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a large Italian breed of dog regarded as a companion, guard dog and hunter.

Folks in Delaware seem to be intrigued by the Cane Corso and have been outpacing all other dog breeds in web searches, according to data from the FranchiseOpportunities.com study.

"We began by looking at the American Kennel Club's Top 50 Dog Breeds list," Porter said. "Then, we took that list and pulled data from Google Trends for related search terms around each dog breed. The breed with the highest search interest was deemed the top for that state."

Porter said the reason for the survey was because Earthwise Pet Supply and the Dog Stop are joining FranchiseOpportunities.com soon to offer franchisees business opportunities in doggy day care as well as grooming services.

"With that being said, we've been reminiscing about our canine pals and discussing our beloved dog breeds," she said.

And while the AKC list is the gold standard and most referenced dog breed list, Porter said the data compiled in the FranchiseOpportunities.com study painted a different picture of what breed people are at least searching the web for.

"We calculated the top-three most popular dog breeds across the U.S. by looking at the breeds with the highest count by state," she said. "In order, those were Dobermans, French bulldogs and Rottweilers."

The American Kennel Club list hasn't fluctuated much in the past few years with Labrador retrievers holding down the top spot in Delaware, followed by German shepherds, golden retrievers, Rottweilers and poodles.

The national list from the nation’s largest purebred dog registry for 2016 is much the same, with the top three the same as in Delaware. That changes with bulldogs and beagles rounding out the top five.

On the national list, Rottweilers are No. 8, while the Cane Corso breed comes in at No. 40.

The German shepherd secured its spot as the second most popular breed again this year in the AKC list. The 2017 list will be released next month.

Fanucci, a German shepherd co-owned by a retired vet tech from Milton, was in the spotlight two weeks ago when he saw his hopes for a "Best in Show" at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show dashed.

The 5-year-old German shepherd that survived a brutal highway crash a few years ago in New Jersey was scratched from the competition because of a hematoma on his left ear, said co-owner Stephanie Schrock of Milton.

Schrock thinks Fanucci might have been nipped by a playful puppy before or during Westminster, or perhaps he shook his ear too hard and broke a blood vessel.

"It was a freak thing," Schrock said. "You work hard all week and boom, this happens. The timing couldn't have been any worse."

Fanucci was considered by many the nation's top in his class heading into the prestigious dog show at the Westminster Kennel Club.

Top dogs searched in surrounding states

Delaware: Cane Corso

Maryland: Bullmastiff

Pennsylvania: Rottweiler

New Jersey: Maltese dog

Virginia: Bichon frise

SOURCE: FranchiseOpportunities.com

The 2016 AKC Top 10 list of dog breeds

1. Labrador retriever

2. German shepherd dog

3. Golden retriever

4. Bulldog

5. Beagle

6. French bulldog

7. Poodle

8. Rottweiler

9. Yorkshire terrier

10. Boxer

SOURCE: American Kennel Club

Reach Jerry Smith at jsmith17@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JerrySmithTNJ.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Labrador retrievers aren’t letting go of their hold on U.S. dog lovers, but German shorthaired pointers are tugging on the top ranks of doggy popularity, according to new American Kennel Club data.

Labs topped the list for the 28th year in a row. Yet there’s been plenty of movement over time on the purebred pup-ularity ladder.

After Labs, the top five breeds nationwide are German shepherds, golden retrievers, French bulldogs and bulldogs. Rounding out the top 10 are beagles, poodles, Rottweilers, German shorthaired pointers and Yorkshire terriers.

Labs smashed the record for longest tenure as top dog back in 2013. Fans credit the Lab’s generally amiable nature and aptitude in many canine roles: bomb-sniffer, service dog, hunters’ helper, dog-sport competitor and patient family pet.

At No. 9, the German shorthaired pointer notched its highest ranking since getting AKC recognition in 1930. These strikingly speckled hunting dogs are also versatile — some work as drug- and bomb-detectors — and active companions.

“I think people are learning about how fun the breed is,” says AKC spokeswoman Brandi Hunter.

The suddenly ubiquitous French bulldog remains the fourth most popular breed for a second year, after surging from 83rd a quarter-century ago.

THE NUMBERS:

The rankings reflect a breed’s prevalence among the 580,900 puppies and other purebred dogs newly registered in 2018 with the AKC, the country’s oldest such registry. Some 88,175 of these dogs were Labs.

AKC says registrations, which are voluntary, have been growing for six years.

Estimates of the total number of pet dogs nationwide range from about 70 million to 90 million.

THE CONSISTENT FAVE

Beagles, now No. 6, can boast they’re uniquely beloved. No other breed has made the top 10 in every decade since record-keeping began in the 1880s.

Why? “They’re a good general family dog,” lively, friendly, relatively low-maintenance and comfortable with children, says breeder Kevin Shupenia of Dacula, Georgia. Beagles also work sniffing out contraband meat and plants at airports, detecting bedbugs in homes and doing their traditional job: hunting rabbits.

“They have a sense of humor, and they’re just characters,” Shupenia says.

THE RAREST OF THEM ALL:

The most scant breed was the sloughi (pronounced SLOO’-ghee). The greyhound-like dog has a long history in North Africa but garnered AKC recognition only three years ago. It replaces the Norwegian lundehund in the rarest-breed spot.

HOW DID DOODLES DO?

Wonder where goldendoodles, puggles, or cockapoos stand? You won’t find these and other popular “designer dogs” among the 193 breeds recognized and ranked by the AKC.

That’s not to say they never will be, if their fanciers so desire. New breeds join the club periodically, after meeting criteria that include having at least 300 dogs nationwide and three generations.

Meanwhile, designer and just plain mixed-breed dogs can sign up with AKC to compete in such sports as agility, dock diving and obedience.

