Top of the pups
Labradors take back their crown as UK’s most popular dog!
Great Britain is home to an incredibly diverse array of dog breeds, but have you ever wondered which breed is the most popular in the UK? Take a quick walk in your local park and it’s likely you’ll see dogs of all shapes and sizes, from boxers to chihuahuas, to spaniels and vizslas, one thing is certain, Brits love dogs!
We wanted to do some digging to find out which is the most popular dog in the UK in 2020, so surveyed 2,000 of our dog-obsessed customers about their four-legged friends as well as their holiday habits.
The results were insightful! We discovered that the Labrador Retriever has once again regained the title as the most popular pooch in Britain. The traditionally working dog breed is a family favourite, due to its friendly demeanor and intelligence. As a medium sized dog, the Labrador is easy to maintain and generally has a good bill of health, however they are known for their big appetites!
Without further ado, here are the UK’s most popular dogs:
1.Labrador Retriever
2.Cockerpoo
3.Springer Spaniel
4.Cocker Spaniel
5.Jack Russell
6.German Shepherd
7.Border Collie
8.Border Terrier
9.Lurcher
10.West Highland White Terrier
Dogs are well and truly members of the family, and more and more people are bringing them along on holiday too.
With a massive 73% of dog owners stating they book their holidays based on the needs of their dog, we’ve sniffed out (sorry!) the top five experiences to do with your pup as voted for by our customers, as well as the best properties in the local area that will have them as temporary house guests.
1. Sit down to dinner with your dog
The Doggie Diner in Cromer, is a canine café designed so the whole family can share a meal at the table, dogs included.
Treat your good boy or girl to a ‘doggie-cino’ or a glass of ‘pawsecco’ while they snack on some popcorn or a ‘pupcake’. If they’ve been really good, the Doggie Diner also offers a special doggy afternoon tea for under a tenner, which includes all of their dog-friendly classics and a tennis ball for after tea fun.
2. Take your pup paddleboarding
The Dog Backpacker, a company specialising in adventurous outdoor activities for you and your dog offer a short course to teach you and your dog the skill of stand-up paddleboarding.
Sessions are three hours long and kick off with teaching the owner how to paddle in the water, moving on to showing both owner and dog how to do it on-land before letting go and making a splash!
Featured property
Just 9 miles down the road, a beautiful 2-person (plus dog!) property is available for instant booking with on-site parking, an open fire and lovely little garden here.
3. Pamper your pooch with a spa day
Does your pooch need a pamper? You can now treat your dog to a whole spa day experience, leaving you a morning to catch up on errands or take some time out for yourself.
The Pooch Dog Spa in Hampshire offers pamper mornings for dogs of all sizes, big and small, from £60. On arrival, your dog will be greeted by their spa therapist for a consultation, followed by a 30-60 minute walk in the local park. Once all walked-out, dogs are then treated to a hydro-massage bath with products based on the results of their consultation.
There’ll be lots of ear scratches as your dog gets a facial and head massage, ear cleanse and pedicure and the session ends with a light lunch and lots of snuggles with aromatherapy oils and relaxing music.
4. Share some cheese at Cheddar Gorge
Full of gorgeous walks, fascinating caves, adventures to be had and of course, cheese. Cheddar Gorge is one of Britain’s (worst kept) secret beauty spots.
When you’re finished exploring the caves (dogs are also welcome in the caves), visit one of many gift shops and grab some of the famous cheese and a picnic table and relax.
There also regular events at Cheddar Gorge so you’re bound to find something for the entire family.
Featured property
When the fun’s all over, get the family in the car and drive over to Mill Batch Cottage, which sleeps 5 humans and 2 dogs.
5. Dig a hole with your dog
Finding a dog-friendly beach can be difficult especially with beaches putting on extra restrictions in the busy summer months. There are specific sections of Exmouth beach however, that are dog-friendly all year round with the main beach allowing dogs from October to the end of April. Just be mindful of other beachgoers and make sure the holes don’t get too big!
Monks Thatch is a quaint cottage perfect for snoozes after a big dig. It sleeps four people and one dog. See it here:
Featured property
When the fun’s all over, get the family in the car and drive over to Mill Batch Cottage, which sleeps 5 humans and 2 dogs.
