A comprehensive new study published this month by the Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass program has crowned French Bulldogs and Cockapoos as the most popular puppy breeds in the UK.

The research analyzed vet records for over 400,000 dogs under two years old seen between 2016-2020. French Bulldogs made up 6.7% of the puppies examined, followed closely by Cockapoos at 6.4%. Labrador Retrievers, consistently the UK’s favorite dog breed for decades, dropped to third place at just 5.9% of puppies.

“Both French Bulldogs and Cockapoos have grown enormously in popularity in recent years,” said lead researcher Dr. Dan O’Neill. “Celebrity owners and widespread exposure across social media, TV and films has really fueled public demand for these breeds.”

The study also delved deeper to explore why certain breeds have risen and fallen in popularity. For French Bulldogs, their small size, cute squished faces, and perceived suitability for city living in apartments are major factors attracting new owners. Cockapoos – a cross between Cocker Spaniels and Poodles – are prized for their low-shedding coats and family-friendly reputations.

However, experts caution that the allure of Instagram-famous breeds like Frenchies and Cockapoos often overlooks their serious health issues. French Bulldogs frequently suffer breathing difficulties, overheating, and require Caesarean sections to give birth. Meanwhile, Cockapoos are prone to ear infections, luxating patellas, and eye disorders.

“We strongly advise that people only acquire French Bulldogs and Cockapoos from responsible breeders who prioritize health,” said veterinary professor and study co-author Paul McGreevy. He also advised prospective owners to look into adopting dogs from shelters or breed rescues.

The research highlights how media exposure and perceived lifestyle compatibility increasingly shape breed popularity above other factors like trainability or longevity. But while Frenchies and Cockapoos may be topping the charts for now, dog enthusiasts know trends come and go. The loyal Labrador Retriever won’t give up the UK’s favored breed title without a fight.

 

How Popular is Your Breed?