THE WHYS, PROS AND CONS OF POPULARITY

Many factors can influence a breed’s popularity: ease of care, exposure from TV and movies, and famous owners, to name a few.

Popularity spurts can expand knowledge about a breed, but many people in dogdom rue slipshod breeding by people trying to cash in on sudden cachet.

Elaine Albert, a longtime chow chow owner and sometime breeder, is glad the ancient Chinese dog is now 75th in the rankings, after leaping into the top 10 in the 1980s. Albert recalls that she and other chow rescue volunteers were swamped as people gave up dogs with temperament and health problems, which she attributes to careless breeding.

“I certainly wouldn’t want (chows) to be number one, ever,” says Albert, of Hauppauge, New York. “They belong where they are.... They’re not for everybody.”

On the other hand, aficionados of rare breeds sometimes worry about sustaining them.

THE PUREBRED DEBATE

Some animal-welfare groups feel the pursuit of purebred dogs puts their looks ahead of their health and diverts people from adopting pets. Critics also say the AKC needs to do more to thwart puppy mills.

The club says it encourages responsible breeding of healthy dogs, not as a beauty contest but to preserve traits that have helped dogs do particular jobs.

Vets want people to stop buying 'unhealthy' English bulldogs | CNN

London CNN —

Veterinarians are calling on animal lovers to stop buying English bulldogs, because of “major” concerns about their health.

The breed, also known as the British bulldog, is “compromised” by a “high rate of health issues related to extreme body shape” that has been bred into them, according to the UK’s Royal Veterinary College (RVC).

A new study by the college calls for “urgent action” to reduce the many serious health problems that, it says, are associated with the breed’s “exaggerated features,” such as their flat faces.

The vets hope the study, which reveals that English bulldogs are more than twice as likely to develop a range of health disorders, will deter people from breeding and buying dogs designed to look this way.

In a press release posted online, the college said: “The English Bulldog has risen sharply in popularity in the UK over the past decade. However, its distinctive and exaggerated short muzzle, protruding lower jaw and stocky body shape has been linked with several serious health and welfare issues, including breathing problems, skin and ear diseases and eye disorders.

“Sadly, many of the breed’s problematic characteristics such as a very flat face, deep facial skin folds and noisy breathing are still often perceived by many people as ‘normal’ or even ‘desirable’ novelties rather than major welfare issues.”

The RVC’s VetCompass program compared the health of random samples of 2,662 English bulldogs and 22,039 dogs of other breeds. It found the bulldogs were more than twice as likely to have one or more disorders in a single year than other breeds.

Some of the most common health problems included skin-fold dermatitis, cherry eye (a prolapsed eyelid gland), protruding lower jaw, and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (severe breathing problems related to a dog’s flat face shape), which was 19 times more common than in other dog breeds.

The bulldog was developed centuries ago in England for use in fighting bulls. Characteristically powerful and often vicious, the breed almost disappeared when dog-fighting was outlawed in 1835. However, enthusiasts saved it by breeding out its ferocity.

The vets argue that the public should embrace the breed’s more natural look, saying: “In the future, the English Bulldog should become recognised and loved for having a longer face, smaller head and non-wrinkled skin, representing a more moderate and healthier conformation.”

Dan O’Neill, lead author of the paper and associate professor in companion animal epidemiology at the RVC, said: “Every dog deserves to be born with equal and good innate health by having a natural ability to breathe freely, blink fully, exercise easily, have healthy flat skin, mate and give birth.

“For breeds such as English Bulldogs where many dogs still have extreme conformations with poor innate health, the public have a huge role to play by demanding dogs with moderate and healthier conformations. Until then, prospective owners should ‘stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’.”

The study was funded in part by the the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. Bill Lambert, health, welfare and breeder services executive at the Kennel Club, said in the statement: “As this research shows, there are increasing numbers of Bulldogs bred outside any sphere of influence and in a certain way because it is perceived to be ‘cute’, with little regard for health and welfare. A collaborative approach to tackling these issues is crucial; we must continue to work together with breeders, vets and welfare organisations to reduce and ultimately eliminate the health problems faced by brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, as well as reduce mass demand for these dogs.”

Bayley the dog, a mini sheepadoodle who looks like Snoopy from ...

A 2-year-old sheepadoodle named Bayley is getting her moment in the spotlight this week after pet lovers on Instagram began marveling at how much she looks like Snoopy, the famous canine Charlie Brown character.

Bayley's floppy black ears, her big button nose and even the size and shape of her head appear to perfectly match the familiar cartoon image of Snoopy, Charlie Brown's pet dog in the "Peanuts" cartoon strip.

This week, the Doodle Dogs Club Instagram account introduced Bayley to its thousands of followers with a post that reads, "Meet @Bayley.Sheepadoodle, the spitting image of Snoopy! With those big ears and that button nose, Bayley is the perfect real-life version of our favorite cartoon dog."

The post had received more than one million likes by Thursday.

Bayley's own Instagram account, @bayley.sheepadoodle, commented on the post, saying: "That's me 🥰😁 Hi 🐾 everyone ❤"

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Who is Bayley the mini sheepadoodle?

Bayley has over 170,000 followers on her Instagram and she's turning two in a few weeks, her account says.

She appears to enjoy eating whipped cream given to her in a plastic cup, otherwise known by many dog owners as a "pup cup," or a "Puppuccino" if the treat was made by a Starbucks barista.

Bayley's Instagram also shows her snuggling on her family's couch, playing with her toys and trying on different doggie outfits.

What breed is Snoopy?

According to his profile page on the "Peanuts" website, Snoopy is a beagle.

In real life, beagles were bred to be hunting dogs and are known for their large, floppy ears, according to the American Kennel Club.

