Dogs are undoubtedly one of the UK’s favourite pets. Whether it’s playful pups or loyal companions, different breeds offer unique traits that can suit various lifestyles. Let’s take a look at the 21 most popular dog breeds in the UK, ranked.
Labrador Retriever
According to The Kennel Club, “The Labrador is the most popular of all pedigree breeds,” consistently at the top of the list in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. Known for their friendly and outgoing nature, Labradors make excellent family pets. They are incredibly intelligent and trainable, which makes them great for first-time dog owners.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, with their distinctive bat-like ears and adorable faces, have captured the hearts of many in the UK. These small, muscular dogs are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They are great for city dwellers because of their compact size and relatively low exercise needs.
Cocker Spaniel
Another beloved breed in the UK is the Cocker Spaniel, known for their sweet temperament and beautiful, flowing coats. They are excellent with children and other pets, making them ideal family dogs. Cockers are energetic and enjoy regular exercise, whether it’s a romp in the garden or a long walk in the countryside.
Bulldog
Famous for their loose, wrinkled skin and distinctive pushed-in nose, bulldogs, despite their tough appearance, are gentle and loving dogs. They’re known for their calm and laid-back nature, making them perfect companions for a more relaxed lifestyle. They don’t require a lot of exercise and are quite content lounging around the house.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, often known simply as ‘Staffies,’ are a popular choice in the UK due to their courageous yet loving nature. These dogs are known for their strong build and high energy levels. Staffies are incredibly loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs.
Border Collie
Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence and herding skills. Originally bred for working on farms, these dogs are highly energetic and thrive when they have a job to do. Border Collies are perfect for active owners who can provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Dachshund
With their distinctive long bodies and short legs, dachshunds are a beloved breed in the UK. These small dogs are known for their lively and curious nature. Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired, each with its own unique charm.
Golden Retriever
Another top favourite in the UK is the Golden Retriever, known for their friendly and tolerant attitude. These dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for families and individuals alike. Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful, golden coats and their love of water.
Pug
Pugs are small dogs with big personalities. Their wrinkled faces and curled tails give them a unique and endearing appearance. Pugs are known for their playful and endearing nature. They enjoy being the centre of attention and can be quite charming and sometimes even a bit comical.
German Shepherd
Well-known for their intelligence, courage, and versatility, German Shepherds are often used in police and military roles due to their trainability and strength. They’re also loyal and protective family pets, but they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy, so they’re not for everyone.
Beagle
Beagles are small hounds known for their keen sense of smell and curious nature. Originally bred for hunting, Beagles are energetic and love exploring their surroundings. They are friendly and great with children, making them ideal family pets. If you’re thinking of getting one, just be aware that they have a distinctive, baying bark and are very vocal dogs.
Boxer
A medium-sized dog known for its boundless energy and playful nature is the Boxer. They are strong and muscular, with a distinctive, expressive face. Boxers are very loyal and protective of their families, making them great guard dogs. They are also known for their patience and gentleness with children.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small dogs with a lot of personality, and they are recognisable for their long, flowing coats and distinctive pushed-in faces. Shih Tzus are very affectionate and enjoy being the centre of attention. They are great for small-home living due to their small size and less-demanding exercise needs.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are powerful and loyal dogs known for their strength and protective nature. They are often used as guard dogs due to their natural guarding instincts. They often have a bad reputation but Rottweilers are actually very intelligent and trainable, making them great companions for experienced dog owners.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small, elegant dogs known for their sweet and gentle nature, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great companions and enjoy being involved in all family activities. Cavaliers are friendly with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs, and their beautiful, silky coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with a big personality. They are known for their feisty and confident nature. Yorkies are great for apartment living due to their small size, but they are also quite energetic and enjoy playtime and walks. They can be quite protective despite their small stature, too.
West Highland White Terrier
Small, sturdy dogs known for their bright white coats and lively personality, West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are very friendly and outgoing, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. Their affectionate and playful personality makes them easy to love.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small dogs with a lot of charm. They are known for their fluffy coats and fox-like faces. Pomeranians are very lively and enjoy being the centre of attention, are very intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, but they have a big personality, with a reputation for their lively and sometimes sassy nature. Chihuahuas are great for those looking for a small but spirited companion, and they are very loyal to their owners, enjoying being involved in all family activities.
Great Dane
With impressive size and gentle nature, Great Danes, despite their large stature, are often referred to as gentle giants. They’re very affectionate and enjoy being close to their families. They are great with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. Due to their size, they require regular exercise and plenty of space to move around.
English Springer Spaniel
Our final most popular dog breed is the English Springer Spaniel, a medium-sized dog known for its energetic and friendly nature. They are great for active families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and running. Springers are very intelligent and trainable, making them great companions for those who can provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
