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.
9. German Shepherds
Equally popular as a guard dog, police dog, army dog or family pet, 1,030 courageous and loyal German Shepherds were registered with the Kennel Club in the first quarter of 2024. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Originally bred by German farmers to hunt rats and other vermin, the Miniature Schnauzer is now more at home curled up on a couch. There were 938 new puppies registered in the first quarter of 2024. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Border Terrier
Taking its name from the border between Scotland and England where it was first bred, the Border Terrier has had 841 registrations in 2024 thusfar. | Canva/Getty Images