What breed is Bayley?

Bayley's Instagram account says she is a miniature sheepadoodle, or a cross between an Old English sheep dog and a miniature poodle.

According to her account, Bayley's mom was an Old English sheep dog and her dad was a black miniature poodle.

More coverage from USA TODAY

What is the most expensive dog? The most expensive dog breeds ...

Pet care is anything but cheap. According to the American Kennel Club, the lifetime cost for small dogs, which have an average life expectancy of 15 years, is approximately $15,051, while large dogs, which have an average life expectancy of 10 years, have a lifetime cost of $14,480.

Other estimates tell a different story. According to Forbes, the lifetime cost of a dog can be anywhere between $17,650 a year to a shocking $93,520, depending on size, breed and care required.

But what about from the beginning? How much do some pups cost if you're looking to purchase rather than rescue? We have you covered on what is the most expensive dog, plus other pricey pooches.

Pups galore:The 30 most popular small dog breeds in America

What is the most expensive dog?

The Tibetan mastiff is considered the most expensive dog, as it has sold for thousands and even millions. In 2014, a Tibetan mastiff puppy was sold for nearly $2 million in China, according to AFP, which cited a report in Chinese newspaper Qianjiang Evening News.

The dog was sold at a premium pet fair in the eastern province of Zhejiang for 12 million yuan, around $1.95 million, to a property developer. The pup was 80 centimeters (31 inches) tall and weighed 90 kilograms (nearly 200 pounds).

This wasn't the first time this breed of dog had a high price ticket. In 2011, another Tibetan mastiff puppy sold for $1.5 million, according to NBC News, which reported the animal was the most expensive dog sold at the time.

According to the AKC, the Tibetan mastiff is a "watchful, aloof, imposing, and intimidating" working breed and affectionate with family, yet distant to strangers.

On average, males of the breed can weigh between 90 to 150 pounds, while females weigh 70 to 120 pounds. The minimum heights for a Tibetan mastiff are 26 inches for males and 24 inches for females.

How much is that doggie in the window?How much is that doggie in the window? Try $2M

What are the top 10 most expensive dogs?

Fetching for a high price tag? Here are the top 10 most expensive dogs and their average prices, according to Reader's Digest:

Tibetan mastiff ($3,000 to $5,000)

Black Russian terrier ($3,000 to $5,000)

Samoyed ($2,500 to $5,000)

French bulldog ($2,500 to $4,000)

Löwchen ($2,500 to $4,000)

Cavalier King Charles spaniel ($2,500 to $3,500)

Bernese mountain dog ($2,500 to $3,500)

Biewer terrier ($2,500 to $3,500)

Staffordshire bull terrier ($2,000 to $3,000)

St. Bernard ($1,500 to $3,500)

How often should you walk your dog?Best practices for keeping your pup healthy.

What human foods are safe for dogs to eat?Here's what is and isn't safe for your pet.

What is the least expensive dog?

Not all pooches cost hundreds or thousands. If you rescue a dog, adoption fees can range from $50 to $500 with an average fee of $300, according to rescuepets101.com.

The North Shore Animal League America breaks down its adoption fees:

Puppies (up to 6 months): $350

Adult dogs (over 6 months): $100

Puppy mill rescues (over 6 months): $250

Small breed and pure breeds (over 6 months): $250

In dog years:These are the longest living dog breeds in the United States

Pet care:What we know about your pet's health and common behaviors

Just curious?:We're here to help answer life's everyday questions

Dogs could benefit from eating table scraps, raw meat, study says

Researchers found that about 22% of puppies and 18% of adolescent dogs had gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss.

Puppies and young dogs fed a diet of highly processed dried kibble food were more likely to have developed gastrointestinal issues.

Puppies and dogs fed table scraps, leftovers, and non-processed meat were less likely to have stomach problems.

You may want to modify your puppy's menu. Giving your puppy or dog table scraps and the occasional bone or raw meat may actually make them healthier, new research suggests.

A new study from the University of Helsinki, Finland, published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a diet for puppies and young dogs including non-processed meat, dinner table leftovers and raw bones could protect your pet from stomach disorders later in life.

Conversely, a diet of processed dog food could lead to a higher risk of gastrointestinal problems. "Proactive owners can provide a variety of whole foods and species-appropriate leftovers for the puppies and young dogs, even as an addition to a kibble-based diet," one of the study's authors Anna Hielm‑Björkman told USA TODAY.

The researchers analyzed pet owners' details about the diets of 4,681 puppies and 3,926 adolescent dogs from the DogRisk food frequency questionnaire, established at the university in 2009. Overall, owners reported symptoms of chronic enteropathy (CE), or gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and loss of appetite, in 1,016 (21.7%) of the puppies and 699 (17.8%) of the adolescent dogs.

Dog owners were asked about what their pets were fed – and where they were fed – during various times of their pets' lives. They were also asked about health issues their dog might have experienced, as well as at what ages and how often.

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Here's what researchers found when they looked at dogs' diets and outcomes

Non-processed meat-based diet. This diet included raw red meat, organs, fish, eggs, and bones, but also vegetables and berries. When puppies were fed the diet a couple times a month or more, they were 22% less likely to develop the digestive problems (CE) later in life, as adult dogs. As adolescent dogs, they were 12.7% less likely, researchers found.

This diet included raw red meat, organs, fish, eggs, and bones, but also vegetables and berries. When puppies were fed the diet a couple times a month or more, they were 22% less likely to develop the digestive problems (CE) later in life, as adult dogs. As adolescent dogs, they were 12.7% less likely, researchers found. Leftovers and table scraps from dog owners' plates (not spoiled food). Owners who said they gave their puppies leftovers regularly were 23% less likely to report CE development, researchers found. When young dogs were given leftovers that also led to a 24% less likelihood of CE development in adolescent years and as older dogs.

