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With their wide eyes and wagging tails, it’s no surprise that puppies are some of the most desirable pets in the world.
Now researchers have revealed the most popular puppy breeds in the UK.
Their findings show that while common crossbreeds top the list, several flat-faced breeds, including French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs and Pugs, remain popular.
Dr. Kirsten McMillan, DataSEA (Science, Engineering & Analytics) Manager at Dogs Trust and co-author of the paper, said: ‘This paper highlights that the popularity of dog breeds is not immune to fads or trends.
“Of particular importance is the shift in consumer preference towards specific aesthetics and characteristics associated with serious health problems, for example the flat face and exaggerated body shape of the French Bulldog.”
Among British puppies, common crosses (20 per cent) proved to be the most popular
Their findings show that while common crossbreeds top the list, several flat-faced breeds, including French Bulldogs (pictured), British Bulldogs and Pugs, remain popular
Dogs are some of the most popular pets in the UK, with a staggering 11 million UK dog population this year, according to the PDSA.
Despite this, there has been surprisingly little research into the popularity of different age breeds in the UK.
In their new study, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) team analyzed 2,237,105 dogs from 800 different breeds in the UK.
Data collected on each dog included their age, breed, body shape, body weight and sex.
The results showed that non-designer crosses were the most popular across all age groups, accounting for 24 percent of the population.
This was followed by the Labrador Retriever (6.9 percent), Jack Russell Terrier (4.5 percent), English Cocker Spaniel (4.3 percent), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (4.2 percent), and Chihuahua (3.6 percent). ).
However, the results were surprisingly different when focusing on dogs less than a year old.
Among British puppies, after common crosses (20 percent), the most common breeds were French Bulldog (7.0 percent), Cockapoo (6.2 percent), Labrador Retriever (5.8 percent), English Cocker Spaniel (4. 7 percent) and Chihuahua (4.2 percent).
Dr. Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, and lead author of the paper, said: ‘With 800 dog breeds available in the UK, this VetCompass study shows there are still plenty of healthy breeds to choose from . not be bothered by extreme body shapes such as flat faces, skin folds or absent tails.
Among British puppies, after common cross-breeding (20 percent), the most common breeds were French Bulldog, Cockapoo (pictured left), Labrador Retriever (pictured right), English Cocker Spaniel and Chihuahua
Data collected on each dog included their age, breed, body shape, body weight and sex. In the photo: an English cocker spaniel
‘Despite this, many owners in the UK are still persuaded by social influences and trends to purchase dogs with extreme body shapes which are likely to lead to serious health problems for much of their dog’s life.
“The advice is to think twice about buying a dog with an extreme body shape.”
The short muzzled ‘brachycephalic’ features of flat faced dogs have not evolved naturally and are instead the result of selective breeding.
This facial structure puts them at high risk for a range of health problems, including skin fold dermatitis, respiratory and eye problems.
A study published last year by researchers at the RVC compared the risks of 40 common conditions in pugs with other dog breeds.
The team analyzed the records of 16,218 pug and 889,326 non-pug breeds, drawn from the VetCompass database.
Their analysis found that pugs were at increased risk for 23 of 40 common conditions.
Pugs were 54 times more likely to have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome — a condition that affects the upper airways — and 51 times more likely to have narrow nostrils.
The team hopes the findings will help future owners make more informed decisions when buying a puppy. In the photo: a Chihuahua puppy
The breed was also 13 times more likely to have corneal ulceration, 2.5 times more likely to be obese and twice as likely to have overgrown nails.
Meanwhile, the researchers say the rise of designer crossbreeds such as Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles is also concerning.
Owners often choose to spend huge amounts of money on these breeds, believing they make better pets, cause fewer allergic reactions, or are easier to care for.
However, the researchers say there is limited evidence to support any of these beliefs.
The team hopes the findings will help future owners make more informed decisions when buying a puppy.
“We hope this article encourages potential dog owners to do their due diligence and prioritize the well-being of their new pet – above all else,” added Dr. McMillan to it.
“Helping to ensure a long and happy life for their new family member.”