Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from the Affenpinscher to the Yorkshire Terrier.
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
But there are some breeds of dog that don’t need any help with their image - being generally loved even by those who have never welcomed a pup into their home.
Polling company YouGov have been busy asking people whether they have a positive impression of numerous dog breeds and some prove much more popular than others - ranging from a healthy 80 per cent approval rating to a miserly eight per cent approval rating (spare a thought for the poor misunderstood Azawakh).
Here are the 12 dogs that ranked the highest, according to latest data from 2025.
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5. Cocker Spaniel
The top five most popular dogs, according to YouGov polls, is completed by the delightful Cocker Spaniel. There are actually two slightly different types - the merican Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. Both were named after their invaluable assistance in hunting woodcock (a type of game bird). It earns a popularity rating of 70 per cent. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Border Terrier
Next up is the cheeky Border Terrier, which 65 per cent of people have a positive opinion of. They were first bred in the area around the border of Scotland and England (hence the name) and were used to hunt foxes. These days they more commonly hunt their owner's slippers. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Two dog breeds are tied at a 62 per cent approval rating - one small and one big. First up is the big-eyed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These long-eared characters were bred to resemble King Charles II's spaniel of the English Civil War period. His supporters at that time were called Cavaliers and the two were combined to create the doggy name. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Saint Bernard
Famous for taking part in Alpine mountain rescues (often portrayed with a barrel of brandy around its neck), the Saint Bernard (or St. Bernard, depending on tastes) is the classic gentle giant. It's even known as the nany dog given how gentle it is with children. It has a 62 per cent approval rating. | Canva/Getty Images