UK Dog Statistics 2025: Ownership, Costs & Popular Breeds

Explore 2025 UK dog stats, pet population, breed trends, ownership costs, and training challenges. Discover how Brits care for their furry friends.

UK Dog Statistics 2025:

Dogs are loved by people all across the United Kingdom. The UK has the second-largest dog population in Europe, right after Germany. In British homes, almost 12 million dogs are kept as pets. From being cuddly companions to loyal guards, dogs are seen as family members in many households.

In this blog, we will take a simple look at UK dog statistics for 2025. You will learn about how many people own dogs and which breeds are the most popular. How much does it cost to care for a dog, and how does training play a role in building strong bonds between dogs and their owners?

Top 10 Dog Facts in the UK:

10 important facts about dog ownership in the UK:

There are about 12 million pet dogs in the UK.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, about 3 million households adopted dogs.
59% of people in England have a dog.
In Wales, dog ownership is even higher at 68%.
In the UK, 31% of pet owners own at least one dog.
Only 20% of dogs come from rescue shelters.
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed.
The French Bulldog is the second most popular.
Over its lifespan, a dog can cost up to £19,000.
29% of dog owners said they would skip a meal so their dog could eat.

Dogs are popular in the UK:

Dogs are everywhere in the UK. People love their furry friends, but the number of dogs slightly dropped in 2023. The high expense of living was the main cause of this. Some people decided not to get a dog due to rising prices for food, rent, and bills.

During the pandemic, when people had to stay at home, many felt lonely or stressed. That’s when over 3 million households in the UK got dogs. Dogs helped people feel better and gave them company. Many found happiness in having a pet dog, whether it was families, older people, or those living alone.

Dog Ownership:

Dog ownership is not the same everywhere in the UK. Here’s a simple look:

Approximately 59% of individuals in England own at least one dog.
In Wales, that number goes up to 68%.
In other areas like Scotland and Northern Ireland, dog ownership is also high but slightly lower than in Wales. Dogs are loved in every part of the UK.

Top Sources for Getting a Pet Dog in the UK:

It’s sad but true that only 1 out of 5 dogs (20%) come from shelters or rescues. Most people get their dogs in other ways:

Licensed breeders—33%
Private sellers (like online ads or word of mouth)
Friends or family – Some people are gifted a dog or adopted by someone they know.

Hundreds more dogs are still in need of a home at numerous rescue organisations.

Popular Dog Breeds in the UK:

Some dog breeds are more popular than others. Based on recent records, here are the top two:

Labrador Retriever:

44,311 Labradors were registered.
Known for being kind, smart, and great with children.
They are a perfect choice for families.

French Bulldog:

42,538 French Bulldogs were registered.
Small in size, easy to manage, and very cute.
Best for city homes and apartments.

The French Bulldog may overtake all other breeds as the most popular in the future if the current trend continues.

Dog Ownership Costs in the UK:

Many people do not realize that owning a dog can be expensive. Over its lifetime, a dog can cost around £19,000.

Main Costs Include:

Food: Between £120 and £600 per year, depending on the dog’s size.
Vet care: For vaccines, checkups, or emergency treatments.
Insurance: Optional, but it helps during big medical bills.
Toys and grooming: Dogs also require enjoyment, cleanliness, and care.
Big dogs usually eat more and may need more care, so they cost more than small dogs.

Feeding Dogs:

29% of UK dog owners said they would skip a meal if they did not have enough food for their dog. That shows just how much love people have for their pets. However, it also tells us about financial stress. Some owners are struggling to provide even basic needs for their dogs. According to the RSPCA, over 12,000 dogs were abandoned in 2023. Many were left behind because their owners couldn’t afford to care for them anymore.

Are British Dogs Well-Trained?

Training helps dogs behave better and stay safe. Many owners do their best to train their pets. Here’s what people said in a survey:

More than 50% of owners gave their dogs a training score of 7 or 8 out of 10.
But they gave lower scores to other people’s dogs!
People without dogs gave higher scores overall, possibly because they didn’t see dogs misbehaving up close.
So, dog training is seen as important, but not everyone agrees on how well-trained dogs are.

Is Dog Training Easy to Access?

Not really. Many people, especially those with less money, find dog training hard to afford or attend. Common reasons include:

High training costs
Long travel distances
Busy job schedules that don’t match training class times

Some studies found that online training classes are more popular with people who have tight schedules. But in-person classes work better, especially for wealthy owners who can afford them. This shows a clear need for low-cost and flexible training options in the UK. Everyone deserves to have a well-behaved pet.

Final Thoughts:

Even though dog numbers have dropped a little, it is clear that British people still love their dogs deeply. For many, dogs are not just animals, they are family members. Yes, owning a dog comes with costs and responsibilities. But the love, loyalty, and happiness that dogs bring are priceless. If the UK can make pet care and training more affordable, more dogs will stay in loving homes. Together, we can make sure every dog in the UK lives a happy and safe life.