Owners who said they gave their puppies leftovers regularly were 23% less likely to report CE development, researchers found. When young dogs were given leftovers that also led to a 24% less likelihood of CE development in adolescent years and as older dogs. Ultra-processed carbohydrate dog food. Puppies fed a diet of highly processed dried kibble food were 29% more likely to have developed CE later in life. When young and adolescent dogs were given the diet, they were 15% more likely to have developed CE then and as they aged, researchers said.

Puppies fed a diet of highly processed dried kibble food were 29% more likely to have developed CE later in life. When young and adolescent dogs were given the diet, they were 15% more likely to have developed CE then and as they aged, researchers said. Rawhides. Rawhide chews are often made from dried animal skins, according to the American Kennel Club. When the chews were given to puppies, they were associated with a 117% increased risk of CE in adult dogs, researchers said.

Rawhide chews are often made from dried animal skins, according to the American Kennel Club. When the chews were given to puppies, they were associated with a 117% increased risk of CE in adult dogs, researchers said. Berries. Feeding berries to puppies, especially wild blueberries, for example, decreased CE risk later in life by 29%, researchers said.

The researchers note that dog owners' responses about their pets were not confirmed by subsequent veterinary diagnosis. However, the combined responses of 21.7% of puppies and 17.8% of adolescent dogs with gastrointestinal issues tracked with veterinarians' experiences with the frequency of real-world diagnoses, researchers said.

The study design doesn't prove causality – that the non-processed and leftovers diet is directly responsible for chronic gut problems in dogs, Hielm‑Björkman said.

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Should I feed my puppy or dog leftovers, table scraps and raw meat?

But the research findings are strong enough that pet owners could try the diet with their dogs, she said. "We also recommend taking it slow when you transit from one diet to another (a week) as it takes a minimum of 3 weeks for the gut microbiota to be able to adjust to a new diet," Hielm‑Björkman said.

A good rule of thumb: previous research on inflammatory skin diseases and atopic dermatitis in dogs showed a "protecting effect" starts with using 20% raw foods, whereas the risk of getting the disease starts if eating more than 80% of the food as dry food," she said.

The findings make sense because dogs "used to be hunters before they were domesticated, Athena Gaffud, a doctor of veterinary medicine at research group Veterinarians.org. But modern dogs are domesticated, which "makes it risky to feed raw food to some dogs," she said.

"Modern dog breeds are more sensitive and are predisposed to bacterial diseases if fed uncooked food, especially puppies because their immune system is not yet well developed," Gaffud said. But the study found when dogs were fed non-processed meat, leftovers, and raw bones during their early life it "stimulated the growth of a balanced gastrointestinal microbiome," she said.

"While this study looks promising, more studies are needed to outweigh the risks of feeding non-processed food," Gaffud said. "Nonetheless, to reap the benefits of this discovery, a gradual introduction of non-processed meat, dinner table leftovers, and raw bones during the early life of dogs can be tried by owners interested in doing so."

She recommends pet owners confer with a veterinarian to make sure dogs get a balanced diet.

Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer with the American Kennel Club, concurs that most dog owners "without proper training would not be able to feed a well-balanced diet based on scraps to a growing puppy in their important formative stages without the advice of a veterinarian or nutritionist."

Klein, who is an emergency veterinarian, said he has found "that when people indiscriminately feed their dogs table scraps, it tends to result in many instances in gastroenteritis in their dogs. There is also the potential of feeding toxic foods mixed in with the scraps, such as grapes, raisins, onions and garlic."

So before you em-bark on changing your puppy or dog's diet, maybe get some professional advice.

Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @mikesnider.

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How do dogs get parvo? How it spreads and how to spot symptoms ...

The spread of disease -- person to person, through a sneeze or a loud exclamation, or via an unwashed surface -- has been a hot topic of conversation in recent years. Plenty of people now know a great deal about how to slow the spread of illness. Do those same rules apply when it comes to the animal world?

Parvo, for example, is a common virus among dogs. How can canines stay protected? Get vaccinated and stay vigilant, just like us. Here's what you need to know about the disease that affects puppies of all kinds:

How is parvo spread in dogs?

Dogs contract the highly contagious virus through dog-to-dog interaction or contact with an infected surface, environment, or person, the American Veterinary Medical association reports.

What is parvo?:Understand parvo in dogs with this definitive guide to the illness.

Despite there being an effective vaccine for the illness, parvo remains fairly common, Dr. Whitney Miller, Petco's chief veterinarian told USA TODAY. This is in part because it is able to withstand weather conditions and live in the environment for upwards of 6 months to a year, Dr. Miller reports.

Pet Care 101:What to know about your pet's health and common behaviors

What foods are safe for dogs to eat? Here's what human foods are and are not safe for your pet.

What are parvo symptoms?

"Parvo is a viral disease that attacks a dog's immune and GI systems," Dr. Miller says, so the first sign a dog owner might see is their pet losing a healthy appetite.

This might eventually progress to "potentially bloody diarrhea and vomiting" she reports. This can dehydrate your dog, making it imperative to seek treatment sooner rather than later.

The American Kennel Club lists potential symptoms as:

Bloody diarrhea

Vomiting

Fever

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Weakness

Dehydration

Depression

What is the smallest dog breed? Facts to know and history of the world's smallest breed.

Why do dogs howl?:Understanding your pet's wild, ancestral instincts.

Is parvo contagious to other dogs?

Parvo is highly contagious, so if your dog has been in contact with a known infected pet or environment it is wise to seek treatment sooner rather than later.

There is an effective vaccine against the disease, and it is much more common for young dogs or unvaccinated canines to contract the disease. "The number one recommendation is to make sure that when your dog's a puppy that they start on their vaccination schedule," Miller says.

