We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
Of course, if you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Of you trust the instincts of the UK’s army of dog owners, you might want to opt for one of the most popular breeds of dog.
Every year the Kennel Club publishes breed registration statistics - showing how many new puppies of each breed have been recorded with them.
According to the most recent figures for 2024, here are the 17 most popular dog breeds, led by a familiar furry face.
13. Miniature Dachshund (Long Haired)
Although the Miniature Long Haired Dachshund isn't as popular as its less hirsute cousin, it still makes our list with 3,450 registrations last year. | Canva/Getty Images
14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel takes the top spot when it comes to the most popular toy dog breed - with 3,132 Kennel Club registrations in 2024 putting it in overall 14th spot. Its name comes from it being bred to recreate Charles II's spaniel of the English Civil War period, when supporters of the king were known as Cavaliers. | Canva/Getty Images
15. Boxer
The top dog in the Kennel Club's working group is the adorable Boxer, with 2,427 registrations in 2024. The Boxer was bred from the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser. | Canva/Getty Images
16. Rottweiler
Although the Rottweiler sometimes gets un anfair reputation for being aggressive, they can make for a loyal and gentle family pets - as many of the 2,209 owners who registered their dogs with the Kennel Club no doubt know. In their native Germany they were used to herd livestock and pull butchers' carts laden with heavy meat. Now they are happier cuddled up with their human family. | Canva/Getty Images