BreedFreq.Percent
Crossbreed45,99520.03
French Bulldog16,0366.98
Cockapoo14,3216.24
Labrador Retriever13,3035.79
English Cocker Spaniel10,7664.6900000000000004
Chihuahua9,6374.2
Staffordshire Bull Terrier6,9093.01
German Shepherd Dog6,3222.75
Shih-tzu6,0672.64
Pug5,6332.4500000000000002
Border Collie5,3292.3199999999999998
Jack Russell Terrier5,3052.31
Miniature Dachshund5,2672.29
British Bulldog3,9871.74
Cavapoo3,7861.65
English Springer Spaniel3,6771.6
Yorkshire Terrier3,5021.53
Golden Retriever3,2001.39
Labradoodle2,6761.17
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel2,5431.1100000000000001
Pomeranian2,4631.07
American Bulldog2,1810.95
Beagle2,1330.93
Rottweiler1,9880.87
Miniature Schnauzer1,8940.82
Dachshund1,8590.81
Husky1,8240.79
Sprocker1,5310.67
Boxer1,5120.66
Bichon Frise1,4060.61
Lhasa Apso1,3560.59
Border Terrier1,3360.57999999999999996
Whippet1,2560.55000000000000004
Maltese1,1430.5
Olde English Bulldogge1,0800.47
West Highland White Terrier1,0680.47
Toy Poodle1,0480.46
Lurcher1,0060.44
Hungarian Vizsla9370.41
Dogue de Bordeaux9220.4
Patterdale Terrier8480.37
Miniature Poodle8140.35
Boston Terrier8040.35
Standard Doberman Pinscher7730.34
Chinese Shar-Pei7130.31
Cane Corso Italiano6880.3
Standard Dachshund6850.3
Working Cocker Spaniel6030.26
German Pointer5620.24
Belgian Shepherd4720.21
Dalmatian4720.21
English Bull Terrier4630.2
Weimaraner4610.2
Chow Chow4500.2
Jug4340.19
American Akita3770.16
Akita3570.16
Chorkie3450.15
Rhodesian Ridgeback3230.14000000000000001
Great Dane2970.13
Standard Poodle2940.13
Saint Bernard2690.12
Tibetan Terrier2580.11
Poodle2530.11
Bedlington Terrier2460.11
King Charles Spaniel2430.11
Goldendoodle2390.1
Basset Hound2380.1
Spaniel2360.1
Japanese Inu Akita2330.1
Flat Coated Retriever2270.1
Newfoundland2110.09
Alaskan Malamute2070.09
Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge2010.09
Parson Russell Terrier1970.09
Cairn Terrier1920.08
Teacup Chihuahua1860.08
Greyhound1830.08
Corgi1820.08
Retriever1800.08
Scottish Terrier1727.0000000000000007E-2
Bernese Mountain Dog1687.0000000000000007E-2
Italian Greyhound1687.0000000000000007E-2
Bull Mastiff1607.0000000000000007E-2
Miniature Pinscher1597.0000000000000007E-2
Lakeland Terrier1577.0000000000000007E-2
Maltipoo1577.0000000000000007E-2
Havanese1557.0000000000000007E-2
Samoyed1557.0000000000000007E-2
Terrier1517.0000000000000007E-2
Jack-Chi1507.0000000000000007E-2
Shetland Sheepdog1490.06
Irish Red Setter1420.06
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog1380.06
Maremma Sheepdog1330.06
American Cocker Spaniel1320.06
Perro de Presa Canario1320.06
American Bull Terrier1230.05
Old English Sheepdog1230.05
Cavachon1220.05
Norfolk Terrier1220.05
Mastiff1210.05
Coton De Tulear1200.05
Miniature Labradoodle1180.05
Japanese Shiba Inu1170.05
American Staffordshire Terrier1110.05
Airedale Terrier1080.05
Miniature Yorkshire Terrier1030.04
Wire-Haired Fox Terrier1000.04
Bull Terrier990.04
Scottish Rough Collie990.04
Papillon960.04
Bearded Collie950.04
Irish Terrier940.04
Saluki920.04
Shichon910.04
Affenpinscher900.04
Schnauzer850.04
Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier840.04
Pekingese830.04
Japanese Spitz810.04
Miniature Jack Russell Terrier790.03
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier790.03
Italian Spinone780.03
English Beagle770.03
Australian Kelpie740.03
Welsh Springer Spaniel700.03
Welsh Terrier700.03
Malshi690.03
Neapolitan Mastiff690.03
African Boerboel670.03
English Mastiff670.03
Caucasian Sheepdog650.03
Portuguese Water Dog650.03
Dutch Shepherd Dog590.03
Poochon580.03
Fox Terrier570.02
American Mastiff550.02
English Pointer530.02
Aylestone Bulldog520.02
Schnoodle520.02
English Setter510.02
Leonberger500.02
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever500.02
Powder Puff Chinese Crested480.02
Bolognese Bichon470.02
Cavatzu470.02
Gordon Setter470.02
Russian Toy Terrier470.02
Puggle460.02
Teacup Pomeranian460.02
Biewer Terrier440.02
Chinese Crested440.02
Giant Schnauzer440.02
Lagotto Romagnolo440.02
Australian Labradoodle430.02
Australian Shepherd Dog430.02
Basset - Unspecified430.02
Miniature Bull Terrier430.02
New Zealand Sheepdog390.02
Miniature Doberman Pinscher370.02
Malchi350.02
American Pit Bull Terrier340.01
Keeshond340.01
Pinscher340.01
Spanish Water Dog340.01
Irish Wolfhound330.01
Standard Schnauzer320.01
Hairless Chinese Crested310.01
Afghan Hound300.01
Borzoi300.01
Northern Inuit Dog300.01
Shepherd Dog300.01
English Toy Terrier290.01
Kooiker Dog290.01
Plummer Terrier290.01
Pyrenean Mountain Dog290.01
Japanese Chin280.01
Lancashire Heeler280.01
Tibetan Mastiff280.01
Tibetan Spaniel280.01
Pomsky270.01
Clumber Spaniel260.01
Welsh Sheepdog260.01
Brittany Spaniel250.01
Yorkipoo250.01
German Spitz240.01
Bracco Italiano230.01
Jackapoo230.01
Lucas Terrier230.01
Miniature Cockapoo230.01
Miniature English Bull Terrier230.01
Anatolian Karabash Shepherd Dog220.01
Munsterlander220.01
Eurasier210.01
Manchester Terrier210.01
Norwich Terrier210.01
Briard200.01
Small Portuguese Podengo200.01
Spanish Bull Mastiff200.01
Bavarian Mountain Hound190.01
Black Russian Terrier190.01
Curly Coated Retriever190.01
Finnish Lapphund190.01
Kerry Blue Terrier190.01
Scottish Smooth Collie190.01
Victorian Bulldog190.01
American Bully180.01
Australian Cattle Dog180.01
Cavapoochon180.01
Griffon Bruxellois180.01
Sage180.01
Smooth Beagle180.01
Chesapeake Bay Retriever170.01
Dachsbracke170.01
Field Spaniel170.01
Old English Mastiff170.01
Sealyham Terrier170.01
Springerdoodle170.01
French Water Dog160.01
Polish Hound160.01
Spanish Mastiff160.01
Sussex Spaniel160.01
Turkish Kangal160.01
American Bullnese150.01
Cockador150.01
Dutch Sheepdog150.01
Glen of Imaal Terrier150.01
Mexican Hairless150.01
Russell Terrier150.01
Sheepdog150.01
