The UK's most popular dog breeds
It goes without saying that most Britons adore pooches, but the ‘best’ dog breed has always been disputed. With 45 percent of UK households having a total of over 12 million pet dogs, there's no doubt that we truly do adore our best friends.
How could we possible pick from hundreds of distinct breeds, each with their own unique characteristics and personalities? While it's self-evident that the majority of Britons like dogs, the 'best' dog breed has long been a point of contention. After all, isn't it true that your own dog is the ultimate nice boy?
Top 10 popular dog breeds in the uk
1 - Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed with prominent ears and a cheery disposition. The word 'Cocker' originates from their days hunting woodcock in England, however English Cockers have also been used to hunt a number of other species.
They are wonderful companion dogs for anyone who can offer sufficient exercise for them. Even those who live in flats will appreciate this sociable and adaptable canine.
2 - Dachshund
The Dachshund is a well-known long-backed, short-legged dog with a petite size. Despite its little stature, the Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund breed is muscular and well-built, with a deep, broad chest and strong forelegs.
Their coat is short, dense, and silky, and is available in a range of colours. This dog may be rather self-sufficient and requires gentle, persistent, and careful training.
3 - English Bulldog
English Bulldogs have a compact, muscular build with somewhat loose skin, especially around the head, neck, and shoulders. Another distinctive feature is the large skull.
Bulldogs are available in brindle, various shades of red, fawn, or white, or any combination of these colours. Bulldogs mature to a height of 31-36cm and a weight of around 23-25kg. This is a family dog who adores children and will even learn to coexist with other dogs if socialised at a young age.
4 - English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a tiny, energetic medium-sized dog with long ears that are close to the head. They have a kind yet attentive demeanour and a medium-length straight coat with feathered ears, legs, and tail.
The Springer Spaniel is a naturally active, outgoing breed that is sociable, quick to learn, and eager to please. While show varieties may be less energetic and look calmer than working kinds, they all have an innate need to discover and carry stuff.
5 - French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is an appealing small canine with bat-eared ears that resembles a miniature Bulldog. It shares the Bulldog's flat face, short tail, and smooth, short hair, but in a considerably smaller package. Despite their little size, they are musculatured, with a solid bone structure and muscular legs.
Unfortunately, the breed's popularity has resulted in irresponsible breeding, and potential owners should ensure that they get their puppies from a reputable source.
6 - German Shepherd
The German Shepherd Dog, one of the world's most popular breeds, is a robust, alert dog with a noble, regal demeanour. German Shepherds are huge dogs with an imposing appearance. They are nimble and well-balanced, and they take delight in their appearance. Coats of any length are acceptable, although they should not be excessively puffy.
A well born and raised German Shepherd should be courageous, confident, fast and clever, and always calm and steady enough to listen to their owner or handler regardless of the situation.
7 - Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is undoubtedly the most recognisable and adored dog breed in the world. They are easily identifiable by their golden, medium-length hair and continually waving tail. This enormous retriever has a kind demeanour and a fantastic, fluid pace that sweeps the ground in big, muscular strides.
Additionally, they enjoy water, and caution should be exercised to protect their safety when any type of water is close.
8 - Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are enormous, well-built dogs with a strong bone structure and substance. Their heads are huge, with kind, intelligent eyes that reflect their friendliness and often easy-going demeanors. Their tails are described as "otter-like" in appearance, strong, and almost always wagging.
Labrador Retrievers are an incredibly joyful breed; they are extremely loving, always wagging their tails, and are constantly on the go.
9 - Pug
Pugs are a popular toy dog breed known for their puppy-like behaviour well into adulthood. Pugs have a short, smooth, and lustrous coat with a square, cobby, muscular, and rather substantial appearance. While their flat visage, bulging eyes, and wrinkled face divide opinion, they are lovable, fun-loving companions.
This adorable, well-behaved toy dog is a cheerful, friendly companion. Pugs are sociable with both owners and strangers, lively, amusing, and well-behaved among other dogs and animals.
10 - Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The ever-popular Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a muscular, smooth-coated dog with a physical appearance that combines the qualities of a 'bull' and a 'terrier' and gives the impression of strength and agility.
A properly bred and socialised Staffordshire Bull Terrier should have an excellent temperament and be particularly good-natured (if not a little rowdy!) around humans.