Many breeds of dogs romp around in UK. From large to small, we find almost everything the worldwide dog breeding industry has to offer in all colours. But not all breeds are popular. There are many reasons for this. Let’s take a look at which dog breeds are most popular in UK.
What is the most popular dog breed in UK?
To answer this question, the dog breeds must be divided into three groups – small, medium-sized and large dogs. Strictly speaking, there should be five groups. For the small dog breeds, a distinction is also made between small and mini. Among the large dog breeds we also find the “giant dogs”. The classification is made as follows:
- Large dogs: In this group we find dogs with a height at the withers of 50 to 65 centimetres.
- Giant dogs: These dogs have a withers height of at least 70 centimetres.
- Medium-sized dogs: Here we find dogs with a height of 35 to 48 centimetres.
- Small dogs: These dogs are not smaller than 15 centimetres, but also not larger than 30 centimetres.
- Mini dogs / Toy dogs: The small dogs and the mini dogs overlap in this classification, because the size of the mini dogs is set from 0 to 20 centimetres.
Did you actually know that the favourite dog breed changes at irregular intervals? Like the structure of society itself, the demands we make on our four-legged friends also change.
Based on registration data at the local offices, but also from the renowned insurance companies, the ranking list of the most popular dogs in UK can be compiled.
What is the current ranking?
- French Bulldog: It belongs to the small dogs and is therefore also ideal to keep in any city flat. It does not need much exercise, but likes to accompany its human on long walks. It does not yap and does not chase. This dog loves his family and takes wonderful care of the children. He is an ideal beginner dog. However, training should be taken seriously. He likes to take the reins. Due to his short nose structure, shortness of breath can occur quite quickly.
- Labrador: A family dog par excellence. He loves people and wants to please accordingly. Therefore he is usually absolutely obedient. With one exception – in his teenage years he tries to take over. Only good training can help. By the way – due to his friendly, even-tempered nature, they are rather unsuitable as watchdogs.
- Australian Sheppard: This dog is not only in the top 10 in UK, but actually worldwide. However, it is not a beginner’s dog, because its attitude is demanding, so that a beginner quickly feels overwhelmed. Even if he feels comfortable in the family, he primarily attaches himself to one family member. As a family dog he is dependent on tasks in the field of dog sports, because he is actually a working dog in the field of herding and herding work. In addition, he has an almost insatiable urge to move. One should be prepared for a lot of time on the dog sports field or extremely long walks.
- Chihuahua: That’s right, one of the smallest dogs in the world has secured this rank. No, he certainly doesn’t belong in a handbag or dog backpack. Because he loves to run and play just as much as his big dog friends. He is very attentive, so that he is often called a yapper. But he is only looking out for his owner. Education can keep this in check. However, one should be prepared for the fact that he does not have a long life expectancy. One thing, however, could be difficult – his tendency to jealousy. He is extremely possessive of his owner.
- Golden Retriever: For many owners, it is the golden coat that makes the dog so attractive. For others, it is the animal’s extremely sunny disposition. Once a hunting dog, it still needs plenty of exercise. Certainly, lots of playing in the garden and walks can help. But often regular activity at the dog training ground would make more sense. Its inner peace radiates to all family members. He will become the new calming influence in the family.
- Border Collie: Watch out – with him a bundle of energy moves into the house. The quiet times are over. Instead, long walks and regular visits to the dog sports field are on the agenda. Whoever has the opportunity to pursue herding and herding sports with him should take it. Because exactly THAT is his element. He loves the family, but needs a human haven of peace. If this is given, the dog is also calmness personified, despite his energy level.
- Labradoodle: Family-friendly, docile, clever and very affectionate – these four words can describe the Labradoodle particularly well. In short, he combines the best of the Poodle and the best of the Labrador. The Labradoodle is one of the dog breeds that are allergy-friendly because they hardly shed any hair.
- Rhodesian Ridgeback: A true exotic, but one that requires a lot of dog sense. He is dignified, courageous and clever. In UK he is rarely used for hunting. He is more likely to be found in the position of a guard dog. The fact is that he can perform both tasks very well. He will also do a great job as a protection or service dog. At the same time, he is devoted to the children of the family and loves cuddling more than anything after the work is done.
- Pug: He is a total couch potato and a funny playmate at the same time. However, he needs a lot of attention, lots of play and fun. He is an absolute mega-cuddler. Attention – he likes to be the comedian of the family. However, his short nose structure means that he always has breathing problems. A great resilience is therefore not present.
- Rottweiler: One should not be deceived by his bad image. Yes, he is a powerhouse. Yes, he is a great watchdog if trained correctly. But at the same time he is affectionate, needs lots of petting and prefers to be the centre of the evening cuddle session. But he is far from being a beginner dog.
Which dog is the most popular?
This question should be answered exactly as it was asked. Because regardless of size, there is of course one dog breed that is the most popular throughout UK. This does not necessarily mean that all people who love dogs and are particularly fond of one breed or another also own a dog. Often it is the current circumstances of life that do not allow us to actually have a four-legged friend by our side for life.
