Dog ownership in the UK 2026| ��ƽ��

Share of households owning dogs in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2026*

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Release date

2026

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

2011 to 2026

Number of respondents

8,956 respondents

Age group

18 years and older

Method of interview

Online survey

Supplementary notes

*Figures are based on estimates. The survey changed from face-to-face to online in 2021, which means 2021 and 2022 data cannot be compared with earlier years but the percentage of households owning pets can be compared between 2022 and 2021 with some caution required as the sample size changed from 5,093 in 2021 to 8,983 in 2022.
Sample sizes vary as follows: n (2019/20) = 8,000; n (2018/19) = 8,000; n (2017/18) = 8,000; n (2016/17) = 8,000; n (2015/16) = 8000; n (2014/15) = 8353; n (2013/14) = 6,192; n (2012/13) = 4,223; n (2011/12) = 4,205; n (2010/11) = 4,156.

Citation formats

According to the most recent pet population survey in 2026, approximately ** percent of responding households in the United Kingdom (UK) owned at least one dog. Between 2010 and 2020, the percentage of households who own at least one dog remained between ** and ** percent. In 2021, the survey changed its format from face-to-face to online, meaning that data should not be directly compared with previous years.

Pet dogs in the United Kingdom

An upward trend is also reflected in the number of pet dogs owned in the UK, which was approximately ** million in 2023. This constitutes a increase of *** million compared to 2026. The . Approximately ** percent get their dog from a rescue or rehoming center/shelter based in the UK.

Most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom

The most frequently registered dog breeds in the UK are Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs. Since 2011, the number of registered French Bulldogs has increased from approximately to over *. The number of Labrador Retrievers remained relatively stable between 2011 and 2020. Both breeds saw a notable increase in registrations during the pandemic year of 2021. For example, the number of Labrador Retrievers increased from around * in 2020 to over * in 2021.