Animals

National Pet Month Study Shows Big Shift in UK Dog Breed Popularity

Good News Post

Apr 16, 2026 — 2 min read

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - credit The Good News Post

By Animals Correspondent

As the UK marks National Pet Month, new research has revealed shifting trends in the country’s favourite dog breeds, with some popular dogs seeing a drop in registrations while others continue to grow in popularity.

The study, carried out by Briefcase PR using data from the The Kennel Club, compared breed registrations between 2024 and 2025.

It found that the French Bulldog recorded the steepest decline, with registrations falling by 6,039. The Labrador Retriever followed with a drop of 4,222, while the Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel also saw notable decreases.

*Labrador - Image credit Trishik Bose via pexels*

Other breeds in decline included the Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, German Shepherd, Border Terrier and Pug.

Despite these falls, experts say the overall picture reflects changing preferences among dog owners rather than a drop in the UK’s love for pets—something especially highlighted during National Pet Month, which celebrates the role animals play in people’s lives.

At the same time, several breeds are continuing to rise in popularity.

The Miniature Long Haired Dachshund saw the biggest increase, followed by the Jack Russell Terrier and Italian Greyhound.

Other breeds showing growth included the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dobermann and Portuguese Water Dog.

A spokesperson for Briefcase PR said the figures show how tastes are evolving, with some traditional favourites seeing fewer registrations while smaller or more specialist breeds gain attention.

They added that despite the changes, the UK remains a nation of dog lovers, with strong interest across a wide variety of breeds.

The findings highlight how lifestyle, living space and personal preference continue to shape the dogs people choose to bring into their homes—something often reflected in celebrations like National Pet Month, which encourages people to appreciate all pets and responsible ownership.

Breed Registration Statistics.” The Kennel Club. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.royalkennelclub.com/about-us/resources/breed-registration-statistics/.

Just email us at news@goodnewspost.co.uk.

Whether it's a local hero, an act of kindness, or a personal win, your story could help spread joy and improve someone’s mental health.

Let’s make the world a little brighter, one good news story at a time.

RNLI Lifeboat Crews Save 272 Lives in Record Year of Callouts

By Charities Correspondent The RNLI has today released its rescue figures for 2025, revealing its lifeboat crews saved a total of 272 lives last year. Lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland were launched more than 9,000 times last year, as new figures reveal one of the busiest periods

Charity Flight Team Delivers Urgent Human Milk in Record Time

By Charities Correspondent Three charities, one mission, and a race against the clock — Civil Air Support’s Transport Group once again proved the power of teamwork and aviation for good. Civil Air Support (CAS) volunteers completed a high‑value, long‑distance support mission this week, transporting frozen human milk from

Brazil Bans Donkey Slaughter in Landmark Animal Cruelty Ruling

By Animals Correspondent Brazil has taken a major step to protect its donkeys after a court ruling banned their slaughter in one state—forcing the closure of the country’s last remaining donkey slaughterhouse. A Federal Court in Bahia ruled that donkey killings must stop immediately, citing animal cruelty, health

Scientists Find Drug Could Help Protect Brain Blood Vessels

By Health Correspondent Scientists say an existing type of drug could one day help treat a rare form of vascular dementia, after new research revealed how the disease damages blood vessels in the brain. The study, led by the University of Manchester with support from the University of Leicester, looked