The Top 20 most popular dog breeds for 2020

Updated on January 2nd, 2020

Do you know what the most popular dog breeds are this year? Well, wonder no longer, as the latest research is in and the top 20 dog breeds can now be revealed!

ITV carried out a survey of 10,000 people to find out Britain’s most popular dog breeds.

The results were broadcast live on a television programme called “Britain’s Favourite Dogs” by TV presenters Ben Fogle and Sarah Cox. They were joined on live TV by loads of different dogs, to showcase the best of their breeds.

The results are in, and the most popular dog breeds in the UK are listed below.

Does your favourite make the list?

What dog breeds are the most popular in 2019?

Can you guess the most popular dog breed for 2019? I thought I knew what the answer would be, but I was wrong!

In fact, the answer that I thought would be Number 1 actually came in at Number 3!

I was pretty sad that shih tzus only weighed in at Number 41 as I have a lovely Shih Tzu called Socks – but my other dog Freddie who is a mixed breed did MUCH better in the results and has made it into the Top 20!

Does your dog’s breed make it into the 20 most popular? Find out below…

20) Jack Russell

Jack Russell terriers are energetic, happy dogs who have strong wills and lots of energy! Originally bred to hunt, these smaller dogs need to be kept busy with walks and activities.

They can be quite vocal when they want to be, which means they can be good watchdogs.

However, Jack Russells are also well-suited to being family pets, although they tend to be happier with older children who know how to behave properly around dogs.

19) Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are powerful dogs who typically weigh between 65-90lb.

I was quite surprised to see Dobermans make the Top 20 dog breeds list, as I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen one!

Doberman pinschers need socialisation and training from an early age. They are strong, energetic dogs and a popular choice for guard dogs, police dogs and security dogs.

18) Dachshund (sausage dog)

Dachshunds, also known as sausage dogs, have been bred to have long bodies and short legs which can make them susceptible to back problems. Because of this, they are best suited to live in homes without many stairs.

Originally bred to hunt badgers, these cute little dogs are now more traditionally found snoozing on sofas than out hunting in the forests.

17) Weimaraner

The weimaraner is a large breed of dog who enjoys hunting, hiking and outdoor activities.

They are very intelligent dogs, so they need lots of stimulation to stop them becoming destructive or manifesting their boredom in negative ways.

Weimaraners are usually grey in colour and have short coats and muscular bodies.

16) Welsh Terrier

Welsh Terriers, also known as ‘Welshies’, are a mid-size dog who are usually affectionate, happy, intelligent and good with children.

Their curly fur makes them low-shedding which is good for allergy sufferers.

Welsh Terriers are a vulnerable dog breed – only 380 new puppies were registered with the Kennel Club in 2015.

15) Cavachon

A cavachon is a cross between a cavalier King Charles spaniel and a bichon frise.

They are usually small dogs with low shedding coats – although their coats do require regular grooming and brushing.

Cavachons make great family pets, and they are certainly very cute – although due to their breeding heritage they can be prone to the same hereditary medical conditions as their parents.

14) Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Dandie Dinmonts are a small breed of terrier, originally from Scotland.

Similar to dachshunds, they have long bodies and short legs, however their coat tends to be long and they have a unique knot of hair on their heads that is symbolic of the breed.

Dandie Dinmonts are officially classed as a ‘vulnerable breed’ by the Kennel Club due to the low number of puppies that are registered each year.

13) Labradoodle

A labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a poodle.

Bred to be low shedding thanks to their poodle parent’s genes; Labradoodles can be a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Labradoodles come in a range of sizes (similar to poodles), from smaller dogs to very large.

They make great family pets and usually inherit the laid-pack attitude of a Labrador and the intelligence of a poodle.

12) Miniature Schnauzer

I must admit; miniature schnauzers are one of my favourite breeds of dogs.

These salt-and-pepper coloured dogs weigh between 5.5kg and 9kg, making them a great sized dog for living in smaller houses or apartments.

They are affectionate and loyal, although they can be stubborn.

Miniature schnauzers make great family pets and they are often well-suited to living with cats.

11) Flat-coated Retriever

Flat-coated retrievers are gun-dogs that are often happiest when out working, for example hunting, digging and running across fields.

They are very active and intelligent dogs that require lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

Their coats are glossy and smooth (hence the name), and they can be black, yellow or live coloured.

