Comparing Kennel Club Registered Dog Breeds with Public UK Favourites
The Kennel Club is the UK’s umbrella organisation for dog breeds and breeding, holding a centralised breed registry for all recognised dog breeds and mandating the requirements for formal breed registration.
This means that The Kennel Club also keeps comprehensive data on breed trends, tracking which breeds are rising or falling in popularity based on new puppy registrations each year.
However, The Kennel Club's data provides an incomplete picture of the full UK dog population. Kennel Club registrations only reflect registered pedigree litters and exclude unregistered dogs and popular hybrid breeds that are not eligible for registration.
At Pets4Homes, the UK’s largest pet classifieds website, we track popularity based on the volume of adverts for dogs for sale and user search trends, including both registered pedigree breeds and unregistered or hybrid dogs.
For a broad perspective, we compare The Kennel Club’s top registered breeds with the public’s favourites as measured by Pets4Homes data. Let’s explore the key differences and what they tell us about breed popularity in the UK today.
Why do the rankings differ between The Kennel Club and public data?
The main reason the two rankings differ is the data source and criteria: the Kennel Club counts new puppy registrations for recognised breeds only, while public data reflects all dogs people seek to buy or own, including hybrids.
This means mixed and unregistered breeds popular with families and individuals may rank highly in public data but be absent or lower in Kennel Club lists.
Comparing the Top 6: Registered vs Public Favourite Dog Breeds
6. English Bulldog vs Cocker Spaniel
The English Bulldog is sixth in Kennel Club registrations but the Cocker Spaniel holds sixth place on Pets4Homes. The Cocker Spaniel is a classic British breed known for its friendly nature and versatility, while the English Bulldog’s popularity is influenced by its distinctive looks but also health considerations.
5. English Springer Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever
On Kennel Club records, the English Springer Spaniel ranks fifth, reflecting active registration by dedicated breeders. However, the Labrador Retriever, a beloved family pet and the UK’s most popular breed overall by registrations, ranks fifth in Pets4Homes data – a sign of its widespread appeal across registered and unregistered dogs.
4. Pug vs Cockapoo (Hybrid)
The Kennel Club lists the Pug as the fourth most registered breed, renowned for its charming personality and compact size. Meanwhile, the public favours the Cockapoo, a hybrid cross between the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, popular for its hypoallergenic qualities and affectionate temperament, but not eligible for Kennel Club registration.
3. Cocker Spaniel vs Pug
The third place in Kennel Club data belongs to the Cocker Spaniel, but this breed ranks lower in public preference at sixth place. The Pug, meanwhile, is third in the public’s list, showing how registered popularity and public demand can diverge.
2. French Bulldog vs Chihuahua
The French Bulldog is second in Kennel Club registrations, rising rapidly due to its compact size and playful nature. Interestingly, the Chihuahua ranks second with the public, even though it does not appear in Kennel Club’s top registered breeds, illustrating a preference for smaller companion dogs.
1. Labrador Retriever vs French Bulldog
The Labrador Retriever tops the Kennel Club registration charts, long celebrated as a friendly and versatile family dog. On Pets4Homes, the French Bulldog leads in popularity, reflecting its surging demand with all types of owners including those seeking mixed or unregistered dogs.
Which list best reflects true popularity?
Both the Kennel Club and Pets4Homes have strengths in showing different aspects of dog popularity. Kennel Club data reflects dedicated pedigree breeding patterns, supporting breed standards and responsible breeding. Meanwhile, Pets4Homes data offers a more inclusive view encompassing hybrid breeds and unregistered dogs widely owned across the UK.
For potential dog owners, this means considering not just a breed’s registration status but also broader popularity, lifestyle fit, and ethical acquisition sources such as reputable breeders or trusted rehoming centres.
Recognising the rise of hybrids like the Cockapoo helps acknowledge changing public preferences towards dogs with diverse backgrounds and health considerations.
What does this mean for prospective dog owners?
It’s important to research breeds thoroughly, not just by popularity rankings but by characteristics, health needs, and care requirements. Whether a breed is registered or a hybrid mix, commitment to responsible ownership and adopting from ethical sources is key to ensuring a happy life for both dog and owner.
If you’re considering finding a puppy, look beyond ranking lists to understand what breed suits your home and lifestyle best. Engage with reputable breeders or consider adoption to give loving homes to deserving dogs.
