Paws and Trends: The Most Popular Dog Breeds in the UK for 2024 and Early 2025

Paws and Trends: The Most Popular Dog Breeds in the UK for 2024 and Early 2025"**

As of June 16, 2025, the most common and sold dog breeds in the UK for 2024 and early 2025, based on available data from Kennel Club registrations and surveys, reflect a mix of long-standing favorites and emerging trends. The Labrador Retriever continues to lead as the most popular breed, with over 44,000 registrations in recent years, though it faces stiff competition from the French Bulldog, which registered 42,538 in 2020 and has been closing the gap. Other top breeds in 2024 include the Cocker Spaniel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Pug, Border Collie, and Jack Russell Terrier, with the Cockapoo also gaining traction due to its hybrid appeal.

For 2025, early trends suggest the Labrador Retriever and French Bulldog will likely remain dominant, with the French Bulldog potentially overtaking due to its adaptability to urban living and rising popularity. The addition of new AKC-recognized breeds like the Danish-Swedish Farmdog (202nd breed in 2025) may influence future rankings, though it’s too early to assess its impact.

Changes Over the Last 10 Years

Over the past decade, breed preferences in the UK have shifted noticeably:

Rise of Small and Flat-Faced Breeds: The French Bulldog has surged from a lower ranking to the top three, overtaking the Labrador in 2018 (36,785 vs. 36,526 registrations) and maintaining strong growth. This reflects a trend toward smaller, apartment-friendly dogs, driven by urbanization and celebrity endorsements (e.g., Lady Gaga, Tom Hardy).

Decline of Larger Working Breeds: Breeds like the Great Pyrenees and Neapolitan Mastiff have dropped significantly in the US (e.g., 10 spots each), a trend mirrored in the UK to a lesser extent, as preferences shift from working dogs to companion animals.

Hybrid and Designer Breeds: The Cockapoo and Labradoodle have gained popularity, reflecting a growing interest in crossbreeds with perceived health and temperament benefits, though this also raises concerns about unregulated breeding.

Stability of Classics: Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers have remained staples, though their dominance has waned slightly as smaller breeds rise. The Border Collie’s intelligence keeps it relevant, while the Pug’s charm sustains its presence.

Health and Ethical Awareness: Increased scrutiny of brachycephalic breeds (e.g., French Bulldogs, Pugs) due to respiratory issues has sparked debates, potentially influencing future shifts toward healthier breeds.

These changes highlight a move toward adaptable, low-maintenance companions, influenced by lifestyle changes and awareness of breed-specific health issues, though traditional favorites retain a strong foothold.

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