What is the most trendy dog?
Most Popular Dog Breeds Of 2022 Revealed (UK)
Our dog owners share their lives with over 129 different breeds , from rare breeds such as Schipperke , Lancashire Heeler and even a Canadian Eskimo Dog , through to popular breeds we all recognise like Retrievers, Spaniels and Collies .
Without further ado, let’s reveal the most popular dog breeds across the UK in 2022.
THE TOP 16 DOG BREEDS IN THE UK* IN 2022
According to our Power of Play survey, the most popular dog breeds in 2022 are:
#1 — Labrador Retriever
#2 — Border Collie
#4 — English Cocker Spaniel
#5 — German Shepherd Dog
#6 — Staffordshire Bull Terrier
#7 — Springer Spaniel
#8 — Golden Retriever
#9 — Jack Russell Terrier
#12 — Border Terrier
#14 — Miniature Schnauzer
#15 — French Bulldog
#16 — Hungarian Vizsla
* 95% of our survey respondents are based in the UK.
1. Labrador
Labradors are no stranger to popular breed lists, and this year they have taken the crown as the UK’s most popular dog breed. This intelligent, enthusiastic and friendly breed are retrievers and belong to the Gundog Group.
Traditionally retrievers were bred to retrieve game and return it, which may explain their desire to fetch and carry their toys!
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are high energy, highly intelligent and highly motivated by movement! Collies are natural herders which means they need significant physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
Whilst many Collies are no longer used to herd sheep, their natural instincts haven’t strayed far. Discover the best dog toys for keeping Collie’s happy, stimulated and focused on you!
3. Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, and they’ve soared in popularity in the last decade. Their attractive teddy bear looks combine with a spirited, playful and affectionate personality.
Cockapoos can vary in size and appearance depending on their heritage. They are often energetic and thrive on attention. Check out our top toy picks for keeping your cockapoo entertained here.
4. English Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniels are an active, clever and often very sociable breed. They belong to the Gundog family, and their heritage still runs strong! If you have a Cocker Spaniel then you may find their desire to chase birds and track scents is still very much alive and kicking!
Take a look at our top toy picks for teaching your Spaniel recall , focus and channelling their crazy (yet delightful) Cocker instincts!
5. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are a noble, intelligent and alert breed. Originally bred to both herd and guard, these beautiful dog’s often retain a sense of duty to protect and can be curious about any changes to the norm in their environment.
This intelligent breed thrives on having a purpose in life. GSD’s need to be kept mentally and physically stimulated, so they don’t find their own work!
6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffies are a fun loving, smart, gentle, yet determined breed. These strong dogs win over many hearts with their playful and affectionate nature.
Staffies are nicknamed the nanny dog due to their devotion to their family and loving nature.
Tap into your Staffie’s desire to play and have fun with our top toys picks especially for Staffies.
7. Springer Spaniel
Springer Spaniels are full of enthusiasm, affection and very loyal dogs. It’s no wonder they’ve made the most popular breed list!
Springers belong to the Gundog group and like most Spaniels, they thrive on being active, mentally stimulated and having fun!
8. Golden Retriever
Who doesn’t love a Golden?! Golden Retrievers enjoy training, are loyal as they come and are joyously playful. These friendly and devoted dogs have long held a place on the most popular breed lists, and this year is no exception!
Retrievers belong to the Gundog group, and were originally bred for retrieving game. As such, they have a soft mouth, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a good game of tug!
9. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell’s are a wonderfully plucky and determined breed. The terrier in them makes the Jack Russell tenacious, hardy and full of enthusiasm. JRT’s are lively, alert and full of fun.
Originally bred to hunt foxes, Jack Russell’s have a strong prey drive and may thoroughly enjoy shredding their toys! Take a look at our top toys picks for terriers and make the most of their natural instincts with interactive play.
10. Labradoodle
Labradoodle’s are a popular cross breed dog, bred from Labradors and Poodles. They’re friendly, curious and eager to please, making them a top favourite among dog owners.
Labradoodles are smart and energetic which makes regular play and training an essential part of Doodle life. Find our top toy picks for Doodles here , and unleash the power of play!
11. Boxer
Boxers are lovable, goofy and very energetic dogs. Despite their clown-like nature, Boxer’s are incredibly smart dogs who benefit from the opportunity to use their brains!
