Who is the UK’s TOP DOG?

Queen Elizabeth II, who has enjoyed the constant company of corgis since childhood, reigns over a nation of dog lovers – but which breeds are the most popular*?

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER

OFTEN stereotyped as aggressive, thick-set, angry creatures, ‘staffies’ can be gentle, affectionate pets that are easy to train and need little grooming.

COCKAPOO

THE first of the ‘designer dogs’ – a cross between poodles and cocker spaniels – a cockapoo is non-allergenic and will be a devoted companion.

LABRADOR

Traditionally a firm family favourite for dog lovers around the world, the labrador was originally bred as a gun dog and to help fishermen in the North Atlantic.

SPRINGER SPANIEL

spaniels were bred as close-working hunting partners and love human companionship and lots of exercise.

COCKER SPANIEL

PLAYFUL, alert and cuddly, cocker spaniels love to participate in family life. These sturdy little gun dogs are gentle – and more likely to lick an intruder than scare him away!

BOXER

DESCENDANTS of extinct Bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier, boxers are playful as puppies, then calm down with age.

BORDER COLLIE

BRED to support sheep farmers, these highly trainable working dogs are intensely focused yet incredibly loyal – but can wreak havoc if they aren’t exercised.

GERMAN SHEPHERD

STRONG, intelligent, courageous and obedient, German shepherd dogs are frequently used as guide dogs, and as service dogs in the military, police and search-and-rescue units, but they make great family pets.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER

Large gun dogs, golden retrievers are even tempered and affectionate, making them ideal for families with young children or other pets.

MIXED BREED

Well…it’s just pot luck, really! *According to a 2019 poll of 10,000 people conducted by ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Dogs