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.
The Kennel Club separates breeds into seven different groups, each of which have a particular set of attributes.
If you are looking for a dog that is intelligent, strong, watchful and alert, it’s worth looking at breeds in the Working Group.
These are the 10 most popular working dogs in the UK, according to UK Kennel Club registrations in 2024.
9. Siberian Husky
The powerful Siberian Husky originated in Northeast Asia where they were used to pull sleds over miles of Arctic tundra - something the 310 registered in the UK in 2024 are unlikely to be asked to do. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Bullmastiff
Completing our list, with 235 registrations in 2024, is the Bullmastiff. It's an English breed of dog that was bred as a guard dog in the nineteenth century. I was particularly popular with gamekeepers. | Canva/Getty Images