Top 10 Most Popular Dogs In UK 2024
It is a worldwide fact that the American people love their dogs. This is one of the main reasons why there are a lot of dog owners in the US. There are approximately 65 million houses in the US that own at least one or two dogs.
Dogs are very loving and loyal companions but when it comes to finding the perfect dog for yourself or your family. Everyone should check for themselves which one they should keep in consideration.
As these dog breeds have a lot of variety, you might wonder which breed makes it to the top of the list. Now among all these breeds, some stand out. This top 10 list will surprise you from the Rottweiler to the Beagle. You will find the best match for you and your family.
Dogs In The UK
The people of the UK sure love their dogs very much. Did you know? In 2022, 33% of the families in the UK own at least one or two dogs. Even the adults are just a little behind. According to the stats, approximately 27% own a dog breed.
Top 10 Dog Breeds In The UK
1. German Shepherd Dog
The German shepherd dog is a very active and loving dog breed, people all around the world keep this dog as either a guard or at home. Their 100 years of history are proof that these dogs are very hardworking.
Their color is mostly black with a combination of other colour. They also come in black and tan, black and silver, black and cream. If we take a look at their size they can grow up to 24 to 26 inches tall. A male German Shepherd can weigh between 66 to 88 pounds.
A person who has spent time with a German shepherd knows their nature very well and that they are very obedient and alert dogs. If you love outdoor activities then this dog is the one for you, because German shepherds are very active and family-friendly.
One of the biggest concerns that many dog owners have for their dogs is their health. This breed of dog requires a lot of attention and care. They can suffer from hip dysplasia, dental, thyroid, and many other health issues.
2. Labrador retriever
This British dog breed also makes it to the list because of its cute looks and many other reasons. Many people don’t give this dog the exercise and treatment it deserves. This active and bouncy dog needs outdoor activities and lots of attention to perform at its best.
however, this dog breed does not have that much variety of colors. Its main colors are yellow, chocolate, and black. Any other color of labrador retriever is not officially considered. The size of your pet depends on their diet and health. When a labrador retriever reaches its adult age, it is 21 to 25 inches tall. It can be a little difficult to find out what is the ideal weight for your dog. An average male dog breed of this kind can weigh between 60 to 80 pounds.
The nature of this dog breed is very kind and gentle. Its presence around you will lighten up your mood. Labrador retrievers are mostly famous for being good therapy dogs and amazing rescue dogs. They have been used in the military and also in the police as good rescue dogs.
A well-balanced and good diet is very important for every dog and it can affect positively the dog’s health. Labrador retrievers face a lot of health challenges. If they overeat a lot, it can lead to obesity and can be very painful for their small joints because it is not a big dog. They can have skin allergies too.
3. Cocker Spaniel
This dog breed is a hunting dog. These dogs have high energy and love to play. Because they are not that big, people are often mistaken that these dogs do not require that much exercise. They have mainly two types the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel.
Now, this may surprise you that these dogs are one of the smallest sporting breeds that are recognized by the Kennel Club. The size of a male cocker spaniel can reach between 14.5 to 15.5 inches tall. They are not that heavy when it comes to weight. A male cocker spaniel can weigh between 25 to 30 pounds.
As you may have already guessed these pups are not among the aggressive ones, they are very gentle and loving. They have a playful and kind nature. They love being around kids and going out on adventures. The more you spend time with them the more they will be attached to you and your kids.
Taking good care of this dog breed is essential for their overall health. They can suffer from ear problems, eye problems, and allergies. Obesity is a major problem in small dogs like the cocker spaniel.
4. French Bulldog
This dog breed can sometimes be a natural comedian. French bulldogs are famous for their adorable looks and intelligence. They can be a bit difficult to train. Call it your little Batman because they have bat-shaped ears that make them even more cute.
The size of this dog breed is quite small. They can stand from 11 to 13 inches tall. This dog breed can grow a lot in the first 6 months after it is born. A fully grown French bulldog can weigh between 18 and 30 pounds.
The nature of this dog breed is quite different from the dogs in this list. They require less exercise but some French bulldogs can be a bit hard to train. Don’t make the mistake of scolding them because they don’t take it well and are very sensitive.
One of the most common health problems of the French bulldog is diarrhea. They can have a lot of difficulty breathing sometimes, but that can be improved by surgeries. If you want to avoid ear infections you have to clean their ears regularly. Frequent checkups can be beneficial for its health.
5. Pug
This Chinese dog breed is very loyal and adorable. They love to play games with their owners. If you are an introvert and spend most of your time at home this dog is the right one for you. This dog breed is not that active most of the time but they still need a lot of playtime and exercise.
In the first 9 months of its growing age, a pug can reach its mature age. The size of a male pug can reach between 10 to 13 inches tall, males are taller than females. The weight of a fully grown male pug can reach between 14 to 18 pounds.
When it comes to the nature of this dog breed pugs love to be the centre of attention. Children love to be around them and play with them because of their small size. Pugs love meeting new people and outdoor activities.
One of the biggest health issues for a dog with a small size is obesity. Pugs can suffer from hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and dry eye which is an eye infection. Pugs can have a variety of skin problems too which usually occur because of the folds in their skin.
