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17 UK Dog Statistics & Facts to Know: 2025 Update

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Dog in the UK Statistics

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Dogs are the most popular pets in the UK, with approximately a million more pet dogs than there are pet cats. Common reasons for ownership include companionship, as well as a commitment to get more exercise.

Unfortunately, while millions of dogs do live happy and full lives in their family homes, approximately 100,000 dogs are believed to be in rescues and shelters across the country, at any time. And, even more worryingly, one in five owners said they have either rehomed or have considered rehoming their dog in the past 12 months. A rise in the number of dogs found in shelters and rescues has arisen as a result of the cost-of-living crisis coupled with a change in working conditions.

Below are 17 statistics related to the dog population in the UK, including figures on the dog population itself and typical costs of owning a canine companion.

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The 17 UK Dog Statistics

  1. There are approximately 13.5 million pet dogs in the UK, living in 36% of households.
  2. Two-thirds of UK dog owners have just one dog.
  3. The average number of dogs in a dog-owning household is 1.38.
  4. After crossbreeds, the most popular breeds are the Labrador Retriever and French Bulldog.
  5. Luna is the most popular dog’s name overall while Milo is the most popular male dog’s name.
  6. Hugo is the most popular name for French Bulldogs.
  7. 80% of dog owners got their dogs for companionship.
  8. 75% of dog-owning households are adult-only households.
  9. There are more than 7,000 assistance dogs in the UK.
  10. There are approximately 100,000 dogs in rescues and shelters at any time.
  11. 20% of dog owners have recently rehomed their dog or are considering it.
  12. It costs approximately £2,000 a year to keep a dog.
  13. The UK pet food market is worth over £4 billion a year.
  14. Approximately 7 in 10 UK dogs are neutered.
  15. 79% of dogs receive regular vaccination boosters.
  16. 90% of dogs in the UK are microchipped.
  17. 14% of dog owners are not aware that microchipping dogs is a legal requirement.
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Dog Population

1. There are approximately 13.5 million pet dogs in the UK, living in 36% of households.

(UK Pet Food 1)

Although there are an estimated 12.5 million pet cats in the UK, dogs remain the most popular pets with a population of 13.5 million. There are dogs in more than a third of all households across the country.

This figure rose sharply in 2019 and 2020, and while there was a drop in 2023 as many people went back to work and suffered at the hands of the financial crisis, the number remains historically high.

dog-licking-owner-hand
Image by: Anna Hoychuk, Shutterstock

2.  Two-thirds of UK dog owners have just one dog.

(NCBI 1)

The population of dogs is higher than that of cats, and more households own dogs than cats. However, dog owners are more likely to own just one dog, with two-thirds of canine households keeping a single dog as a companion.


3. The average number of dogs in a dog-owning household is 1.38.

(NCBI 1)

Overall, the average number of dogs that an owner has is 1.38. Keeping a second dog doesn’t necessarily double the amount of time owners have to spend with the dogs, and it doesn’t cost twice as much. Dogs can be walked together, in most cases, and food bought in bulk typically works out cheaper.

It is also possible to get discounts on pet insurance policies, while some items can be reused for a second or third dog.

Sweet fluffy jack russel terrier dog watching TV with its female owner
Image Credit: Prostock-studio, Shutterstock

4. After crossbreeds, the most popular breeds are the Labrador Retriever and French Bulldog.

(Horse And Hound)

The crossbreed is the most popular “breed” of dog in the UK. Crossbreeds are not purebred, and they have at least two distinct breeds in their DNA makeup. These are most common because most accidental breeding occurs between dogs of different breeds.

When it comes to purebred dogs, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed, followed by the French Bulldog. The Labrador is considered an excellent all-rounder because it is friendly, playful, smart, and eager to please. The Frenchie is popular because it is small, fun, and funny.


5. Luna is the most popular dog’s name overall while Milo is the most popular male dog name.

(Compare The Market)

As well as being the most popular name for pet cats, Luna is also the most popular dog name, followed by Bella – both of which are female dog names. Third on the list, and the most popular boy dog’s name, is Milo. Rounding out the top five are Bailey, a male dog’s name, and Lola, a female dog’s name.

Dark Fawn Puggle Dog Laying on Owners Bed with toy
Image by: Anna Hoychuk, Shutterstock

6. Hugo is the most popular name for French Bulldogs.

(Compare The Market)

Different breeds have different characteristics. As a result of these differences, there are differences in the most popular names among different breeds, too. While Luna is the most popular among Labrador, German Shepherd, and Staffy owners, among many other breeds, the most popular name for French Bulldogs is Hugo.

Small, toy dogs like the Shih Tzu and Pomeranian have the preferred moniker of Teddy while giant breeds commonly feature Bear on their name tags.

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Dog Owners

7. 80% of dog owners got their dogs for companionship.

(NCBI 2)

There are a lot of good reasons to own dogs. Many people have grown up with them and find it difficult to live without at least one canine family member. Companionship is the most commonly cited reason for owning a dog with 4 in 5 owners saying this was the number one reason they got a pet dog in the first place.

Dog and best friend owner in matching blue hooded sweatshirts bonding outdoors
Image by: PeskyMonkey, Shutterstock

8. 75% of dog-owning households are adult-only households.

(NCBI 1)

Three-quarters of dog-owning households consist of the dog or dogs and one or more adults. Only a quarter of dog families include children. The most common dog-owning household size is two people, which means that two adults and one dog is the most common dog family unit in the UK.


9. There are more than 7,000 assistance dogs in the UK.

(Assistance Dogs)

Dogs aren’t just kept as companions and pets. At least 7,000 assistance dogs are living and working in the UK. The most widely recognized assistance dogs are guide dogs, or blind dogs, that help visually impaired handlers navigate daily life.

