If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels in the last few years.
Around one-in-three UK households now includes at least one four-legged friend of the canine kind.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
When it comes to checking out the most popular breeds, the UK Kennel Club publishes the number of puppies registered with them each year.
And they recently revealed the numbers for the first quarter of 2024.
So, there at the breeds who are ‘top of the pups’ so far this year.
5. Golden Retriever
Friendly, loyal and obedient, the Golden Retriever was originally bred in 19th century Scotland and has had 2,409 registrations so far this year. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Another breed that has surged in popularity in Britain in the last decade is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The breed continues its march up the doggy rankings in 2024, currently in sixth spot with 1,415 registrations in the first quarter. | Canva/Getty Images
7. English Springer Spaniel
The second spaniel in the top 10, the English Springer Spaniel has had 1,108 registrations in the first quarter of 2024. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Bulldog
The Bulldog is one of the breed of dog most closely associated with the UK and remains popular - although not as popular as its smaller French cousin. There have been 1,099 Bulldog registrations in 2024 thusfar. | Canva/Getty Images