UK Pet Market 2026: The "Decisive Turning Point" for Pet Parents and Breeders
Welcome to our latest market deep-dive! If you’ve been following the UK pet industry, you’ll know the last few years have been a bit of a roller coaster. But as we step into 2026, the data is clear: we’ve reached a decisive turning point.
After four consecutive years of subdued demand and falling prices, 2025 marked a massive turnaround. Whether you're a first-time "pet parent" looking for a furry family member or a responsible breeder dedicated to the best practices, the market is moving fast.
Here are the top takeaways from our UK Pet Industry Report Vol.10.
1. Demand is back
The "subdued" era is officially over. In 2025, demand returned to levels that actually exceed pre-pandemic norms.
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Puppy Power: Puppy adverts averaged 200 weekly views, a staggering 43% increase year-on-year.
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Faster Rehoming: Pets are finding their forever homes much quicker. Listings are now typically live for around 20 days, down from a high of 40 days back in 2023.
2. A "New King" of the breed rankings
For the first time in a decade, the French Bulldog has been dethroned as the UK's most commonly advertised puppy.
The new leader? The Miniature Dachshund. This breed has seen a remarkable rise, climbing from 16th place in 2018 to the top spot today. This shift likely reflects growing pet parent awareness regarding health concerns in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds.
The 2026 Top 3:
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Miniature Dachshund
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Cocker Spaniel
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French Bulldog
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3. The rise of hybrids and "Hounds"
The landscape of the UK's dog population is changing. We’re seeing a long-term move away from traditional pedigree dominance.
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Pedigree decline: A decade ago, pedigrees made up 82% of puppies sold; today, that’s down to 65%.
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Hybrid growth: "Designer" crossbreeds (like Goldendoodles and Cockapoos) now account for 35% of all puppies, up from just 18% in 2014.
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Hound popularity: Hounds have also tripled their market share over the last ten years, now representing 12% of all sold puppies.
4. Pricing trends: Quality commands a premium
While average puppy prices reached £989 in December 2025 (up 19% year-on-year), the breeder matters more than ever when it comes to value.
Our data shows that pet parents are willing to pay a premium for trust and safety:
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Licensed breeders: Puppies from licensed breeders cost on average >£1,500—a 52% price gap compared to unlicensed hobbyists.
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ID Verification: Breeders who complete our ID verification command a 23% higher price.
5. Don’t forget the cats!
The cat market is strengthening right alongside the dogs. Kittens advertised grew 8% in 2025, marking the second consecutive year of growth.
The British Shorthair remains the undisputed heavyweight, dominating with a 21% market share. If you’re looking for the "most in-demand" feline, however, keep an eye on the Oriental cat, which leads with 931 views per listing.
Our commitment: Safety first
As the market heats up, our mission remains the same: to give every pet the best life possible by creating a trusted, safe ecosystem.
In 2025, we were proud to see animal welfare reports fall by 23% as our platform safeguards strengthened. From enforcing PAAG standards to spending over 31,000 hours stopping fraud, we’re here to ensure the rehoming process is "pawsitive" for everyone involved.
Ready to find your lifelong companion or learn more about responsible breeding?