However, assistance dogs can also help people with disabilities conduct daily tasks, and medical assistance dogs are capable of detecting when their handlers are about to have a seizure or need diabetic medication.

therapy dog
Image by: Ryan Stone, Unsplash

10. There are approximately 100,000 dogs in rescues and shelters at any time.

(PETA)

While the vast majority of dogs do live in loving and caring homes, there is a massive overpopulation problem in the UK, as in many countries around the world. It is estimated there are approximately 100,000 dogs found in rescues and shelters at any time.

Potential owners are encouraged to adopt a dog, where possible, rather than buying one, because it gives that dog a loving forever home while also freeing up space in the adoption centre for another dog in need.


11. 20% of dog owners have recently rehomed their dog, or are considering it.

(Novuna)

Working conditions and living conditions have changed considerably over the past few years. More and more people found themselves working from home in 2020 and 2021, and while this continued for parts of 2022, as businesses reopened their doors, more employees found themselves back at desks and in workplaces.

At the same time, people felt the pinch of an economic crisis, and this double whammy led to an increase in dog abandonment rates. In 2023, 20% of dog owners reported they had either rehomed their dog or had given serious consideration to doing so.

Woman cuddles dog while working on laptop
Image by: Mirjana Zidar, Shutterstock

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Dog Costs

12. It costs approximately £2,000 a year to keep a dog.

(Battersea)

When considering buying a dog, potential owners need to think about the cost of owning the dog, as well as the time commitment required. The actual cost of buying or adopting is only a very small fraction of the total cost.

Including food, vet bills, and other costs, the average dog owner can expect to pay approximately £2,000 a year to keep their new canine companion happy, healthy, and fulfilled. This figure does not include the cost of doggy daycare or regular walks if they are required.


13. The UK pet food market is worth over £4 billion a year.

(UK Pet Food 2)

For most dog owners, food will be the highest bill most years and can account for around half the total expenditure on a dog over its life. The UK pet food market alone is worth more than £4 billion a year.

This does include treats and also consists of both dry and wet food as well as food from supermarkets as well as pet food stores and online subscription services. It doesn’t take into account the cost of fresh food that might be added.

dog getting a treat from owner
Image by: Rob kemp, Shutterstock

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Dogs And Vets

14. Approximately 7 in 10 UK dogs are neutered.

(PDSA)

Neutering dogs helps control the overpopulation problem to some degree. It can also prolong the life of a dog because it helps avoid certain cancers, including ovarian cancer in female dogs and testicular cancer in males.

Neutered dogs live between 15% and 25% longer than unaltered dogs. Although there is no law dictating that dogs be neutered, 70% of UK pet pups have been spayed or castrated.


15. 79% of dogs receive regular vaccination boosters.

(PDSA)

Vets recommend that all dogs be vaccinated against diseases like parvovirus and canine distemper. Many owners wrongly believe that having that first vaccination protects dogs for life.

The vaccinations need an annual booster to help keep up protection. Approximately 4 in 5 dogs in the UK have received their most recent vaccination boosters.

dog getting a vaccine
Image by: Syda Productions, Shutterstock

16. 90% of dogs in the UK are microchipped.

(PDSA)

Microchipping helps ensure that, if a dog gets out or gets lost, it is more likely to be reunited with its family and sooner than if it wasn’t microchipped. Dogs that are adopted or rescued from shelters are microchipped, especially because rescues and shelters are the first places where a lot of people take dogs when they are found on the streets.

And, because UK law dictates that puppies need to be microchipped by the time they are 8 weeks of age, breeders should also microchip their puppies before they go to their new homes. For these reasons, and because of microchipping laws, 90% of UK dogs are microchipped.


17. 14% of dog owners are not aware that microchipping dogs is a legal requirement.

(PDSA)

Since 2016, it has been a legal requirement that all dogs over the age of 8 weeks are microchipped and that microchip details are kept up to date. Despite the law changes, 14% of down owners say they are not aware that microchipping is a legal requirement for dog owners.

veterinarian microchipping beagle dog with syringe
Image by: LightField Studios, Shutterstock

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do dogs need to be microchipped?

Since 2016, it has been law in the UK that all dogs are microchipped. Owners of dogs that are not microchipped could be hit with a £500 fine if discovered. Microchipping is typically done by vets, and most dog professionals and rescues have scanners to detect and read the chips.

Should you get your dog neutered?

Neutering helps control the overpopulation of dogs, which can reduce the burden placed on rescues and shelters while ensuring that fewer dogs face the difficulties of being placed in shelters. It can also eliminate the risk of developing certain cancers, increase the life expectancy of dogs and even improve some behavioural issues.

Although not a legal requirement, except in very specific circumstances, it is advised that all dogs are neutered.

How much does it cost to buy a dog?

The cost of purchasing a dog can vary greatly according to the breed of dog, its lineage, and even the area of the country the breeder operates. Mixed breed dogs typically only cost a couple of hundred pounds, whereas some popular purebred dogs can cost several thousands of pounds.

two woman adopting dogs at animal shelter
Image by: hedgehog94, Shutterstock

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

Adoption fees can also vary, but they are typically much lower than the cost of buying dogs. Generally, prospective owners should expect to pay between £200 and £500 as an adoption fee for a new dog. Adopting a dog from overseas can cost more because of transport costs.

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Conclusion

Dogs are the most popular pets in the UK with a population of 13.5 million living in a third of UK households. The most popular breeds are Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs, although mixed-breed dogs make up the largest number.

Companionship is the most common reason for buying dogs, but several thousand dogs are kept as assistance dogs and can help with various aspects of their owner’s lives.

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

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