UK Dog Registrations Shift: French Bulldogs, Labradors, and Spaniels Decline
New analysis reveals a significant shift in dog breed popularity across the United Kingdom, with French Bulldogs, Labradors, and Spaniels experiencing the fastest declines in registrations. According to recent data, these traditionally favoured breeds are falling out of favour as new breeding regulations loom and preferences evolve.
Steepest Declines in Registrations
The French Bulldog has emerged as the fastest-declining breed in the UK, with registrations dropping sharply from 13,789 in 2024 to just 7,789 in 2025—a decrease of 6,000. This substantial fall highlights a notable trend away from this once-popular breed.
Following closely behind, the Retriever (Labrador) saw a decline of 4,222 registrations, while the Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) experienced a drop of 2,756. Spaniel (Cocker) ranked fourth with a fall of 1,559 registrations, and Bulldog placed fifth with a decline of 1,154.
Completing the top ten fastest-declining breeds are Miniature Schnauzer, Spaniel (English Springer), German Shepherd Dog, Border Terrier, and Pug. This trend suggests a broader movement away from several established favourites in the canine world.
Impact of New Breeding Regulations
The decline in registrations comes ahead of new breeding regulations in the UK, which aim to ensure the health of dogs, particularly breeds like the French Bulldog. These regulations will introduce stricter standards on features such as flat faces, skin wrinkles, and short legs, potentially influencing owner choices and breeding practices.
A Briefcase spokesman commented, “Looking at year-over-year movement reveals a very different story from a straight popularity ranking, with several of the UK’s most established favourites seeing steep declines while some smaller breeds continue to gain momentum.”
The spokesman added, “The figures suggest dog-breed preferences are shifting meaningfully, even if the biggest breeds still dominate overall registration totals.”
Rising Breeds and Vulnerable Native Breeds
In contrast to the declining breeds, some smaller breeds are gaining popularity. The Dachshund (Miniature Long Haired) led the risers with an increase of 244 registrations, followed by Jack Russell Terrier with 185 and Italian Greyhound with 118.
Meanwhile, the Royal Kennel Club has identified 39 "Vulnerable Native Breeds" at risk of disappearing from the UK, defined by having 300 or fewer annual puppy registrations. Notable breeds on this list include:
- Terriers: Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Sealyham, Glen of Imaal, Kerry Blue, Lakeland, Manchester, Norwich, Soft Coated Wheaten, Welsh Terrier, Bedlington Terrier.
- Spaniels & Setters: Clumber Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, English Setter, Gordon Setter, Irish Red & White Setter.
- Hounds & Working Dogs: Otterhound, Deerhound, Foxhound, Harrier, Bloodhound, Irish Wolfhound, Mastiff.
- Others: Bearded Collie, Smooth Collie, English Toy Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, Bull Terrier (Miniature), Lancashire Heeler, Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Bullmastiff, Old English Sheepdog.
Breeds with 300–450 registrations annually, such as the Airedale Terrier and Cairn Terrier, are listed as "At Watch" to monitor their decreasing popularity. Key reasons for their vulnerability include:
- Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware these native breeds exist.
- Fashion Trends: Popularity shifts toward foreign or designer breeds.
- Lifestyle Compatibility: Some vulnerable breeds require specific environments, exercise, or grooming that modern owners cannot provide.
The Royal Kennel Club is actively promoting these breeds through initiatives like the Vulnerable British and Irish Native Breeds Competition at Crufts to encourage breeding and ownership, aiming to preserve the UK's canine heritage amidst changing trends.
