Revealed: The UK’s most popular breeds of PUPPIES – so is your pooch on the list?

With their big eyes and wagging tails, it’s no surprise that puppies are some of the most sought-after pets around the world.

Now, researchers have revealed the most popular breeds of puppies in the UK.

Their findings show that, while general crossbreeds top the list, several flat-faced breeds including French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs and Pugs remain popular.

Dr Kirsten McMillan, DataSEA (Science, Engineering & Analytics) Manager at Dogs Trust and co-author of the paper, said: ‘This paper highlights that the popularity of dog breeds is not immune to fads or trends.

‘Of particular concern, is the shift in consumer preference towards specific aesthetics and characteristics that have been linked to serious health issues – e.g., the flat-faced and exaggerated body shape of the French Bulldog.’

Among UK puppies, general crossbreeds (20 per cent) were found to be the most popular

Their findings show that, while general crossbreeds top the list, several flat-faced breeds including French Bulldogs (pictured), British Bulldogs and Pugs remain popular

Dogs are some of the most popular pets in the UK, with Britain’s canine population hitting a staggering 11 million this year, according to the PDSA.

Despite this, there has been surprisingly little research on the popularity of breeds of different ages in the UK.

In their new study, the team from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) analysed 2,237,105 dogs across 800 distinct breeds in the UK.

Data collected on each dog included their age, breed, body shape, body weight and sex.

The results revealed that, across all age groups, non-designer crossbreeds were the most popular, making up 24 per cent of the population. 

This was followed by the Labrador Retriever (6.9 per cent), Jack Russell Terrier (4.5 per cent), English Cocker Spaniel (4.3 per cent), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (4.2 per cent) and Chihuahua (3.6 per cent).

However, the results were startlingly different when focusing on dogs aged under one year.

Among UK puppies, after general crossbreeds (20 per cent), the most common breeds were the French Bulldog (7.0 per cent), Cockapoo (6.2 per cent), Labrador Retriever (5.8 per cent), English Cocker Spaniel (4.7 per cent) and Chihuahua (4.2 per cent).

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, and lead author of the paper, said: ‘With 800 dog breeds available in the UK, this VetCompass study shows there are still plenty of healthy breeds to choose from that do not suffer from extreme body shapes such as flat faces, skin folds or absent tails. 

Among UK puppies, after general crossbreeds (20 per cent), the most common breeds were the French Bulldog, Cockapoo (pictured left), Labrador Retriever (pictured right), English Cocker Spaniel and Chihuahua

Data collected on each dog included their age, breed, body shape, body weight and sex. Pictured: an English Cocker Spaniel 

‘Despite this, many UK owners are still persuaded by social influences and trends into acquiring dogs with extreme body shapes that are likely to result in serious health issues during much of their dogs’ lives.

‘The advice is to stop and think before buying a dog with an extreme body shape.’

Flat-faced dogs’ short-faced ‘brachycephalic’ characteristics did not evolve naturally, and are instead the result of selective breeding.

This facial structure puts them at high risk for a range of health conditions, including skin fold dermatitis, breathing and eye issues.

A study published last year by researchers from the RVC compared the risks of 40 common conditions in pugs with other dog breeds.

The team analysed the records of 16,218 pugs and 889,326 non-pug breeds, taken from the VetCompass database.

Their analysis revealed that pugs were at increased risk for 23 out of 40 common disorders.

Pugs were 54 times more likely to have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome – a condition affecting the upper airway – and 51 times more likely to have narrow nostrils.

The team hopes the findings will help prospective owners to make more informed decisions when buying a puppy. Pictured: a Chihuahua puppy

The breed was also 13 times more likely to suffer from corneal ulceration, 2.5 times more likely to suffer from obesity, and twice as likely to have overgrown nails.

Meanwhile, the researchers say the rise in designer crosses such as Cockapoos, Cavapoos, and Labradoodles is also concerning.

Owners often opt to spend huge amounts on these breeds amid the belief that they make better pets, trigger fewer allergic reactions or are easier to look after.

However, the researchers say there is limited evidence to support any of these beliefs.

The team hopes the findings will help prospective owners to make more informed decisions when buying a puppy.

‘We hope this paper encourages prospective dog owners to be thorough in their research and to prioritise the welfare of their new pet – above all else,’ Dr McMillan added.

‘Helping to ensure a long and happy life for their new family member.’