Here is a list of the current top ten most popular dog breeds in the UK, starting from spot ten and working up to the top spot. Which breed do you think is at number one and which breed is in your top spot?
10. West Highland Terrier
Facts:
nickname of ‘Westie’
developed from Cairn Terriers – breeders found that the white variants of Cairn Terriers were easier to see when they were working out in the moors
West Highland Terriers were developed to be a little shorter and with a higher tail carriage than Cairn Terriers
amusing and high spirited
curious and self-reliant
make great family pets – especially good for young children
have a medium-length coat, with a course outer coat and a soft under coat
only need grooming once a week
Breed Group? Terrier
How much exercise do they need? About 1 hour to 90 mins every day
Do they shed? Yes
Lifespan? Over 12 years
9. Lurcher
I must say that lurchers are one of my favourite breeds, after all my best furry friend, Finn, is a lurcher (Bedlington Whippet) and my previous dog, Charlie, was also a lurcher (Bedlington Whippet x Border Terrier). You could say I’m a little biased!
Facts:
smaller dogs will be those crossed with a greyhound or whippet and the larger dogs will be those crossed with a deerhound or wolfhound – all commonly crossed with terriers or collies
many lurchers will also be bred by crossing two lurchers together, so you could end up with a dog mix of 4 different breeds
skilled hunting dogs (not always a blessing!) - very fast runners
brilliant companions
Breed group? Cross Breed
How much exercise do they need? At least 1 to 2 hours every day
Do they shed? Depends on the specific cross breed
Lifespan? Over 12 years
8. Border Terrier
This breed also has a special place in my heart as my first dog, Bertie, was a Border Terrier. We got him as a puppy when I was only 3 years old, and he lived to the amazing age of 17.
Facts:
these dogs originated from the borders of Northumberland and Scotland, hence the name
they were traditionally bred as farm dogs to keep rats and other vermin to a minimum
lively
full of stamina
courageous
can be a little grumpy as they get older, but are generally friendly and loving
their wiry, rough-textured appearance makes them particularly low maintenance
best groomed once a week, but should not be clipped as this will change the texture and colour of their coat
Breed Group? Terrier
How much exercise do they need? At least 1 hour every day
Do they shed? Yes
Lifespan? Over 12 years
7. Border Collie
Facts:
traditionally bred for herding sheep and cattle, and are still used for this today
named after its origins from the borders of England, Wales, and Scotland
extremely intelligent – can be trained very effectively
often used as tracking dogs
make wonderful companions as they are devoted
need to have their brain stimulated every day – if they get bored they can become destructive
their coat is weatherproof, so they are happy to be outside in any weather
should be groomed once a week at the very least
Breed Group? Pastoral
How much exercise do they need? At least 2 hours every day
Do they shed? Yes
Lifespan? Over 12 years
6. German Shepherd
Facts:
also known as an Alsatian
they were used in the efforts of WWI – after this, the whole world knew of the bravery of the breed
widely used as guide dogs/service dogs, tracking dogs, and guard dogs in the police and military
very intelligent – easy to train
vigilant
active
faithful
they have a double coat consisting of a coarse outer coat, and a thick, soft undercoat - most commonly seen in tan with black colouring, but can also be seen in all black or all white
need to be groomed once a week at the very least
Breed Group? Pastoral
How much exercise do they need? At least 2 hours every day
Do they shed? Yes
Lifespan? Over 10 years
5. Jack Russell
Facts:
developed over in Australia but were, and still are, used as a working terrier here in the UK
popular in Victorian times as a companion whilst their owners were hunting
energetic – if they get bored, they can be particularly mischievous
determined
adventurous
lionhearted
loving
can have smooth or rough coats – typically white with brown, black, or tan patches
should be groomed once a week
Breed Group? Terrier
How much exercise do they need? At least 1 hour every day
Do they shed? Yes
Lifespan? Over 12 years – can live to around 16 years
4. Cocker Spaniel
Facts:
originally bred for hunting woodcock (hence the name)
extremely happy dogs – rarely stop wagging their tails
easy to train as they live to please
excellent swimmers
very dynamic
coat is silky and flat – seen in black, white, tan, brown, or a mix of these
should be groomed daily and taken to professionals regularly for a haircut
Breed Group? Gundog
How much exercise do they need? At least 1 hour every day
Do they shed? Yes
Lifespan? Over 10 years
3. Springer Spaniel
Facts:
were traditionally used to ‘spring’ forward in order to flush game into nets
now used to flush out game while beating, for driven shooting
this is the most popular type of working spaniel
great with kids and animals – apart from birds!
water lovers
lively
zealous
very intelligent – easy to train
soft-centred
need a lot of exercise to keep them entertained
most popular coat colour is white with liver patches, but is also seen in white with black patches, or tri-colour
should be groomed once a week at the very least
Breed Group? Gundog
How much exercise do they need? More than 2 hours every day
Do they shed? Yes
Lifespan? Over 10 years
2. Cockapoo
Facts
cross between a poodle (of whatever size) and a cocker spaniel – appearance and size will vary
evidence suggests they originated from America in the 1950s
character often depends on the individual dog i.e. its parents
very affectionate
easy to train
active and bouncy
a good breed for people who suffer with allergies
should be groomed at least once a week
Breed Group? Cross Breed
How much exercise do they need? At least 1 hour every day
Do they shed? Yes – although to a very low extent
Lifespan? Over 13 years
1. Labrador
It is no surprise to me that the Labrador is the UK’s favourite dog. I love when I get to look after one of these beautiful dogs, they are so affectionate and never seem to stop wagging their tails.
Facts:
developed from Newfoundland dogs, so originated from Canada
traditionally bred to be used as a gun dog, and still are today
not only are they brilliant gun dogs, they are great companions and are popular service dogs and guide dogs
easily trained
keen to learn and to please their owner
energetic
excellent swimmers who love to get wet
seen in black, yellow, chocolate, and fox red
should be groomed at least once a week
Breed Group? Gundog
How much exercise do they need? At least 2 hours every day
Do they shed? Yes
Lifespan? 10-12 Years
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