Nation’s largest dog census reveals the dogs we just Labr-adore

When it comes to the nation’s favourite dog breed, Labradors still top the table, according to the UK’s biggest survey of dog owners, Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey.

Earlier this year, Dogs Trust asked dog lovers across the UK to tell them about their pets, and over 244,000 people responded, revealing information about almost 350,000 dogs.

Although the nation still loves a crossbreed, accounting for just under 11% of dogs reported in the survey, when it comes to specific breeds, Labradors remain the number one choice of UK dog lovers, closely followed by Cocker Spaniels and Cockapoos. Other breeds making the top ten include Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

As well as the most popular breed, the National Dog Survey revealed the dog names loved by the nation. Taking the top spot for female dogs was Poppy, followed by Bella and Luna, with Alfie, Charlie and Milo topping the table for boys. Willow, Lola, Buddy and Barney also made it into the top ten.

Full results of the National Dog Survey will be released in January, and the information gained as part of this survey, the largest dog “census” of its type in the UK, will help the charity continue to shape its services to support the estimated 13 million households who own dogs across the country. Following the results of last year’s National Dog Survey, Dogs Trust set up its Behaviour Support Line, providing free over the phone advice and guidance for owners struggling with their dog’s problem behaviours.

Dogs Trust finds homes for 10,490 dogs  

The results of the National Dog Survey mirror what Dogs Trust is seeing within its 21 rehoming centres. Of the 10,490 dogs rehomed by the charity this year, the most popular names were Bella, Luna, Buddy, Poppy and Milo. Meanwhile, the most popular breeds to be adopted over the last 12 months were Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collies, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Labrador Retriever.

Crossbreeds also account for a large number of the dogs rehomed by Dogs Trust, and this year for the first time, the charity is able to reveal the make-up of these dogs. Cockerpoo, Jack Chi (Jack Russell & Chihuahua), Shepsky (German Shepherd &Husky), German Sheprador (German Shepherd & Labrador Retriever) and Labradoodle (Labrador & Poodle) all make the top ten crossbreeds rehomed by Dogs Trust.

101 Dalmatians  Dachshunds 

The oldest dog rehomed by Dogs Trust in 2023 was a West Highland White Terrier called Alfonso, rehomed from Dogs Trust Cardiff, aged 18 years. At the other end of the age scale, it has been a record-breaking year for puppies, with a record 394 born in Dogs Trust rehoming centres. This includes 101 Dachshunds, 84 Crossbreeds and 37 Lurchers.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says:  

“Whether you have a Bella, a Luna, an Alfie or a Milo, it’s clear that dogs are important members of the family, so it comes as no surprise that almost a quarter of a million people shared information about their dogs with us. The information we have gained from the National Dog Survey will help us to continue to shape our services and support dog owners to do the best for their beloved pets.  

“We’re also delighted that our hard-working staff, volunteers and foster carers have helped over 10,000 dogs find their forever homes this year. From the oldest dogs in our care through to the almost 400 puppies born in our centres, we work tirelessly to ensure every dog finds a home they can call their own. 

“On behalf of everyone at Dogs Trust, we’d like to wish our supporters and the nation’s dogs a very Happy New Year and look forward to helping many more four-legged friends to find their new homes in 2024.”