Are French Bulldogs Falling in Popularity in the UK in 2025?
The French bulldog has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK in recent years, quietly rising from relative obscurity to take a top spot in breed rankings. For over a decade, the demand for these distinctive, affectionate dogs grew rapidly, culminating in surpassing the long-time favourite Labrador Retriever in puppy registrations with the Kennel Club back in 2018.
That rise, however, appears to have levelled off in 2025, with recent statistics suggesting a slight decline in registrations and adverts, reflecting growing awareness about the breed’s health challenges and changing buyer preferences.
Official Kennel Club Statistics Show a Slight Decline
The Kennel Club reports that while French bulldogs remain highly registered, figures have dipped slightly in recent years. Comparing registrations of French bulldog puppies between early 2018 and mid-2019 showed an 8% drop, with 17,061 registrations falling to 15,785 in corresponding six-month periods.
This downward trend appears consistent through 2024 and into 2025, where recent data shows approximately 13,789 French bulldog registrations for the year so far, now ranking the breed third behind Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels. The overall registered pedigree dog population in the UK is following a modest decline, reflecting shifting market dynamics and puppy buying patterns following the pandemic surge.
Pets4Homes Advert Data Corroborates the Decline
Pets4Homes, the UK's largest pet classifieds platform, tracks a wider spectrum than official registrations by including both pedigree and non-pedigree dogs. Their data indicates that advertisements for French bulldog puppies have decreased by around 9.5% over a recent 12-month span. This reflects fewer ads placed for litters and individual dogs, reinforcing the picture of slightly reduced demand.
Since many breeders advertise by litter rather than individual pups, the number of puppies available may be higher than ad counts suggest; however, the consistent percentage decrease aligns well with Kennel Club's official figures.
Why Might Popularity Be Declining?
Several factors appear to influence this trend. Most notably, the breed’s well-documented health issues, linked to its brachycephalic (flat-faced) features, have raised buyer awareness and impacted demand. These include:
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Difficulty breathing due to compressed airways
- Skin Problems: Dermatitis from skin folds
- Eye Conditions: Including cherry eye and ulcers
- Musculoskeletal Issues: Such as patellar luxation and spinal diseases
The Royal Veterinary College’s large-scale studies and the British Veterinary Association’s Breed to Breathe campaign have raised public awareness of these problems, encouraging more responsible purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the Kennel Club's move to require respiratory function tests for French bulldogs competing at Crufts 2025 reflects growing concern within breeder and welfare communities.
Balancing Demand and Welfare Considerations
Despite the challenges, French bulldogs are still loved for their friendly, playful nature and suitability for city life. Many UK breeders continue to report stable or increased demand, especially from those committed to health testing and ethical breeding practices.
Prospective owners are advised to carefully research the breed’s specific needs and choose reputable French bulldog breeders who prioritise health screenings and responsible ownership to ensure the well-being of their dogs.
Summary: What Does 2025 Mean for French Bulldogs in the UK?
While French bulldog popularity in the UK is showing signs of a plateau or slight decline in 2025, the breed remains among the nation’s favourites. This shift likely reflects a more informed public, attentive to the breed’s welfare issues, as well as evolving attitudes towards ethical breeding.
Continued collaboration among vets, breeders, and welfare organisations aims to promote healthier French bulldog lines and ensure prospective owners make educated choices, blending the breed’s charm with improved quality of life.
For those considering a French bulldog, prioritising health and responsible breeders is essential to enjoy the companionship these unique dogs offer, while supporting sustainable and ethical dog ownership in the UK.
