The Most Popular Dog Breeds in the UK
Dogs truly are mans’ best friend so it’s no surprise that they are the number one companion animal in the world. These adorable creatures come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiniest teacup Chihuahua to the largest great Dane, dogs have been by our sides for much of human history and this is highly likely to be the case for generations to come.
There are many benefits to owning a dog that are both physical and psychological. People who own dogs are more likely to get enough exercise each day, especially if they own a larger, more energetic dog breed that requires plenty of exercise. Owning a dog is also likely to reduce your stress levels because they have a calming effect on us and interacting with dogs promotes the production of oxytocin in us and our dogs.
All in all, owning a dog can bring you plenty of enjoyment and positive lifestyle changes. It is important to note, however, that you need to choose the right kind of dog for your personal circumstances because they can be a large commitment. There is no point in getting a large, energetic dog if you can’t commit to daily walks and exercise, and if you are very active and want a dog that can keep up on runs or hikes then you might not want to choose a small lap dog breed, no matter how adorable they are.
Below we are going to talk about some of the most popular dog breeds in the UK and hopefully help you make the right choice for you and your future dogs!
Labrador retrievers
The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds in the world, and has been crowned the top dog breed in the UK for many years. With their gentle disposition, zest for life and hardy nature, it’s not hard to see why! While they’re not the biggest breed, they can reach 35kg or so and are usually extremely energetic, meaning they will need plenty of exercise to keep them happy - and hopefully stop them from chewing your favourite slippers! Labs react very well to positive reinforcement, and you can use tools like a dog clicker and whistle to help in their training.
Their short coats are extremely low maintenance, but these doggies are notorious shedders. Be prepared to deal with two periods of intense shedding each year, once in the spring and again in the autumn. Other than that, they will benefit from a bath now and then. Plan to walk your lab for at least an hour each day, though younger dogs and labs from working backgrounds may need up to three hours of walking, running and play each day.
Cockapoos
Cockapoos are technically a mixed breed, and are the result of cocker spaniel and poodle parents, hence their curly coats and fun loving attitude to life. These are usually smaller dogs, though it does depend on whether their poodle parent is a standard, miniature or toy poodle. With medium exercise requirements and an easy-care coat, cockapoos make great family pets. Keep in mind that, as with all mixed breeds, their appearance, size and temperament can be a mixed bag and you never really know what you’re getting until they have matured a little.
French bulldogs
Adorable and popular as they are, Frenchies do come with several associated health conditions - most relating to their short snouts. Health conditions aside, Frenchies are lovely, sweet dogs that just want to have fun with their families. Their short, smooth coats are easy to care for and they are fiercely loyal to their families, to the point that some can be jealous of other pets in the home.
Cocker spaniels
Coming in at number five is the cocker spaniel, which is a hunting dog breed that was originally bred to retrieve woodcock birds - hence the ‘cocker’ part of their name. These are compact, agile and athletic dogs that love having a job to do, though they do make wonderful pets for families. Loving and loyal, they need about an hour of exercise each day, and have higher grooming requirements than the other dogs on this list. Cockers are fantastic for first timers because they are relatively easy to train and are suitable for life in apartments as well as houses.
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