6. Poodle
This intelligent dog breed is very friendly and adorable. They can win you a lot of blue medals in competitions and at the same time be the perfect fit for you and your family. From the tallest standard poodle to the shortest toy poodle, these dogs are one of the most popular breeds.
Standard poodles are over 15 inches tall. The size of a miniature poodle can reach from 10 to 15 inches, and toy poodles are under 10 inches tall. Standard poodles weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, miniature weighing from 10 to 15 pounds, and toy poodles weigh between 4 and 6. Their weight depends on their size.
Poodles have a very friendly and outgoing nature. They are very lively pups and must not be left alone or they will be a lot more irritated than usual and start barking. They are very obedient and proper training can enhance their abilities.
Poodles are generally a very healthy dog breed. Some common issues are hypoglycemia, skin problems, hip dysplasia, and Addison’s disease. Poodles are a considerable option for owners who have allergies.
7. Rottweiler
If you are looking for a good family dog breed, this is the one for you. The rottweiler is a very capable companion and a very social dog breed. They can cost you a little in the start because of their training. Rottweilers are loyal and are one of the oldest dog breeds known to man.
The size of a standard rottweiler can stand from 24 to 27 inches. They are powerful, stocky, and strongly built. A rottweiler can weigh from 90 to 135 pounds. The reason behind its size and weight is that it is a working dog. They can reach their maximum height in one year.
Rottweilers are very calm with the people they trust. Their nature is very territorial and requires a lot of socialization from a young age. They are very attentive dogs and you can surely expect them to react quickly. This makes them suitable for the best guard dogs.
This dog breed can suffer from health issues like aortic stenosis, entropion, and stomach issues. Skin issues are also common. This dog breed can also be exposed to heart conditions. Owning them is very enjoyable but remember to keep them with care.
8. Beagle
Beagles are very social dogs and you can often see them in packs. It is a small dog breed and enjoys making new friends. They are intelligent, independent, and very easy to groom. Beagles love to dig and they can be a bit loud. They were used for hunting hares in earlier times.
They are a small to medium dog breed. the size of an adult beagle can reach from 13 to 16 inches tall. Genetics and exercise can influence their size a lot. These adorable pups can weigh from 18 to 24 pounds.
When it comes down to making friends beagles can make friends with other dogs, humans, and even cats sometimes. They have an amazing sense of smell and a loud bark. The nature of this dog breed is very keen and energetic and you can see that throughout the house.
If you own a beagle you will find these health issues very common in your dog. Issues like obesity, cherry eye, epilepsy, and allergies. They love to eat so there is always a risk of being overweight. Proper care of this adorable dog breed will influence its health a lot.
9. Dachshunds
This is a hunting dog breed also known as the Weiner. This smart and curious dog breed has short legs and smooth hair. Some people keep dachshunds as pets but there are still a lot of people who train them and keep them for hunting. Another nickname for this dog is the badger dog.
The size of a male dachshund can reach from 8 to 9 inches tall. Whereas, miniature dachshunds can stand from 5 to 7 inches tall. An adult dog of this breed can weigh between 16 and 32 pounds. There are many factors like diet and exercise which can affect its size and weight.
The nature of a dachshund can be confusing because they are very loving, loyal, bright, and courageous dogs. They can be a little stubborn sometimes and that is where their training comes in. You shouldn’t forget that this is a hunting dog.
Dachshunds have health issues like hypothyroidism and canine cancer. Because of their long body structures, they have to face back issues throughout their life.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
If you are looking for an alert dog breed the miniature schnauzer is the one for you. This dog breed may look small but it is very attentive and can be a bit sturdy sometimes. They were primarily bred to be good farm dogs.
Miniature schnauzers are among the short dog breeds. Their size can reach from 12 to 14 inches tall. They have a short coat on their body which makes them look a bit healthy but they weigh between 10 to 20 pounds.
Moreover, the size of this dog may look small but it has a big and prominent personality. It has a family-friendly nature. This one is surely a hard worker. Miniature schnauzers are very intelligent dog breeds and they are also fearless when encountered with other dogs.
This dog breed is very healthy when compared with all the other breeds in this list. The most common health issues are diabetes, liver problems, and skin allergies.
FAQs
Do miniature Schnauzers bark a lot?
Yes, miniature schnauzers can bark a lot more than other dog breeds but there is a history behind them. This quality is very common among this dog breed. It has its pros and cons. These dogs are very alert and on the lookout.
Can Dachshunds swim?
No, dachshunds are not among the good swimmers because of their short legs. It is the responsibility of the owner to take care of them when they are near water.
Can a Rottweiler and a cat be friends?
As surprising as it may sound, a rottweiler and a cat can be friends because of the nature of this dog breed. This pup can make friends easily with children, other dogs, and also cats.
Is a pug a good family dog?
Yes, pugs are very gentle dogs and they get along with kids very well. They are very smart and can socialize but they need the proper training first.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if you are in the UK or any part of the world. If you love and take good care of your dog it will show its love and affection for you in the same way. Knowing your dog can play a big role in how you take care of it and treat it. All dogs deserve a safe and healthy environment.