Physical and mental stimulation are essential for a happy boxer – you can find our top toy picks for this much-loved breed here.
12. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are rough-coated, fun loving and good tempered little dogs. Whilst a tough and hardy breed, they are also very loving and affectionate.
Like all Terriers, they often love to dig, shred and of course, TUG!
13. Whippet
Whippets are super fast, yet perhaps surprisingly calm dogs for the most part. Whilst this speedy breed are quick, they don’t require as much exercise as you may think.
Once a whippet has expended their need for speed, they are gentle, affectionate and pretty keen on a good long snuggle somewhere warm!
Thanks to their sighthound genetics, whippets have a high prey drive. What they really love is to chase and catch — making our range of chaser toys a high value reward for Whippets!
14. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the Schnauzer family. They love human company, are full of personality and are adventurous little dogs.
Schnauzer’s are very clever, and benefit from plenty of mental stimulation as well as exercise. They are often very food motivated, making our food toys the top pick for play, training and bonding with this spirited breed!
15. French Bulldog
Frenchies are wonderful companion dogs who are full of charm and character. They may be small but they have huge personalities and love a good play.
French Bulldogs are strong little dogs with an independent streak. But they love nothing more than being with their humans.
Enrich your Frenchie’s life and make the most of their desire to play with our top interactive toy picks for French Bulldogs.
16. Hungarian Vizsla
Vizsla’s are beautiful dogs that are intelligent, sensitive and full of love. They are high energy dogs who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Vizsla’s are part of the Gundog family, originally bred to point and retrieve. Working closely with their handler, this breed has developed a strong desire to stay close to their humans.
Due to their high energy, many Vizsla’s enjoy taking part in dog sports with their owners, such as canicross or bikejor .
Whether your favourite breed made the list or not, we can all agree the very best breed is definitely DOG!
Average dogs per household (UK)
Ever wondered how many dogs are too many?!
Of over 2000 dog owners surveyed, 62% live in a single dog household, and 37% live in a multi-dog household.
Our 2022 Power of Play survey of over 2000 dog owners and 129 different dog breeds also revealed:
OVER 98% OF OWNERS REGULARLY PLAY WITH THEIR DOG
OVER 98% OF OWNERS WOULD RECOMMEND TUG-E-NUFF TO A FRIEND
9/10 OWNERS SAID TUG-E-NUFF TOYS ENRICHED THEIR DOG’S LIFE
What is the Power of Play?
It’s no secret that at Tug-E-Nuff, we’re huge fans of making durable, high-quality toys that encourage interactive play. In fact, we’re on a mission to enrich the relationship humans and dogs share using the Power of Play.
The benefits of play with our dogs are huge. Play has the power to boost bonds, lift spirits, relieve stress , and it’s a surefire way to make training more fun . From teaching recall and learning tricks to boosting bonds and providing enrichment, play with Tug-E-Nuff toys tick every box.
Our dog training experts design every Tug-E-Nuff toy to help owners have more fun and solve behaviour and training issues . From nervousness and a lack of confidence to poor recall and a lack of motivation, our toys are designed to help boost results and transform struggles into wins, all through the power of play.
The Power of Play Course
Over 5000 dog owners have enrolled on our free Power of Play course , which helps owners to unlock the secrets to successfully using play in their training.
Tap into 13 bite-sized dog training lessons and unleash the power of play today.
Most Popular Dog Breeds
What are the most popular dog breeds in the US? Depends who you ask! From Retrievers to German Shepherds, there are many fan favorites that come to mind. But such a question can be quite subjective — what does a popular pet mean to you? Good looks, charm or trainability perhaps?
The all-American dog doesn’t have to be ones you see in the movies. Those characteristics can cover a wide variety of breeds. So how do you find the right four-legged friend? Consider the following additional factors as you research family dog breeds, and keep in mind that the best family dogs are truly unique to you and your needs.
Some popular breeds of dogs love to run outside and can be independent; others are perfectly content snuggling indoors. The best dog for you will vary depending on your needs, so consider whether you and your family are looking for an energetic hiking buddy or an affectionate calmer personality.
Which dog breed is most commonly owned?
