20 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the UK in 2025 (With Info & Pictures)

The latest figures put the UK canine population at 12 million¹. Of course, once you start talking numbers, it’s natural to want to know what breeds are topping the list. The primary dog registration organization is the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK, which is the equivalent of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the US. The former recognizes 222 breeds, whereas the latter recognizes 197. Our round-up uses KC registration data to determine the most popular ones.

(Statista, American Pet Products Association, Statista, KC, AKC)

The 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the UK (2025 Update)

1. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a playful dog that will do well in an active household. This pup loves the water, which is a reflection of their life in their native Newfoundland. Labs are ideal for waterfowl hunters and are among the most popular breeds in the United States. It’s not hard to see why.

(AKC)

2. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is just as adorable as their cute face suggests. This breed follows the cue of the AKC’s popularity with the same rank across the pond. Part of the Frenchie’s appeal is their oversized ears. Their rise in popularity is a recent phenomenon that is well-deserved.

3. Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel was originally trained for hunting but now makes an excellent pet. The are playful and loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They get along with other pets and love playing with children.

4. Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund

The Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund has a devoted following. It’s easy to see why. This pup has a lot of personality for a small dog. They have an astonishing amount of energy for a dog of their size. The Doxie has an independent streak you often see in hunting dogs. They have several coat variations, including long and wire-haired.

5. Bulldog

Brits have a special affinity with the Bulldog that is as tough as the country’s people. While the pup is docile, the Bulldog also has a fearless side. While they love relaxing on a couch, they will surprise you with their energy when the situation demands it.

6. Golden Retriever

It’s hard to believe that the Golden Retriever started as a black-coloured dog. Selective breeding by Lord Tweedmouth resulted in the pup we know and love today. They’re an adaptable breed that will do well in the city or country. They make excellent family pets and get along with other canines.

7. English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly dog that has earned their place in the top 10 most popular breeds. They have several traits that make them excellent gundogs, such as their obedient nature and eagerness to please. They love hanging out with the family as much as working in the field.

8. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most reliable working dogs. They’re intelligent, loyal, fearless, and incredibly athletic. They can serve several roles as protectors, service animals, and guardians.

9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a bad rap. Despite their association with dog fighting, they are gentle pets when raised by responsible owners. They are small but strong animals that do surprisingly well with other pets and children. Thankfully, enthusiasts have selectively bred the canine to bring out these favorable traits.

10. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a dog that you can’t help but love. While they’re a small breed, you’d never know it from their personality. That’s not unusual for a pup that hunted rodents on farms. Their working lineage gives them an independent streak, and they require thorough training.

11. Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is an adorable pup with a larger-than-life personality. They have the spunk you’d expect to see in a Terrier. They’re playful yet eager to please when it comes to training. Border Terriers love children but can cause trouble with other pets because of their protective nature.

12. Whippet

Americans may find the Whippet’s rank among the UK’s most popular breeds odd, considering their low ranking in the United States. Whippets are hardy dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They’re surprisingly quiet despite their high energy, and they were admired by race-loving Brits in Victorian England.

13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is probably one of the cutest dogs you’ll ever meet. They get along with unfamiliar humans and other pets. Their past includes brushes with royalty, but you’d never know it when you meet one. They are sweet pets that won’t turn away from chasing the occasional chipmunk.

14. Pug

The Pug has a way of capturing your heart. They can be playful and sometimes naughty, but they are one of the friendliest breeds. They were beloved by Chinese and Dutch royalty, but today, they’re popular pets for owners living in small apartments and large homes.

15. Boxer

In many ways, the Boxer resembles an oversized Pug. They both have a happy-go-lucky personality with a touch of mischievousness. Responsible breeders encouraged these desirable traits, a lucky break from their unfortunate past. Like other intelligent dogs, Boxers need mental stimulation to be happy.

16. Hungarian Vizsla

The story of the Hungarian Vizsla is a sad but happy one. The love and devotion of enthusiasts saved the breed from inevitable extinction during World War II. They’re loving and energetic, as their physique may suggest. The Vizsla embodies nobility and grace despite their brush with death.

17. Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund

Like their smooth-haired relations, the Long-Haired Dachshunds have prominent personalities in little packages. They are loyal to their family members and are quite energetic. Owners of these pint-sized powerhouses must provide daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy.

The main difference between this Dachshund and the smooth-haired one is their extensive grooming requirements. The Long-Haired Dachshund needs a bit more brushing.

18. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a large dog with a protective nature. They are eager to please despite their formidable size, and they’re affectionate toward their family. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to happy and well-behaved. As with any animal of its size, early socialization is imperative. Responsible pet owners must ensure that Rottweilers don’t become aggressive.

19. Pomeranian

Anyone who owns a Pomeranian adores their lively nature. They don’t ask for your attention; they demand it. They don’t realize they’re small dogs and have loud barks to prove it. However, Pomeranians also have a comical side and will be sure to provide a laugh or two with their antics.

20. Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles are elegant, energetic, and intelligent canine companions, which is why they are popular in the UK. Poodles are also incredibly loyal, which can lead them to be a bit overprotective of their families. However, they are very playful and loyal pets.

Most Popular Breeds by Group

KC has seven groups. Gundogs are the most popular, accounting for nearly 40% of 2020 total registrations. We’ll examine the top three for each category to give these pups a well-deserved shout-out.

Sporting Breeds

Non-Sporting Breeds

Conclusion

There is a reason dogs are beloved pets worldwide. The UK dog-owning population will most likely continue to rise as more people realize how amazing the breeds listed in this article are and how they positively contribute to people’s lives. Whether people have these dogs for sporting or non-sporting reasons, each breed will make a wonderful family member.

See also:

• 25 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the US
• 29 Dog Breeds That Start With A