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Dogs Trust census reveals Labrador as top dog
Dogs Trust estimates that there are over a million Labrador retrievers in the UK.
French bulldogs enter top ten breeds for the first time.

Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey 2024 has officially revealed the Labrador retriever as the most popular breed in the UK, with over a million estimated to live in the country.

This year’s survey, which Dogs Trust says is the UK’s largest dog census, saw over 400,000 respondents offering insights on their dogs.

Following the Labrador retriever were the cocker spaniel, border collie, and the Jack Russell terrier.

For the first time in the survey’s history, French bulldogs have entered the top ten most popular breeds in the UK. The brachycephalic breed placed ninth in UK rankings, with an estimated 216,000 in the country.

However, crossbreeds have remained popular with dog owners, with over 40 per cent of the UK’s dogs believed to be crossbreeds. ‘Supermutts’ proved to be the most popular crossbreed – almost ten per cent of all dogs in the survey were an unknown mix of breeds.

The most popular known mixes included the cockapoo, Labradoodle and the Cavapoo.

The National Dog Survey also tracks changes in the popularity of different dog names in the UK.

Female dog names did not see much change in this year’s survey. ‘Poppy’ topped the list for a successive year, followed by ‘Luna’ and ‘Bella’.

Meanwhile, the survey of male dog names saw ‘Teddy’ reach the top of the list for the first time, pushing ‘Alfie’ to second place. ‘Milo’ placed third.

‘Oscar’, previously a popular name for male dogs, has now dropped out of the UK’s top ten, replaced by ‘Monty’.

The survey also revealed the importance of dogs to their owners, as 99 per cent of respondents say that their dog is a part of their family. Eighty-nine per cent said their dog provided emotional support, 89 per cent said owning a dog made them more active, and 58 per cent said their dog helped reduce their social isolation.

Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said: “While the National Dog Survey provides us lots of fun insights into the UK’s four legged friends, it also serves a more serious purpose. With more than 45,000 owners contacting us last year to relinquish their dog, it’s vital that, as the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, we continue to do all we can to support owners so their dogs can remain with them as part of the family.

“The results of this survey will help us shape our services, both for now and in the future, so dogs and their owners can enjoy long and happy lives together.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.