The Labrador is once again the UK’s most popular dog breed with 5,347 registrations, overtaking the trendy French bulldog.
Third is the cocker spaniel, followed by the English bulldog and the springer spaniel, according to research by pet insurer Protectivity, which reveals which breeds have seen the biggest rise and fall in Kennel Club registration numbers over the last two decades.
Utility breeds have seen the biggest increase in registrations, with a 163% rise since 1990, and the dogue de Bordeaux has had the largest increase in registrations, with a 22,217% rise, from just six registrations in 1990 to 1,339 last year!
GENTLE GIANTS
“Despite having a long history of working roles including as a guard dog, these gentle giants make a brilliant dog to have around children, with their calm and affectionate nature making them a loyal family member,” Protectivity says.
The tiny Yorkshire Terrier has experienced the greatest fall in registration numbers with just 644 registrations in 2019 compared with a huge 24,015 in 1990 as owners increasingly favour Continental breeds.
Also down in registrations are the West Highland white terrier and the Pekingese.
