What is Britain's favourite pooch?

There are around nine million dogs in Britain.

14:12 12 November 2015

Big and small, young and old, energetic or very lazy, they can be found in homes the length and breadth of the country. Some of them work for a living, some entertain children and some concentrate full time on being a best friend to one special person. But which is the most popular kind of dog, and why?

 

Most popular breeds

 

As you might expect, most dogs in Britain are crossbreeds. They can be every bit as loveable, their fans argue that they’re smarter and healthier, and they’re more likely to turn up in rescue shelters, the first place a lot of people look for a family pet. Their characteristics generally resemble those of the most popular breeds in an area, however, and this varies across Britain. Bigger dogs are more popular in rural areas where there is lots of room for them to run about. People living in dense urban environments such as London tend to choose small dogs, though experts warn that it’s also important to think about the temperament of the breed and its energy levels before deciding whether it is likely to be suited to life in a small flat.

 

Overall, the most popular dog in Britain is the Labrador retriever, according to data collected by microchipping company Petlog. In second place is the Jack Russell terrier, and third is the Staffordshire bull terrier. Other dogs are popular in particular areas – greyhounds in Yorkshire, for instance, and border collies in Cornwall.

 

Caring for our furry friends

 

Britain’s love affair with dogs has seen supporting industries boom. Although many dogs are just as happy to eat table scraps or, let’s face it, socks, they now have many different kinds of food to choose from, and chewing sticks designed to protect their teeth. Flea treatments and similar products help keep them healthy and you can get excellent veterinary care from the likes of Bob Martin. Take a look at the site and explore the vast options available. You can also look after your dog’s health through regular brushing and grooming, or even visit a specialist salon.

 

Then there is the toy market, which is always coming up with more inventive forms of canine entertainment – toys for your dog to enjoy at home or toys for you both to have fun with in the park. If failing health makes it difficult for you to walk your dog as usual, there are professional dog walkers you can call in to help. Your pooch will love going out to play with lots of others.

 

Why are dogs so special?

 

Dogs are thought to have been domesticated around 15,000 years ago. Initially they probably helped with hunting, but as pack animals it wouldn’t have taken them long to start bonding socially with their human companions. Since being with humans gave them a survival advantage, they would quickly have started evolving to bond more successfully – to be loyal, loving, affectionate and fun to play with. The dogs we know today were born to be our best friends, and Britain, more than any other nation, has embraced that. That’s why, no matter what the evidence says about the most popular breeds, the best dog in the world is the one sitting beside you.