Does eating grass make dogs sick? What to know and when to see a veterinarian.

How likely is a puppy to get parvo?

This depends on a number of factors: how common parvo is in the environment where you live, how your puppy is, if they are vaccinated, and how social they are.

Since parvo can be spread through dog-to-dog contact, if your dog is highly social, often visiting dog parks or staying at a doggy day-care, they may be at a higher risk.

Dogs between 6 weeks old and 6 months are also at a higher risk, along with unvaccinated puppies, the American Kennel Club reports.

Certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to parvo AKC reports, including:

Rottweilers Doberman Pinschers

American Staffordshire Terriers

English Springer Spaniels

German Shepherd Dogs

Labrador Retrievers

How many parvo shots does a dog need?

Three. The American Kennel Club reports that vaccination against parvo is a 3 shot series, and that owners should be particularly careful during the time in between shots so that their pup does not contract the illness.

Dogs should receive this shot series as puppies, when they are most vulnerable, ideally between starting at the age of 6 weeks.

How much does it cost to treat parvo?

There is no definitive cost that can be put on treating parvo.

Treatment depends on the severity of the illness, and in severe cases could involve a trip to emergency care which can be quite pricey. In less severe cases, the course of treatment is supportive care -- rehydration efforts and keeping your dog warm as they recover.

The total cost of such care depends on those variety of factors, including pet insurance and the seriousness of the condition.

Just Curious? Your everyday questions, answered.


Oscars 2023: 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' wins best picture

Everything was all right Sunday at the 95th Academy Awards, where no one got slapped and "Everything Everywhere All at Once" ruled the night.

The acclaimed sci-fi comedy came in as a frontrunner at the Oscars and cleaned up like a powerhouse, winning seven honors including best picture, best actress (Michelle Yeoh), supporting actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), supporting actor (Ke Huy Quan), directing and original screenplay. And the good vibes continued in the best actor category, where Brendan Fraser completed a great awards-season comeback story and won for "The Whale."

Here are all the winners and highlights from the main Oscar ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel:

Oscars winners:See who took home gold at Academy Awards

Who made Oscars history in 2023? See the many 'firsts' from Michelle Yeoh, 'Naatu Naatu,' more

'Everything Everywhere All at Once' wins the Oscars' top prize, best picture

"We've said enough tonight. You inspire me," says director Daniel Kwan, accepting best picture for "Everything Everywhere All at Once."

Michelle Yeoh takes best actress for 'Everything Everywhere'

The longtime action-movie icon finally gets her Oscar and becomes the first Asian woman to win the category. "For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, let this be a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof dreams come true. And ladies, don't let anyone ever tell you you are past your prime," Michelle Yeoh says, winning best actress for "Everything Everywhere All at Once." She dedicates the win to her 84-year-old mom and promised to bring Oscar "home to you and my extended family in Hong Kong where I started in my career. Thank you to the Academy, this is history in the making."

'A beacon of hope and possibilities':Michelle Yeoh wins best actress, making Oscars history

'The Whale' comeback kid Brendan Fraser wins best actor

Brendan Fraser shakes fellow nominee Colin Farrell's hand before accepting the best actor honor for "The Whale." "So this is what the multiverse looks like!" Fraser says, out of breath with excitement. "I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement. It's like I've been on a diving expedition," he adds, shouting out his kids and director Darren Aronofsky for "throwing me a creative lifeline."

Brendan Fraser:'The Whale' star wins best actor Academy Award and proves nice guys can finish first

'Everything Everywhere' snags Oscars for film editing, directing

"This is too much. This is my second film, y'all. This is crazy," Paul Rogers says, accepting the Oscar for best film editing for "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Then the best picture frontrunner runs its tally to five awards when Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert take best directing. "Our fellow nominees, you guys are our heroes, This is weird," Scheinert says. He thanks all the "mommies" in the house and his parents "for not squashing my creativity when I was making really disturbing horror films or really perverted comedy films, or dressing in drag as a kid, which is a threat to nobody" – a shot seemingly at anti-drag legislation popping up around the country.:

Adds Kwan: "There is greatness in every single person. You have a genius in you that is waiting to be unlocked."

'Top Gun' takes best sound, 'RRR' gets original song Oscar for 'Naatu Naatu'

Somewhere, Tom Cruise is smiling. "Top Gun: Maverick" finally wins an Oscar, for best sound. And the Academy Award for best original song goes to "RRR" dance number "Naatu Naatu." "I grew up listening to The Carpenters and here I am with the Oscars," says composer M.M. Keeravani, doing his own spin on The Carpenters' "Top of the World." John Travolta comes out and chokes up when introducing Lenny Kravitz, who sings "Calling All Angels" during the "In Memoriam" segment (which includes Travolta's "Grease" co-star Olivia Newton-John).

Brutally honest rankings:All the Oscars song performances, from ‘Naatu Naatu’ to Lady Gaga

'Everything Everywhere,' 'Women Talking' win screenplay Oscars

"Everything Everywhere" filmmaker Daniel Scheinert thanks his teachers for helping him be "less of a butthead" when accepting the original screenplay Oscar alongside partner Daniel Kwan, who admits "my imposter syndrome is at an all-time high." And when accepting the adapted screenplay honor, "Women Talking" director Sarah Polley slyly shouts out the Academy for "not being offended by the words 'Women' and 'Talking' so close together."

'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' presents Chadwick Boseman tribute, Rihanna number

"Wakanda Forever" star Danai Gurira arrives on stage to pay tribute to late "Black Panther" actor Chadwick Boseman, saying in Wakandan: "Thank you, king." Gurira then introduces Rihanna, who sings her nominated tune "Lift Me Up" and receives a standing ovation.