Let’s be surprised to see what the top 10 look like. It should be noted that these are data collected over a long period of time. They disregard the current data and only look at the numbers that have emerged over the entire period.
- The German Shepherd Dog: It is still the undefeated number 1. Within the breeding of German Shepherds we find different lines, which differ slightly.
- The Dachshund: Actually he belongs to the hunting dogs, a task he can still pursue. But he has established himself as a family and companion dog in UK.
- German Wirehaired: He also belongs to the hunting dogs. Whoever wants to take him in as a new member of the family needs time for long walks, because he has a great urge to move.
- Labrador Retriever: His “Will to Please”, i.e. the need to please his owner, is his best weapon against humans. Nobody can refuse him anything.
- Golden Retriever: In many people’s opinion, he actually belongs in first place, because he has been in really high demand in recent years. What many new owners of a Golden Retriever often forget is his strong urge to move. Strictly speaking, he also belongs to the ranks of hunting dogs, or more precisely, to retrieving dogs. So you can also animate him to play. Nevertheless, long walks are an important part of his daily routine.
- Poodle: Oh no – he is not only the dog of old ladies, although he is indeed extremely popular with senior citizens as well. Moreover, he is much more than a racy show dog. He is bred in different sizes. Even if you don’t see it on this dog, he has a strong sense of playfulness and fun. When he bonds with a human, it is a bond for life.
- Rottweiler: If one leaves aside the tasks of a hunting dog, the Rottweiler can be found in every field. For this reason it has also gone among the family dogs. He can even act as a therapy dog with the appropriate training. Important is his good socialisation and basic training. After that he can literally go in all directions, because in this condition he shows only good qualities.
- German Boxer: Which characteristic should be in the foreground – companion dog, working dog or protection dog? You don’t see it at first sight, but they have a sense of humour and therefore often play pranks. Both their balance and their affection make them the ideal family dog. And he is always fond of children.
- Great Dane: Yes, she is quite big. And she is so affectionate that every owner is happy when she is even allowed to change rooms alone. She is easy to lead, fearless and self-confident. This makes her completely uncomplicated as a family dog.
- Chavalier King Charles Spaniel: Not only small families will take this dog to their hearts. It is also the ideal companion dog for senior citizens. He can fit in perfectly with the family as long as he gets his daily strokes. Otherwise he is rather reserved, calm and friendly to everyone.
Which dogs are easy to train?
Many people believe that good training can benefit any dog. Here, the interaction of dog owner, dog and training is crucial so that the dog does not get any leeway to assert itself. With most dog breeds, this is an endeavour that usually goes reasonably smoothly.
But there are some dog breeds that have a certain amount of character and independence. It is not difficult to understand that it is precisely these that do not make it easy for the dog owner to educate. They will always challenge him.
Conversely, there will also be dog breeds that have only one thing in mind – namely to please their owner and to carry out all of his commands straight away. Nevertheless, they should also attend dog school with their owner (see also When to take your puppy to dog school?). This can only have a positive effect on the bond between dog and owner, even if the dog is already devoted to his owner.
Which dog is the best family dog?
Certainly many dog breeds seem like they would make the greatest family dogs. This may be due to their appearance, this may be due to their loyalty to their owners. But if you look closely, they may just be fundamentally shy, making them want to retreat to a quiet place at regular intervals. This can be a challenge in a family.
Of course, different dog breeds also have different, character traits. Some, for example, will always rush into the middle of a group and enjoy being cared for twenty-four hours a day.
Others don’t need so much attention and prefer to observe the rest of the world from a quiet spot, perhaps to intervene when necessary. If they are disturbed by the children of the family, this could lead to tension. It is better for them to be held by a single person or a couple. This way, tensions are immediately prevented.
So the question is which dogs are best suited for families. In the end, the dog as well as the family should be fine with the coming situation. So a dog with a high stress level and nerves of steel are needed.
What qualities must a good family dog possess?
- Balanced
- Resilient
- Peaceable
- Fond of children
- Cuddly
- Playful
- A low need for exercise, as there is rarely time for long walks in a busy family life. Playing with the children and adults should be enough.
- The ability to stay alone once in a while
Also important are the texture of the coat, the ability to clean up inside the home and the individual demands the family will place on the dog.
On the list of most popular family dogs are the following breeds, among others:
- Labrador
- Golden Retriever
- Bearded Collie
- Border Terrier
- Bolonka Zwetna
- Maltese
- Labradoodle
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Dalmatian
- French Bulldog
- As well as various mixed breeds
Of course, these are only suggestions. Every family has to find the right dog for them individually. Therefore, you should always look around calmly and not rush into anything.
Because the responsibility for the dog will not only be carried for a short moment, but for a really long period of time. When buying a puppy, this can even be more than 10 years. For this period, every dog owner enters into an unspoken contract with his four-legged friend.
