The dogs we Labr-adore! 99% of owners agree that dogs aren’t just man’s best friend – they are part of the family

The results of the UK's largest dog census are in, and it's clear that the UK is still very much a nation of dog lovers, with 99% of respondents viewing dogs as family, and 98% of dog owners agreeing that their dog makes them happy. 

More than 400,000 people responded to Dogs Trust's National Dog Survey, sharing insights on over 430,000 dogs. The results show that not only do our dogs make us happy, but 95% of those surveyed agreed that owning a dog was good for their mental health.  

The results of the survey, the largest of its kind, revealed that although the nation still loves a crossbreed – over 40% of the UK's dogs are crossbreeds - when it comes to specific breeds, we simply labr-adore Labradors, with the breed remaining the number one choice of UK dog owners. In fact, Dogs Trust estimates there could be over a million Labradors in the UK1. These are closely followed by Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies. For the first time since Dogs Trust launched the survey in 2021, French Bulldogs entered the top ten most popular breeds in the UK.  

When it comes to crossbreeds, "supermutts" take the lead, with almost 10% of the total dogs in the National Dog Survey being unknown mixes of breeds. Poodle crosses are the most popular known mixes, with the Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle), the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever x Poodle), and the Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle) leading the way. 

The National Dog Survey revealed the dog names loved by the nation. When it comes to female dogs, Poppy topped the table once again this year, with Luna and Bella taking second and third spot.  While female names didn't see much of a change when compared to last year, for the first time Teddy topped the table for the most popular name amongst boys, pushing last year's favourite, Alfie, to second place. Previously popular name Oscar dropped out of the nation's top ten, replaced by Monty. 

The results of the National Dog Survey also show that not only do we love our dogs, but they have a positive impact on our lives too. 89% agree that their dogs provide emotional support, and 89% also agree that owning a dog makes them more active. 58% told Dogs Trust that owning a dog reduces their social isolation. 

And with 72% of owners telling the charity that they like to spoil their dogs, it's important that owners understand just what their dogs like. The survey revealed that the classic ball is favourite toy for 58% of dogs, with 54% loving a cuddly toy. 9% of owners reported that their dogs were not fussed by toys. 

While the National Dog Survey revealed lots of fun stats about the nation's dogs, it has a more serious purpose. The results of this year's survey will go on to help the nation's largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, to continue to shape services to help owners across the UK. In direct response to insight gained from previous National Dog Surveys which revealed that owners were struggling with their dogs' behaviour, the charity launched its Behaviour Support Line, offering owners free expert advice and guidance. Meanwhile, Dogs Trust also launched pet food banks in many of its 21 rehoming centres, and in some of its charity shops, to support owners struggling with the cost of living.  

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust says: 

"We see first-hand every day just how much the UK loves its dogs, and the results of our National Dog Survey confirm that they are viewed more than ever as members of the family. Not only do they provide companionship, but they also have a positive impact on both our physical and mental health. 

"While the National Dog Survey provides us lots of fun insights into the UK's four legged friends, it also serves a more serious purpose. With more than 45,000 owners contacting us last year to relinquish their dog, it's vital that, as the UK's largest dog welfare charity, we continue to do all we can to support owners so their dogs can remain with them as part of the family. The results of this survey will help us shape our services, both for now and in the future, so dogs and their owners can enjoy long and happy lives together."