Which Is The Most Popular Dog Breed In The UK?
We all have our favourite breed but can you hazard a guess as to which are the most popular breeds in the UK?
Let's take a wander through the list of Britain's favourite dog breeds in 2023.
No. 10 Jack Russell Terrier
Known for their energetic and playful personalities. They’re very intelligent and can be easily trained. They have an abiding love for digging. Originally bred to hunt foxes, their digging skills helped them flush foxes from their holes.
Fun Fact: They were named after the Reverend John Russell, who bred them in the early 1800s
Join our Terrier Meet-Up at DogFest
No. 9 Golden Retriever
Known for their gentle and affectionate nature, they’re popular family pets. And that thick, double coat that can be golden, cream, or light golden make them targets for family cuddles! They’re Intelligent and easy to train, making them popular therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs too.
Fun Fact: The first Golden Retriever was bred in Scotland in the mid-19th century.
Join our Labradors & Retrievers Meet-Up at DogFest
No. 8 Springer Spaniel
Adorable is the first word. Enthusiastic the second! These dogs require lots of exercise and training. Originally bred in England as hunting dogs. They were used to flush game birds out of the underbrush so that hunters could shoot them. Now they make us laugh with their crazy cute antics.
Fun Fact: They love to play fetch, go for walks, and swim.
Join our Spaniels Meet-Up at DogFest
No. 7 Staffordshire Bull Terrier
These stocky, strong dogs are known for their friendly temprament. They’re intelligent and relatively easy to train. However, they can be stubborn at times, so consistent training is important.
Fun Fact: They're good jumpers, you’ll need a tall fence if you have one!
No. 6 German Shepherd
German Shepherds were originally bred as sheepdogs, but today we love them for that superdog quality which they bring to their police work, search and rescue, and guide dog work.
Fun Fact: German Shepherds are the second most popular dog breed in the world, after Labrador Retrievers
Join our German Sheperds Meet-Up at DogFest
No. 5 English Cocker Spaniel
The Spaniel rules again! English Cocker Spaniels are consistently near the top of the charts year after year. Loved for their friendly, playful personalities, and their intelligence and trainability. Their loyalty makes them great companions for families.
Fun Fact: The name "Cocker Spaniel" comes from the word "cocker," which refers to a type of gamebird that the dogs were originally bred to flush out.
Join our Spaniels Meet-Up at DogFest
No. 4. Cockapoo
Even more popular than the ever popular Poodle is the Cockapoo, a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, loved for their teddy bear looks and playful, affectionate personalities.
Fun Fact: Give their ears extra TLC, they love it!
No. 3 Border Collie
Border Collies are very active and intelligent dogs. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their owners need to have a lot of time and energy to provide them with what they need.
Fun Fact: Border Collies are the world's most intelligent dog breed. They can learn up to 1,000 words and commands.
Join our Collies Meet-Up at DogFest
No. 2 The Labrador
Labradors are no stranger to being favourites. This intelligent, enthusiastic, and friendly breed is known for their loyalty, trainability, and playful nature. Being good with children and other animals makes them a popular choice for families.
Fun Fact: Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are not related! But at DogFest we love them just the same, which is why we invite them to the same Breed Meet-Up.
And surprise of surprises, Britain's No. 1 favourite dog is... the Mixed Breed taking the title for 2023.
Yes, the most common type of dog in the UK, making up about 24% of the dog population is the mixed breed dog. Often adopted, mixed breed dogs melt our hearts and find forever homes with UK dog lovers.
No. 1 Mixed Breed
Before Lucy's Law, mixed-breed dogs were not as popular as they are now because they were not registered. But after the law took effect in April 2020, people adopted mixed-breed dogs during the pandemic. Now, mixed-breed dogs are the most popular dogs in Britain.
Fun Fact: SUPER loyal and loving. Some people believe that mixed breed dogs have a unique personality that is not found in purebred dogs.
Join our 'Best of the Rest' Meet-Up at DogFest
And this list shifts year on year. Let's not forget the other four-legged friends who British folks love and adore.
We have an abiding love for: The boxer; the French Bulldog; the Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund; the Pug; the Border Terrier; the Miniature Schnauzer; the Whippet, the Hungarian Vizsla; the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; the Yorkshire Terrier; the Dalmation; the Corgi…
If you are a proud pawrent of any of these breeds or any other breeds, join us at the Breed Meet-Up at DogFest.
Check out our Breed Meet-Up Timetables below by selecting your nearest DogFest.
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