Skye Terrier150.01
Swiss White Shepherd Dog150.01
African Wild Dog140.01
Bloodhound140.01
Borador140.01
Dandie Dinmont Terrier140.01
Irish Doodle140.01
Original English Bulldogge140.01
Hound130.01
Irish Water Spaniel130.01
Pomapoo130.01
Shih-Poo130.01
Toy German Spitz130.01
Chug120.01
German Sheeppoodle120.01
Scottish Deerhound120.01
Swedish Cattle Dog120.01
Cajun Squirrel Dog110
Chi-Poo110
Griffon110
Meliteo Kinidio110
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen110
Westiepoo110
Bulldogge - Unspecified100
Carpathian Sheepdog100
Inuit Dog100
Russian Bolonka100
Setter100
Akbash90
Australian Terrier90
Canaan Dog90
Labrador Husky90
Lowchen90
Miniature Goldendoodle90
Romanian Mioritic Sheepdog90
Smooth Fox Terrier90
Springador90
Thai Ridgeback90
Alaskan Klee Kai80
Australian Sheepdog80
Borderpoo80
Borkie80
Bouvier des Ardennes80
Central Asian Sheepdog80
Cesky Terrier80
East-European Shepherd Dog80
Miniture Shih-Tzu80
Old Format Toy Poodle80
Shiranian80
Standard Manchester Terrier80
Welsh Cocker Spaniel80
ASCOB Cocker Spaniel70
American Pocket Bully70
Australian Standard Shepherd Dog70
Basenji70
Boxador70
Chi-Pom70
Dorkie70
English Greyhound70
English Shepherd Dog70
Fauve de Bretagne Basset70
German Pinscher70
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog70
Harrier Beagle70
Hungarian Pumi70
Stabyhound70
Trail Hound70
Utonagan70
Beauce Shepherd Dog60
Bully60
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog60
French Basset60
French Korthals Pointing Wire-Haired Gr60
Irish Red and White Setter60
Maltipom60
Mi-Ki60
Portuguese Sheepdog60
Spanish Greyhound60
Standard German Spitz60
American Miniature Shepherd Dog50
Australian Miniature Shepherd Dog50
Bouvier des Flandres50
British Wolfdog50
Bull Boxer50
Bullador50
Bully Kuttas50
Foxhound50
German Guard Dog50
Hungarian Water Dog50
Italian Spitz50
Jackal50
Jagdterrier50
Korean Jindo50
Miniature Alaskan Husky50
Miniature Schnoodle50
Andalusian Mouse-Hunting Dog40
Belgian Tervuren Shepherd Dog40
Braque Francais40
Cattle Dog40
Chinese Chongqing Dog40
Dutch Tulip Hound40
Fourche Terrier40
Goldador40
Leopard Cur40
Maltichon40
Morkie40
Mountain Dog40
Norwegian Elkhound40
PatterJack40
Picardy Spaniel40
Podenco Canario40
Polish Lowland Sheepdog40
Silken Windhound40
Slovakian Rough-Haired Pointer40
Teckel Dachshund40
Wolfdog40
American Cockapoo30
Blue Picardy Spaniel30
Bulgarian Sheepdog30
Canoe Dog30
Chonzer30
Coydog30
Cur30
Czechoslovakian Shepherd Dog30
Estrela Mountain Dog30
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen30
Lhasapoo30
Olde Victorian Bulldogge30
Otterhound30
Papastzu30
Pharaoh Hound30
Podenco30
Pugapoo30
Saarloos Wolfhound30
Serbian Balkan Hound30
Sloughi30
Standard Mexican Hairless30
Tiara Teddy Bear30
Water Dog30
Wolfhound30
Africanis20
Appenzell Cattle Dog20
Argentinian Mastiff20
Ariege Pointer20
Australian Bandog20
Australian Silky Terrier20
Auvergne Pointer20
Belgian Mastiff20
Braque du Bourbonnais20
Catalan Sheepdog20
Chinook20
Chusky20
Cyprus Poodle20
Fell Terrier20
French Spaniel20
German Hunting Terrier20
Grand Gascon Saintongeois20
Greek Hound20
Guard Dog20
Ibizan Hound20
Kai Dog20
Kyi-Leo20
Miniature Bulldog20
Miniature Coloured Bull Terrier20
Moscow Toy Terrier20
Norwegian Lundehund20
Norwegian Sheepdog20
Old Danish Pointer20
Ori Pei20
PatterPoo20
Pyrenean Mastiff20
Shropshire Terrier20
Snorkie20
Spanish Bulldog20
Sprollie20
St Germain Pointer20
Standard White Bull Terrier20
Water Spaniel20
Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon20
African Hairless dog10
American Bandogge Mastiff10
American Brittany Spaniel10
American Dingo10
American Lo-Sze Pugg10
American Staghound10
American Tundra Shepherd Dog10
Anglos-Francais de Moyenne Venerie10
Anglos-Francaises de Petite Venerie10
Artesian Normand Basset10
Arubian Cunucu Dog10
Ashayeri Sage10
Azores Cattle Dog10
Basset Griffon Vendeen10
Beaglier10
Bedipoo10
Belgian Short-Haired Pointer10
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog10
Bernese Hound10
Black Forrest Hound10
Black and Tan Coonhound10
Blue Cattle Dog10
Bolonoodle10
Bosnian Hound10
Boykin Spaniel10
Braque Belge10
Braque du Puy10
Brazilian Terrier10
Bruno Jura Hound10
Bucovina Shepherd10
Bug10
Canadian Inuit Dog10
Caucasian Ovtcharka10
Cavajack10
Cavapom10
Chichon10
Chiweenie10
Cockachon10
Cockalier10
Colliedoodle10
Coonhound10
Croatian Sheepdog10
Dalmador10
Danish Mastiff10
Dogue Brasileiro10
Dutch Ratter10
East Russian Coursing Hounds10
Elizabethan Beagle10
English Foxhound10
Entlebucher Mountain Dog10
French Brittany Spaniel10
Frug10
German Hound10
Grand Griffon Bleu de Gascogne10
Greek Shepherd10
Greenland Dog10
Griffon Briquet Vendeen10
Hairless Khala10
Hanoverian Hound10
Havachon10
Havaton10
Himalayan Sheepdog10
Hungarian Kuvasz10
Huskamute10
Indian Bear Hound10
Italian Hound10
Japanese Retriever10
Karst Shepherd Dog10
Kumaon Mastiff10
Labralas10
Labraspoodle10
Laika10
Larson Lakeview Bulldogge10
Lhasachon10
Middle Asian Ovtcharka10
Miniature Shepherd10
Miniature White Bull Terrier10
Nebolish Mastiff10
New Guinea Singing Dog10
Old Format Dachshund10
Old Format Manchester Terrier10
Old Time Farm Shepherd Dog10
Pariah Dog10
Picardy Shepherd10
Plott Hound10
Pocket Beagle10
Poogle10
Pooton10
Portuguese Pointer10
Prague Ratter10
Puganese10
Pugtzu10
Pyrenean Shepherd Dog10
Rat Terrier10
Romanian Bukovina Sheepdog10
Russian Spaniel10
Schipperke10
Scottish Collie10
ShiChi10
Slovakian Hound10
Spitz10
Standard Coloured Bull Terrier10
Standard Mountain Cur10
Swiss Mountain Dog10
Sydney Terrier10
Tahltan Bear Dog10
Taigan10
Teacup Maltese10
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier10
Thai Bangkaew Dog10
Tibetan Kyi Apso10
Titan Terrier10
Toy Manchester Terrier10
Toy Terrier10
Tricolour French Hound10
Vilano Bulldog10
Wauzer10

