The dogs we Labr-adore! 99% of owners agree that dogs are more than just man’s best friend – they are part of the family

The dogs we Labr-adore!  99% of owners agree that dogs are more than just man’s best friend – they are part of the family

Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey gives insight into dog ownership across Wales

The results of the UK’s largest dog census are in, and it’s clear that we are still very much a nation of dog lovers, with 99% of respondents viewing dogs as family, and 98% of dog owners agreeing that their dog makes them happy.

The results of the survey by Dogs Trust revealed that although dog owners across Wales still love a crossbreed – 42% of dogs living there are crossbreed – when it comes to specific breeds, we simply labr-adore Labradors, with the breed remaining the number one choice. In fact, Dogs Trust estimates there could be over a million Labradors across the UK¹. These are closely followed by Cocker Spaniels Border Collies as the second and third most popular breeds across Wales.

Top ten breeds across Wales

The National Dog Survey also revealed the dog names loved by owners across Wales, with Poppy, Bella and Luna topping the table for female dogs. Across the UK, Teddy was the most popular name for male dogs, but owners in Wales instead opted for Alfie as the number one choice, followed by Teddy and Milo.

Most popular dog names in Wales

Across the UK, more than 400,000 people responded to Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey, sharing insights on over 430,000 dogs. The results show that not only do our dogs make us happy, but 95% of those surveyed agreed that owning a dog was good for their mental health. 89% agree that their dogs provide emotional support, and 89% also agree that owning a dog makes them more active.  58% told Dogs Trust that owning a dog reduces their social isolation.

And with 72% of owners telling the charity that they like to spoil their dogs, it’s important that owners understand just what their dogs like. The survey revealed that the classic ball is favourite toy for 58% of dogs, with 54% loving a cuddly toy. 9% of owners reported that their dogs were not fussed by toys.

While the National Dog Survey revealed lots of fun stats about the nation’s dogs, it has a more serious purpose. The results of this year’s survey will go on to help the nation’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, to continue to shape services to help owners across the UK. In direct response to insight gained from previous National Dog Surveys which revealed that owners were struggling with their dogs’ behaviour, the charity launched its Behaviour Support Line, offering owners free expert advice and guidance. Meanwhile, Dogs Trust 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.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust says:

“We see first-hand every day just how much the UK loves its dogs, and the results of our National Dog Survey confirm that they are viewed more than ever as members of the family. Not only do they provide companionship, but they also have a positive impact on both our physical and mental health.

“While the National Dog Survey provides us lots of fun insights into the UK’s four legged friends, it also serves a more serious purpose. With more than 45,000 owners contacting us last year to relinquish their dog, it’s vital that, as the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, we continue to do all we can to support owners so their dogs can remain with them as part of the family. The results of this survey will help us shape our services, both for now and in the future, so dogs and their owners can enjoy long and happy lives together.”