'Lift Me Up':Rihanna soars at 2023 Oscars with powerful first performance of song

'Avatar: The Way of Water' gets the gold for visual effects

Elizabeth Banks and the Cocaine Bear come out to present the award for visual effects. The Oscar goes to "Avatar: The Way of Water," which makes sense because the Na'vi main characters are all digital. Afterward, Jimmy Kimmel is ready with an A-plus dad joke: "The afterparty is at CGI Friday's."

'All Quiet on the Western Front' wins two more technical honors

The Netflix war movie is starting to gain some momentum, as "All Quiet on the Western Front" runs over the likes of "Babylon," "The Fabelmans" and other Oscar favorites for best production design and score.

Lady Gaga sings a raw, rousing version of 'Top Gun' song 'Hold My Hand'

"It's deeply personal for me and we all need a lot of love to walk through this life. And we all need a hero sometimes. You might find that you can be your own hero, even if you feel broken inside," Lady Gaga says before performing her nominated song "Hold My Hand" (from "Top Gun: Maverick") with stripped-down piano, guitar, bass and drums.

Oscars best-dressed:Jaw-dropping looks from Lady Gaga, Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett

'Elephant Whisperers' and 'The Boy, the Mole' conquer shorts categories

"The Elephant Whisperers," about an Indian couple that cares for an orphaned baby elephant, wins for best documentary short. And animated short goes to "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse," based on Charlie Mackesy's book.

'All Quiet on the Western Front' wins best international film

This isn't a surprise: After ruling the BAFTAs (and with Indian action epic "RRR" not in its category), "All Quiet on the Western Front" takes the international film Oscar, its second honor of the night. "This means so much to us," says director Edward Berger. He also thanks star Felix Kammerer: "Without you, none of us would be here."

'Wakanda Forever' nabs costume design honor

"Nice to see you again," Ruth Carter says, winning costume design for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" – the same honor she took home for 2018's original "Panther." The first Black woman to win two Oscars, Carter dedicates the award to her mom, who recently died at age 101, and thanks director Ryan Coogler and producer Nate Moore: "We are reshaping how culture is represented." if that wasn't exciting enough, the original song performance of "RRR" tune "Naatu Naatu" delivers a ton of rousing dance moves that get the Oscar crowd going.

Brendan Fraser's 'The Whale' wins for best makeup and hairstyling

Digital and physical prosthetics were used to transform Brendan Fraser into the 600-pound main character of "The Whale," and it pays off with an Oscar for makeup. Fraser is one of the first to get on his feet and excitedly cheer the win.

Best cinematography Oscar goes to 'All Quiet on the Western Front'

Netflix's acclaimed German war drama earns its first technical honor of the night. "My fellow nominees, your work is just outstanding and inspiring," says James Friend, who wins best cinematography for "All Quiet on the Western Front." Donnie Yen arrives on stage afterward to introduce the next original song nominee: "Everything Everywhere" star Stephanie Hsu, Son Lux and David Byrne doing a weird, ethereal performance of "This Is a Life."

'Navalny' is named best documentary

Director Daniel Roher's film about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny wins the Oscar for best documentary. "We must not be afraid to oppose dictators," says Roher, while Navalny's wife Yulia addresses her husband, currently being held in solitary confinement in Russia: "I'm dreaming of the day you will be free and our country will be free." And the award for live-action short goes to "The Irish Goodbye."

Jamie Lee Curtis wins her first Oscar, for supporting actress in 'Everything Everywhere'

"Woo-hoo," Jamie Lee Curtis exclaims, hugging Ariana DeBose and taking her supporting actress trophy for "Everything Everywhere." "I know it looks like I'm standing up here by myself but I am hundreds of people," Curtis says, shouting out her directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, "my bae" Michelle Yeoh, all her horror folks and her late Hollywood parents, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. "We all just won an Oscar together." She leaves the stage and then Sofia Carson and Diane Warren arrive with a choir to perform their original song nominee, "Applause" from "Tell It Like a Woman."

Jamie Lee Curtis:First-time winner thanks castmates, late parents in touching Oscars speech

Ke Huy Quan takes best supporting actor for 'Everything Everywhere'

After hugging co-star Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan goes to the stage to take his supporting actor trophy for "Everything Everywhere" and immediately starts crying. "My mom is 84 years old and she's at home watching. Mom, I just won an Oscar!" he says through tears. He tells how his journey started on a boat, involved spending a year in a refugee camp and "somehow ended up on the Oscar stage. This is the American dream." He concludes by saying that "dreams are something you have to believe in. I almost gave up on mine. Everyone out there, keep your dreams alive."

'This is the American dream':Read Ke Huy Quan's emotional Oscars acceptance speech

Guillermo del Toro's 'Pinocchio' wins best animated feature

Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson arrive on stage to give out the first award of the night: best animated feature. And the winner is ... director Guillermo del Toro's Netflix stop-motion feature "Pinocchio"! "Animation is cinema, animation is not a genre. Animation is ready to be taken to the next step. Please help us keep animation in the conversation," del Toro says, tearing up when thanking his parents. According to Netflix, del Toro becomes the first person to win best picture, best director and best animated feature Oscars.

2023 Oscars:Why Cate Blanchett, Guillermo del Toro and more celebs wore blue ribbons

Jimmy Kimmel gets the 'Top Gun' treatment to begin the show

Jimmy Kimmel starts the show by being "ejected" out of a fighter jet by Tom Cruise and parachutes onto the Dolby Theatre stage. "Give me a second to adjust my Danger Zone here. My Banshees are caught in my Inisherin," he jokes. Kimmel shouts out audiences returning to the theater to see movies and is also glad to see Nicole Kidman out of that "abandoned AMC, where she has been held captive for two whole years now."

