As with baby names, musical artists, cars and social media sites, different dog breeds can go in and out of fashion from year to year.
We’ve scoured different surveys and brought their results together to bring you the definitive list of the most popular dog breeds in the UK in 2024.
1. Labrador Retriever
The different surveys we looked into weren’t consistent in many ways, but if there was one thing they did all agree on it was that nothing beats the Labrador Retriever. Actually, it did only come second on one list, but on all the others it was the undisputed leader of the pack. And, if you’ve ever been lucky enough to live with one – or even just look after one for a short time – you won’t be surprised. Friendly, easy to train, playful and intelligent, they’re the perfect family pet, But their ability to learn complex tasks also makes them valuable as working dogs, whether it be sniffer dogs, assistance and guide dogs or even therapy dogs.
2. French Bulldog
It may not have topped any lists, but the French Bulldog regularly cropped up just below top spot, making it a shoo-in for second place. With their big ears and expressive faces, they are among the cutest dog breeds, while also being affectionate and quiet. They don’t need a lot of exercise, so they are a good choice for older people or those with young children. On the downside, they’re not the easiest to train, while their flat faces can lead to breathing issues so you do need to keep a close eye on their health.
3. Border Collie
The undisputed Einsteins of the canine world, Border Collies are highly intelligent, making them one of the easiest and best dog breeds to train. They’re also among the liveliest of dogs, so they are the perfect companion for those who enjoy outdoor activities, such as walking, running, cycling and games. Often thought of as working sheepdogs, they can also make great family pets. However, it’s vital that you have the time to commit to them, because if you don’t keep them stimulated or give them plenty of attention they can get destructive or develop negative personality issues.
4. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels score highly on almost every count, being intelligent, good family pets, playful, happy and extremely cute. Originally bred as a gundog, cocker spaniels need and enjoy plenty of exercise, so you’ll need to allow at least an hour every day to take them out for walks, although they will happily go on for much longer given half a chance! As with Border Collies, you need to keep them stimulated, so you shouldn’t get one if you don’t have the time to walk and play with them.
5. Dachshund
Like many small dog breeds, Dachshunds – also known as sausage or weiner dogs – can be quite feisty, always keen to take on much bigger dogs when the opportunity arises. They may be small, but their personalities can be huge, their barks loud and their energy limitless. Great companions for those living on their own – they make for excellent guard dogs – and for families with older children. However, they have a tendency to develop back issues, so the rough handling that sometimes comes with younger children should be avoided.
Other popular breeds
Other breeds cropping up regularly near the top of many surveys include:
- German Shepherd
- Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Jack Russell Terrier
Whatever the breed of your dog, from small to large dog breeds and everything in between, it will always be welcome here at Green Lane Farm Boarding Kennels. Convenient for customers living in and around Chessington and Kingston in Surrey, we’ve been offering a home from home for dogs, cats and lots of other household pets for over 50 years.
Get in touch with us now if you’d like to know more about how we can help or to book your pet in for a stay next time you’re away from home.