Source: VetCompass Dog Breed Frequency 2019 – Under 1 year

 

Additional findings from the study include:

  • 4% of dogs were classified as purebred, with 6.7% classified as designer-crossbred and 24.0% as non-designer-crossbred
  • There were slightly more male than female dogs in the population (52.2% males, 47.8% females). Female dogs were statistically older and lighter than male dogs
  • When looking at hair type, 54.6% of dogs were short haired, 32.6% were medium haired and 12.8% were long haired
  • Ear types varied among the population; 24.5% had erect ears, 28.1% had semi-erect ears, 19.7% had v-shaped drop ears and 27.7% had pendulous ears
  • 6% of dogs were chondrodystrophic (short-legged)
  • 74% of dogs overall were neutered. Females were more likely to be neutered than males. Neutered dogs were older and heavier than entire dogs
  • 1% of dogs were classified as mesaticephalic (medium-length skulls e.g. Labrador Retriever, Beagle), 8.3% of dogs were dolichocephalic (long-faced e.g. greyhound, whippet), while 17.6% were brachycephalic (flat-faced dogs e.g. French Bulldog, Pug).  Brachycephalic dogs were statistically significantly younger than mesaticephalic dogs and dolichocephalic dogs

 

“With 800 dog breeds available in the UK, this VetCompass study shows there are still plenty of healthy breeds to choose from that do not suffer from extreme body shapes such as flat faces, skin folds or absent tails. Despite this, many UK owners are still persuaded by social influences and trends into acquiring dogs with extreme body shapes that are likely to result in serious health issues during much of their dogs’ lives. The advice is to stop and think before buying a dog with an extreme body shape.”

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, and lead author of the paper

Full details of the research can be found here and the complete research paper is freely available online at DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0288081