The UK’s largest dog census – completed by more than 335,000 owners – found Labradors remain the nation’s favourite pure‑breed, making up 13.5% of all pedigree dogs. In Wales, they account for 7% of the dog population, with Poppy and Alfie leading the name league table, followed by Bella, Luna, Teddy and Milo.
The survey also revealed:
- Crossbreeds still rule – 43% of Welsh dogs are a type of crossbreed, from Cockapoos and Cavapoos to Labradoodles and Lurchers.
- Dachshunds on the up – the breed has entered the UK’s top 10 for puppies under one year old for the first time.
- French Bulldogs in decline – now 15th among puppies, with numbers falling since the pandemic puppy boom.
- Time well spent – Welsh owners dedicate an average of 2 hours 14 minutes a day to their dogs, slightly above the UK average of 2 hours 12 minutes. Most of that is walking, followed by feeding, enrichment and errands.
While the ‘Dog of the Nation’ title might raise a smile, Dogs Trust says the survey plays a serious role in shaping its services – from behaviour advice to campaigning for pet‑friendly housing.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said:
“The National Dog Survey is more than just a snapshot of our favourite breeds and names. It’s a vital tool to help us understand the impact of dogs, the challenges, and the joy of dog ownership. Whether you are one of the 94% of people who treat your dog as a member of your family, or you have a Labrador named Teddy, every dog deserves a loving home and the right support.”
The charity, which has rehoming centres in Bridgend and Cardiff, is inviting owners to try its new online quiz to see how their pet compares – and just how unique they are – at Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey page.
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