The host points out first-time nominees Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, as well as Brendan Fraser: "Two guys from 'Encino Man' are nominated for Oscar." Kimmel calls Steven Spielberg and Seth Rogen "the Joe and Hunter Biden of Hollywood" and can't believe Spielberg was sober doing "E.T." "You were high as a bike when you made that movie," Kimmel cracks. He also gives props to John Williams being a nominee at 91 – "He's still scoring – if you know what I mean" – and mentions the absence of Cruise and James Cameron: "Two guys who insisted we go to the theater didn't come to the theater."

Jimmy Kimmel:Angry actors would have to 'battle' Michelle Yeoh to slap him at Oscars

For Angela Bassett, the Oscars are all about 'the spirit of never giving up'

Supporting actress contender Angela Bassett, the first actor from a Marvel superhero movie to garner a nod, told USA TODAY that her husband Courtney B. Vance has been an essential support system this Oscar season, accompanying her to awards shows and filming her acceptance speeches on his smartphone. "He was supportive before the whirlwind," says the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" star. "He always trusted and believed that a nomination like this might one day happen for me."

In addition to being the subject of Ariana DeBose's viral rap, Bassett has loved going through the awards process with her fellow thespians: "When I think of my girl Michelle Yeoh and it being her first nomination, it really is about the spirit of never giving up."

A Brendan Fraser win would complete an epic Oscar comeback story

The best actor race seems to be down to Austin Butler, Colin Farrell and Brendan Fraser, though a win by the latter would finish one of this year's most noteworthy comebacks. After becoming a major Hollywood star in the 1990s, Fraser has been honest about his career hardships, including being sexually assaulted, and won accolades for his role in "The Whale."

In an emotional Screen Actor Guild speech, Fraser shouted out to other actors who've weathered struggles: "I know how you feel. But believe me, if you just stay in there and you put one foot in front of the other, you'll get to where you need to go."

The new Oscar best picture winner will join Hollywood's most hallowed hall

"Everything Everywhere All at Once" is in the pole position to win best picture over "The Banshees of Inisherin," "Top Gun: Maverick," "All Quiet on the Western Front," "The Fabelmans" and "Elvis," among others.

The victor will join a long list filled with some of the greatest movies ever (and a few that don't quite fit that bill). We watched all 94 so far and ranked them, from the first winner – the 1927 silent war drama "Wings," which holds up well! – to the feel-good 2022 Oscar champ "CODA."

Get a video tour of the ultra-exclusive green room at the Oscars

USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa has been in LA all week for events leading up to the Academy Awards, and one of them was getting a look at the ultra-exclusive, swanky green room backstage at the Oscars. He was able to do a fun video tour for our readers but come Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre, no cameras will be allowed in – only performers, presenters and winners will be able to enjoy the comfy furniture, floral arrangements and food by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck.

Michelle Yeoh, Colin Farrell could be first-time Academy Award winners

Sixteen of the 20 acting contenders at Sunday's Oscars are first-time , including "Everything Everywhere" favorites Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, as well as best actor candidates Brendan Fraser, Colin Farrell and Austin Butler. The four returnees: Two-time winner Cate Blanchett ("Tár"), Angela Bassett ("Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"), Michelle Williams ("The Fabelmans") and Judd Hirsch ("The Fabelmans"), who last received an Oscar nod for 1980's "Ordinary People."

But the list of thespians who've never won an Academy Award is a pretty star-studded affair overall, including Scarlett Johansson, Antonio Banderas, Glenn Close, Willem Dafoe, Amy Adams, Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr.

Supporting actor is Ke Huy Quan's to lose

"Everything Everywhere" star Ke Huy Quan has dominated the competition and rolled through awards season. But his quest for a supporting actor victory has also been a Cinderella story for the actor, who was a child star in the 1980s with roles in "The Goonies" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and then stepped away from Hollywood because of a lack of meaty roles for Asian actors.

"I'm grateful the landscape has changed, there’s a lot more progress now," Quan said backstage after winning at the Golden Globes. He's also made sure to have a bunch of fun heading to Oscar night, posting tons of selfies with peers on his Instagram account.

Best supporting actress is a toss-up

As far as Oscar predictions go, most of the acting categories are fairly straightforward with a favorite moving out in front. Not so much with supporting actress, which can go a few different ways. "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" star Angela Bassett – the first actor to be nominated for a Marvel movie – had the early momentum with wins out of the Golden Globes and Critics Choice, but Jamie Lee Curtis of "Everything Everywhere" took an important Screen Actors Guild honor while "The Banshees of Inisherin" actress Kerry Condon picked up the supporting trophy at the British Academy Film Awards.

Given SAG and the "Everything" goodwill, Curtis probably has the best chance over Bassett, though it's possible the two beloved Hollywood types cancel each other out and Condon sneaks by for a victory.

Good news: Lady Gaga will be performing 'Hold My Hand' after all!

A bevy of original song contenders are slated for prime-time performances. Rihanna will sing "Lift Me Up" from "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," Sofia Carson and songwriter Diane Warren are slated to perform "Applause" from "Tell It Like A Woman," Talking Heads frontman David Byrne teams with "Everything Everywhere All at Once" supporting actress nominee Stephanie Hsu and music trio Son Lux for “This Is A Life," and Indian singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava will perform the "RRR" song-and-dance number – and the frontrunner in the category – "Naatu Naatu."

And while Oscar producers previously said she wouldn't perform, Lady Gaga is now slated to sing “Hold My Hand” from "Top Gun: Maverick," a person familiar with the production but not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY. (Fun fact: Gaga is shooting "Joker: Folie à Deux" with Joaquin Phoenix, who won best actor for the first "Joker" movie.)

