13 Most Popular Dog Breeds in UK in 2026 (With Pictures)
Dogs have been a popular pet in the United Kingdom for centuries, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. In fact, according to the Kennel Club, the number of dog registrations in the UK has increased by nearly 20% in the last five years alone!
So which breeds are most popular? Here are the 13 most popular dog breeds in the UK, based on data from the Kennel Club.
The 13 Most Popular Dog Breeds in UK
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is by far the most popular breed in the UK, with over 34,000 registrations in 2020. This versatile breed is known for being intelligent, loyal, and good-natured, making them an excellent choice for families. There are an estimated 8.5 million Labrador Retrievers in the UK!
2. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is the second most popular breed in the UK, with over 23,000 registrations in 2020. This cheerful breed is known for being affectionate and good with children. They require moderate exercise and grooming, making them a good choice for busy families. There are an estimated 1.5 million Cocker Spaniels in the UK!
3. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is the third most popular breed in the UK, with over 17,000 registrations in 2020. This lovable breed is known for being intelligent and good-natured, making them an excellent choice for families. They require moderate exercise and grooming, making them a good choice for busy families. There are an estimated 1 million French Bulldogs in the UK!
4. Border Collie
The Border Collie is the fourth most popular breed in the UK, with over 16,000 registrations in 2020. This highly intelligent breed is known for being energetic and trainable. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, making them suitable for people that have a lot of space and time to entertain them.
5. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is the fifth most popular breed in the UK, with over 14,000 registrations in 2020. This friendly breed is known for being intelligent, loyal, and good-natured, making them an excellent choice for families. They require moderate exercise and grooming, making them a good choice for busy families. There are an estimated 800,000 Golden Retrievers in the UK!
6. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is the sixth most popular breed in the UK, with over 11,000 registrations in 2020. This spunky breed is known for being intelligent, independent, and good with children. They require moderate exercise and grooming, making them a good choice for busy families. There are an estimated 700,000 Yorkshire Terriers in the UK!
7. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is the seventh most popular breed in the UK, with over 8,000 registrations in 2020. This loyal breed is known for being intelligent, brave, and good with children. They require moderate exercise and grooming, making them a good choice for busy families. There are an estimated 600,000 German Shepherds in the UK!
8. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is the eighth most popular breed in the UK, with over 7,000 registrations in 2020. This energetic breed is known for being intelligent, brave, and good with children. They require moderate exercise and grooming, making them a good choice for busy families. There are an estimated 400,000 Jack Russell Terriers in the UK!
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the ninth most popular breed in the UK, with over 7,000 registrations in 2020. This affectionate breed is known for being gentle, loving, and good with children. They require moderate exercise and grooming, making them a good choice for busy families. There are an estimated 300,000 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in the UK!
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a British breed of short-haired terrier of medium size. The breed was developed in the early 19th century in the English Midlands from crosses between the Bulldog and various local terriers, to produce a dog that combined the strength of the Bulldog with the gameness of the terrier. It was recognized as a breed by The Kennel Club in 1935, and since then its popularity has steadily increased, so that it is now the third most popular breed registered with the club.
11. Corgi
The Corgi is a small Welsh breed of dog, with two distinct breeds recognized: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular of the two and is also the most popular breed in the United Kingdom. It is a member of the Herding Group of dogs and is used as a working dog on farms. Corgis are intelligent and loyal dogs and make excellent companions.
12. Boxer
The Boxer had over 5,000 registrations in 2020. This energetic breed is known for being intelligent, loyal, and good with children. They require moderate exercise and grooming, making them a good choice for busy families. There are an estimated 200,000 Boxers in the UK!
13. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is the thirteenth most popular breed in the UK, with over 4,000 registrations in 2020. This loyal breed is known for being intelligent, brave, and good with children. They require moderate exercise and grooming, making them a good choice for busy families. There are an estimated 100,000 Doberman Pinschers in the UK!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Breeds in the UK
How many mixed-breed dogs are there in the UK?
The number of mixed-breed dogs in the UK is unknown, as many are not registered. However, it is estimated that there are at least 2 million mixed-breed dogs in the UK!
What are the most popular crossbreed dogs in the UK?
The most popular crossbreed dogs in the UK include the Cockapoo, Labradoodle, and Golden Retriever.
How are dogs registered?
Dogs in the UK are registered with the Kennel Club, which is a voluntary organization that promotes responsible dog ownership. All dogs must be microchipped and have their vaccinations up to date in order to be registered.
How much does it cost to register a dog?
The cost of registration varies depending on the Kennel Club, but typically ranges from £20-£30.
Does the Queen have dogs?
Yes, the Queen has several dogs, including Corgis and Dorgis (a cross between a Corgi and a Dachshund). They are all cared for by the royal kennel staff. The Queen's current Corgi, Willow, was born in April 2016.
In Conclusion
There are many popular dog breeds in the UK, ranging from purebreds to mixed breeds. The most popular dog is the Labrador retriever and the most popular crossbreed in the UK is the Cockapoo. All dogs must be registered with the Kennel Club in order to compete in certain events, and the cost of registration typically ranges from £20-£30. The Queen has several dogs, including Corgis and Dorgis (a cross between a Corgi and a Dachshund). They are all cared for by the royal kennel staff.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: MolnarSzabolcsErdely, Pixabay
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
