Sit, Stay, Survey: Dogs Trust calling on Welsh dog owners to have their say in the National Dog Survey

What is the nation’s favourite breed? Where do you like to walk your dog? What dog welfare issues matter most to you? And does your dog show any problem behaviours?

Dogs Trust is calling on Welsh dog lovers to take part in the country’s largest dog census, the National Dog Survey. With more than a third of all UK homes now shared with at least one dog, the nation’s largest dog welfare charity wants to hear from owners on everything from the most common canine behaviour traits, day to day habits, your family’s relationship with your four-legged friend, and much more.

Running until June 14^th, Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey can be completed online at www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-survey-24.

The results of the National Dogs Survey 2024 will be used by Dogs Trust to help shape the services and support offered by the charity to the nation’s dog owners. In 2023, in direct response to insight gained from the National Dog Survey, the charity launched its Behaviour Support Line, offering owners free expert advice and guidance. Meanwhile, Dogs Trust has also launched pet food banks in many of its 21 rehoming centres, and in some of its charity shops, to support owners struggling with the cost of living.

Last year, 244,478 owners completed the survey, providing insights on 348,533 dogs. Some of the findings include:

• Almost 11% of all dogs owned in the UK are crossbreeds, with Labradors the number one pedigree in the UK, followed by Cocker Spaniels.
• Although still not in the top ten most popular breeds, Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds have seen a massive 85% rise in popularity in recent years.
• 7% of the UK’s dogs now regularly go to work with their owners. Meanwhile, of those who would like to take their dogs to work, 81% told Dogs Trust that their workplace doesn’t allow dogs.
• Over two thirds of UK dog owners have taken their dog on a UK holiday with them.
• Poppy and Alfie are the number one choice when it comes to names of dogs, followed by Bella and Charlie.

The results of last year’s survey also confirmed the much-reported pandemic puppy boom, with a significant rise in the number of one and two year old dogs compared to the years prior to the Covid pandemic.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says:

“The National Dog Survey is the largest dog census in the UK, and around a quarter of a million owners responded last year. But, with over a third of UK households now owning a dog, we want to hear from even more this year so we can gain as many insights as possible about dog ownership in the UK, helping us to shape our support for dog owners and improve dog welfare.   

“Dogs Trust has been around for over 130 years and in that time so much has changed when it comes to dog ownership. The insights gained from this year’s survey will ensure Dogs Trust can continue to adapt the way we support dogs and their owners, helping them to live the best lives possible together.”