Glenn Close tests positive for COVID-19, won't be among Oscar presenters

Glenn Close was expected to be among the dozens of A-list stars on tap to hand out trophies and appear on the telecast Sunday but has tested positive for COVID-19. A representative for the actress told The Associated Press she is isolating and resting.

Ariana DeBose, Troy Kotsur, Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman and Jessica Chastain are among the previous Oscar winners scheduled to be presenters. Also on the list is a raft of other high-profile names like Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Melissa McCarthy, Janelle Monáe, Zoe Saldaña and Harrison Ford.

Just don't expect an appearance from Will Smith. Smith, who won best actor last year for "King Richard" and would traditionally present the award for best actress this year, was banned from Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences events for 10 years after he slapped Oscar presenter Chris Rock for making a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Red carpet coverage is coming for the fashionistas

All the big stars will be hitting the "champagne carpet" and wearing their Sunday best. E!'s "Live From the Red Carpet" kicks off at 5 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. PDT while ABC starts its pre-show coverage at 6:30 EDT/3:30 PDT. (And check out entertainment.usatoday.com for fashion galleries and analysis.)

Read more about the Academy Awards:

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, Patrick

Why 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' is the film to beat going into ...

A year ago, we never could have guessed that a film with hot-dog hands and a singing raccoon would win best picture.

But “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is predicted to do just that at Sunday’s Academy Awards (ABC, 8 EDT/5 PDT), where it leads with 11 nominations. After winning over critics and moviegoers, the poignant sci-fi adventure has dominated awards season, scoring record-setting wins from the Screen Actors Guild and Independent Spirit Awards last week.

“We’re proud weirdos,” co-director Daniel Kwan told USA TODAY last year. "I'm so happy people are resonating with this story. We worked so hard to make sure it felt honest."

Here’s what you need to know about the unlikely Oscar front-runner:

'Everything Everywhere All at Once' is a multiverse-jumping family drama from the Daniels

"Everything Everywhere" follows Evelyn Wong (Michelle Yeoh), a laundromat owner and Chinese immigrant who feels dissatisfied with her life. She struggles to communicate with her estranged husband, Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), and lesbian daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu), until one day she is transported to another universe and tasked with defeating an evil force.

"We love Charlie Kaufman, Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut – people who have a sense of humor about really big, philosophical ideas," says co-director Daniel Scheinert, known collectively with Kwan as the Daniels. "So we've always tossed around ideas that are almost uncinematic in how crazy they are, and the multiverse was one of those."

The film explores mental health, generation gaps and the desire for genuine connection. After experiencing dozens of alternate lives and timelines, Evelyn finally learns to express herself to her family, which culminates in an emotional reconciliation in a parking lot.

"I like to make fun of that scene for feeling like a rom-com ending," Kwan says. "But in a movie where they spend the whole time talking past each other and existing in different universes, it actually feels very profound to just let them say exactly what they want."

Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan could make Oscars history

Quan, 51, has made a long-awaited comeback after childhood roles in '80s classics "The Goonies" and "Indiana Jones." He's all but swept the best supporting actor race this year, with major wins and endearing speeches at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice and SAG Awards. If he repeats at the Oscars, he'll become only the second Asian actor to win the category, after Haing S. Ngor took best supporting actor for 1984's "The Killing Fields."

Meanwhile, beloved industry veteran Yeoh, 60, has been neck in neck with Cate Blanchett ("Tár") for best actress all season, but recently surged thanks to prizes from the Spirit Awards and SAG. If she earns the Oscar on Sunday, Yeoh will be just the second woman of color in the 95-year history of the awards to win best actress, following Halle Berry for 2001's "Monster's Ball."

Stephanie Hsu tackles dual roles as Joy and Jobu Tupaki

Although Yeoh and Quan have picked up the lion's share of trophies, Hsu arguably has the trickiest role in the film as Joy, who longs for her mom's acceptance. In parallel universes, Evelyn faces off against Joy's nihilistic alter ego, Jobu Tupaki, who threatens to destroy everything with the help of a giant, black-hole-like bagel.

"Jobu is like, 'If nothing matters, then what if I just blow your head up into confetti?' " Hsu says. The 32-year-old actress, who also appears on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," says the Daniels' script is "one of the best I've ever read," mixing "super-silly physical comedy" with "heartfelt, very sincere storytelling."

"There are these really profound messages of kindness and love," Hsu says. "You can try to run from someone, but no matter where you go – no matter what universe you go to – they're always going to be there in some form. That is a very Zen, cosmic philosophy."

Jamie Lee Curtis is a strong contender to win best supporting actress

No one is a bigger "Everything Everywhere" fan than Curtis, who plays the hilariously named tax auditor Deirdre Beaubeirdre. The actress has been a self-described "weapon of mass promotion" since the film's release last spring, and went viral with her ecstatic reaction to Yeoh's Golden Globes win.

"I'm a cheerleader," Curtis told USA TODAY last fall. "Let's get Michelle gold right now. I will do everything in my power to support that."

Curtis might also pick up her own hardware come Sunday: She surprised at the SAG Awards with a supporting actress victory, besting presumed front-runners Angela Bassett ("Black Panther: Wakanda Forever") and Kerry Condon ("The Banshees of Inisherin"). In her acceptance speech, the "Halloween" star paid tribute to her parents, actors Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, and joked about her "nepo baby" label. "I totally get it," she said. "But the truth of the matter is: I'm 64 years old and this is just amazing."

Where to stream 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'

"Everything Everywhere" is still playing on the big screen, having returned to theaters following its massive Oscar nominations haul. But you can also stream it at home with a Showtime subscription, or with a seven-day free trial to Showtime through Amazon Prime Video.

Contributing: Brian Truitt

What else you should know before you watch Oscars 2023: