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When it comes to our pets, us Brits are a nation of pet lovers. Whether it’s cats and or dogs, a staggering majority of households in the UK count a cat or a dog as a family member. The number of dogs owned in the UK saw a significant increase thanks to Covid and lockdowns. Here we’ve had a look at some of the top dog breeds in the UK.
If you were to look at registrations through the Kennel Club, you’ll find that hands down, the Labrador retriever is the most popular breed in the UK. They are well known as being loving family dogs. They were originally bred as working dogs and this can still be evident in some cases, making them excellent gun dogs. If you’ve followed us for a while you’ll know we have our own Henry who falls into this category.
Temperament: family friendly, food oriented, kind, trainable
Size: Large, typically 25-35kg
Exercise needs: moderate to high, minimum recommended 1 hours walking daily
General care needs: regularly brushing and washing as prone to moulting.
The emergence of the crossbreed cockapoo allegedly dates back to the 1960’s. But this was one of the most popular breeds in the UK following the pandemic and the following upsurge in dog ownership. A well known advantage of this cross breed is that they are better for allergy sufferers, although how much poodle and cocker spaniel you will get in your cockapoo is all done to luck.
Temperament: lively, generally very friendly, great for families and allergy sufferers
Size: depends on the poodle parentage but typically small to medium
Exercise needs: moderate, will be happy with one decent 45 min walk a day
General care needs: due to its poodle lineage, they need regular grooming to avoid matting.
The cute miniature dashchund is a firm favourite in the UK, especially with families with young children. Its small size makes it easy to manage alongside small children and with its playful nature is a great companion for both young and old. However, care must be taken with their backs – their elongated bodies can be prone to injury so it is important to maintain a healthy weight.
Temperament: playful, loving and energetic. Can be quite happy in more enclosed spaces (without gardens) than some bigger breeds
Size: small
Exercise needs: moderate, will be happy with one decent 30-45 min walk a day
General care needs: moderate, regular grooming is encouraged
If you want a breed who will happily snuggle under the blanket with you, then a whippet could be the breed for you. These friendly, gentle, loving dogs can go like the wind but once they’ve expended their energy, they love nothing more than a good snooze with a good dose of affection.
Temperament: affectionate, loving and energetic. Love and snuggle and to be warm
Size: small – large depending on lineage
Exercise needs: moderate, will be happy with one decent 45 min walk/run a day
General care needs: minimal grooming required
This energetic, affectionate breed love long days outside showing off their athletic natures. They love company so make sure you have the time to spend with them. They have great stamina and make excellent companions for running and cycling.
Temperament: energetic, affectionate
Size: large
Exercise needs: high, you will probably never manage to tire this breed out!
General care needs: minimal grooming required
This is by no means an exhaustive list of popular breeds in the UK, more like the tip of the iceberg! We know that in selecting a few we are omitting the majority of the four legged friends who share our homes with us. But what we can all agree on is that a home is better with a dog, no matter what breed!