Britain’s Favourite Dog Breeds.

Britain’s Favourite Dog Breeds.

Dogs have long been a much-loved part of households throughout Britain for centuries and our favoured dog breeds have changed over the decades. Read our Holidays4Dogs article about Britain’s most favourite dog breeds.

Whether you’re  a dog lover, or considering adding a new pooch to your family, read our article to get the low down on some of the most popular and much loved breeds of today. We love them all ! – and we have many of them come to stay with some of our lovely Holidays4Dogs carers.

Labrador retrievers.

If you’re loopy about Labradors, you won’t be surprised to learn that most of the surveys we looked at, put the loveable Lab, top of the list for 2024. In fact, these charming dogs have been top of the list for some years and it’s no wonder.

Labradors are probably one of the best breeds for being friendly, smart and playful. They adapt to many different situations – from loyal family pet to expert sniffer dog – their skills are endless.

However, they do love their food and have voracious appetites, which is apparently in their genes.

Some Labradors ( around 25% ) with this genetic mutation, means they can be looking for food all the time – which can result in getting too fat and turning into a couch potato.

Being extra careful to avoid titbits and making sure they get enough exercise is crucial – they can hear a packet of crisps being opened at forty paces. Oh, and another thing, Labradors LOVE water – if there’s a pool, or a puddle, they’ll be in it without a backward glance.

The poodle cross.

Take a walk around any urban park, or country lane and we bet your bottom dollar you’ll be falling over one poodle cross of some description, or another. Cocker-poos (cocka-poos), cava-poos, malti-poos – you’re bound to meet a something-or-other-poo, enjoying life with their family.

What’s not to like about these lovable little fur-balls? Well, it turns out not much. They make lovely family pets and have engaging personalities that would melt anyone’s heart.

Poodle crosses are quite adaptable and can live in all sorts of different family homes. They’re usually pretty sociable and get on with other pets and people.

Poodles crossed with cavalier King Charles spaniels often make quieter pets than those crossed with the more energetic cocker spaniel.

Do bear in mind poodles and cocker spaniels do suffer from a number of health issues. Therefore, poodle crosses can inherit these same conditions – always buy from health tested parents.

Cocker spaniels.

Talking of cocker spaniels – these little chocolate-box delights are very popular with families. In fact, they were the most searched for breed between October 2023 and September 2024. There’s a good reason why these little dogs are often referred to as, “merry cockers”. They are usually highly sociable, gentle and affectionate. However, make no mistake – cockers have boundless energy and are pretty impulsive, so are better suited to very active families who enjoy the outdoor life.

French bulldogs.

According to the Kennel Club, the French bulldog had the most registrations in the utility group for the 2nd quarter of 2024. Indeed, rather like poodle mixes, the French bulldog can be seen just about everywhere.

With their cute expressions and quiet but, clownish, natures, its no wonder people want to share their lives with these funny little dogs.

However, because of their short snouts, they can suffer from breathing problems. Sadly, many end up in rescue centres as a result – where, often, they need corrective surgery. Therefore, it’s important to think twice about buying a puppy with extreme features – a point that Hope Rescue reiterates.

Dachshunds.

Dachshunds are another breed topping the popularity list. The kennel club statistics show there were well over 4,000 registrations ( of all varieties ) in the second quarter of 2024. These slick little dogs – also affectionately known as ‘sausage dogs’, really are a small dog with big ambitions.

They can be quite feisty and their big barks belie their small stature. That said, they have huge personalities and make good companions for people living alone, or quieter families.

In terms of health, they can suffer from back problems and also eye problems. Health screening is required for all 3 miniature dachshund varieties and recommended for all 6.

Whatever your favourite breed of dog, they’re all welcome here at Holidays4Dogs – we have carers all over the UK and local to you.

If you want to find out more – follow the paw for more info!