Top dog breeds based on characteristics
| Temperament | Does the idea of hiking a trail excite you? Or do you lead a more relaxed lifestyle, perhaps nestled in a book? Different dogs have unique personalities, just like you. Consider a pet whose personality and temperament will blend well with your family’s. The best dogs for families—naturally—will vary depending on the family, so consider whether your crew is looking for a hiking buddy or a furry snuggle bug. |
| Size | Tiny dogs, like Yorkshire Terriers are energetic but typically require less exercise than larger dogs, like Labrador Retrievers. Small dogs might be satisfied with playtime around the house. Whereas, large dogs require regular walks or even jogs over a longer distance, at the very least a big backyard. Consider your preferable level of activity when deciding on the size of your potential new pet. |
| Care Requirements | Have you thought about grooming? Who will take the dog for walks? Consider your potential pet’s needs and whether or not your family can meet them before committing to that adorable furry face. |
Check out a few breeds that could make the perfect companion, big or small, energetic or calm, they are considered the most popular dog breeds in America.
Wondering what the top 10 dog breeds are?
French Bulldog
This intelligent, well-behaved, playful breed first became known in France. Lucky for us, this affectionate, loveable breed grew in popularity across the globe. The French Bulldog is an active and alert, they also require minimal exercise.
Known for their signature button noses and exaggerated ears, the French Bulldog is a fan favorite and lots of fun to be around. They are known for playful personalities and adorable snoring – which only adds to their charm, who doesn’t love a good nap?
Grooming needs are minimal, due to their fine, smooth coat. But don’t forget French Bulldogs will need their adorable facial wrinkles cleaned regularly with a damp cloth.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
King Charles loves companionship and shows it with an eager-to-please attitude. He’s good with other pets and friendly to anyone he meets. These family-friendly dogs don’t need extensive exercise, but they do love to sniff, explore and play outside from time to time.
Pug
Staunchly silly and easily trainable, Pugs have earned a reputation as one of the best small dogs for kids. They’re patient and steady but never take themselves too seriously. Because of their short noses, care should be taken with Pugs in the heat. They may also generally wheeze and snore but that just enhances their cuteness factor.
Golden Retriever
There’s a reason they make incredible service dogs. Goldens are gentle, smart and enthusiastic, and their playful side makes them great with kids too. Golden Retrievers are strong and athletic, and they have an active nature, so make sure they get plenty of exercise.
Beagle
Friendly, calm and gentle – great qualities in friend of the human or animal kind, but we’re describing the beautiful Beagle. Their cheerful nature is part of the reason this pup tops the list, often making great family pets.
They are moderately energetic, enjoying a long walk or games with the kids. Beagles are patient. Originally bred as hunters, they are known to enjoy a trail and might bark or howl when overly excited. Also might have the insight to dig up holes in the backyard!
Poodle
Known for their intelligence, Poodles are attentive and adept at learning tricks and have a dignified demeanor. Poodles thrive on lots of mental stimulation. These kid-friendly dogs have hypoallergenic coats and love spending time in the water, making them excellent companions.
Boxer
Boxers are one of America’s favorite breeds and our top 10 list wouldn’t be complete without them. Patient and kind, Boxers love human interaction and are known as one of the best dogs protectors of family members, especially children. They’re also well-mannered with other household pets. Boxers like to run, so they’re great companions for jogs or long walks.
Labrador Retriever
Playful companions, excellent service dogs and intelligent to boot—is there anything a Labrador Retriever can’t do? Widely known as one of the best family dogs, these amiable pups are among the most popular in the United States. Labs need daily exercise, and love to retrieve and swim so they’d make a great companion for someone leading an active lifestyle.
Yorkshire Terrier
They say big things come in small packages, which rings true for the Yorkshire Terrier. Oblivious of their small stature, these dogs are always eager for adventure. Yorkies are busy and very inquisitive. Yorkies can achieve adequate exercise within the home but also require stimulation through games or some personal interaction. They appreciate short walks outdoors and enjoy the chance to safely explore.
Bulldogs
We’d recognize those wrinkles anywhere! Often favored for their stout frame and flatter faces, the Bulldog is often a fan favorite. Bulldogs are lovable and loyal companions. They have a positive disposition and welcome affection.
Resolute and courageous, the breed is an excellent family companion. Be sure to provide extra care when exercising in warm weather because their short noses make them prone to overheating. Luckily the Bulldog requires minimal grooming and exercise.
Enjoyed the list but didn’t see one you were looking for? See thousands of pets looking for forever homes on Petfinder. After all, the most popular breed is simply the one you connect with.