Flat-coated retrievers have a uniquely shaped head and they are leaner and more elegant in appearance to other retriever breeds.

10) Mixed Breed

Mixed breed, cross breed, mutt, Heinz 57 – there are lots of different names for these dogs.

A mixed breed dog is one that doesn’t belong to any officially recognised breed. For example, my dog Freddie (pictured below!) is part shih tzu and part jack Russell.

Cross breeds a fabulous because they all look completely different and have individual temperaments and characteristics.

Mixed breeds dogs are said to live longer than pedigrees as their mix of genes can make them generally healthier and less likely to develop the usual health problems of their parents’ breeds.

9) Golden Retriever

The golden retriever is the ultimate family dog.

Loyal and brave, clever and loving, when you think of the traditional family dog, a retriever surely can’t be far from your mind.

Just make sure you invest in a decent vacuum cleaner, and they shed a LOT of fur!

8) German Shepherd

German Shepherds are medium-large dogs who originated in Germany.

They are often associated with being police dogs or guard dogs due to their protective, intelligent personalities.

When trained correctly, they can be calm and loving dogs who are well-suited to family life.

They can develop problems with their backs and back-legs in later life due to the shape that their bodies have been bred into over the years.

7) Border Collie

Border collies are highly intelligent dogs who love to work.

Loved by farmers across Britain, these multi-coloured dogs are never happier than when putting their brains to work in an active, engaging way.

They are considered the most intelligent breed of dog and can be very high-maintenance, both in terms of personality and upkeep.

6) Boxer

Boxers are medium-large dogs with flat coats and flat faces.

They have strong jaws that are perfectly suited for holding on to prey, which goes back to their origins of being hunting dogs.

Boxes are very muscular dogs who can be extremely strong on the lead.

Their most common colours are fawn and brindle, although you can get other colours too such as white.

5) Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels are a breed of gundog, most easily recognised by their long droopy ears.

They are lively and friendly, and ideal family dogs although they do need lots of exercise.

Cocker spaniels are loyal, friendly dogs who thrive in the company of people and other dogs.

There are two different types – working cockers and show cockers.

The most famous cocker spaniel is Lady from the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp.

4) Springer Spaniel

Springer spaniels are similar to cocker spaniels as they are also gundogs with many of the same personalities.

They are often used by hunters to retrieve prey once it has been shot.

Springer spaniels are often larger than cocker spaniels. They are quick to learn and enjoy being both mentally and physically challenged.

They can be over-excitable and require good training for them to be well-behaved and calm in the house.

3) Labrador Retriever

This is the dog breed that I thought would be Number 1, but they still sit with a very respectable Number 3 position.

Labradors make wonderful family pets due to their chilled, loving natures.

They have flat coats and are most often black, chocolate or yellow in colour.

They are loved worldwide, and very popular in Britain, Canada and the United States.

2) Cockapoo

Cockapoos are a cross breed between a cocker spaniel and a poodle.

They are usually small or medium sized and tend to be low-shedding with curly fur due to their poodle heritage.

Cockapoos are popular with children due to their teddy-like appearance and friendly, loving temperaments.

They are easy to train, eager to learn and highly loving.

1) Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie)

So here we are… the top dog breed for 2019 is…. The Staffordshire bull terrier!

Also known as staffies, this breed is a powerful medium sized dog with shot coats and powerful muscles.

They were originally bred to take part in blood sports, and that reputation unfortunately stays with them to this day as they are often used as ‘status symbol’ dogs. Because of this, they are sadly one of the most commonly found breeds of dogs in rescue centres.

However, staffies are also called ‘nanny dogs’ as they are usually incredibly well-behaved around babies and small children when introduced correctly.

People often tend to think of staffies as aggressive dogs, but that is usually far from the truth. When trained and treated correctly, staffies are incredibly loving, friendly and adorable.

Staffordshire bull terriers make excellent companion dogs, and they very much deserve their Number 1 spot!

Top 20 dog breeds for 2019

Did you spot any surprises on the list of top dog breeds for 2019?

The surprising ones for me were the Doberman, Welsh terrier and dandy dinmot terrier – mostly because I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen any of these breeds ‘in real life’.

I wasn’t surprised that spaniels and Labradors ranked so highly as they are wonderful pets who are well suited for both family and working lives.

I didn’t think that staffies would be Number 1, however it’s not really surprising as they are very popular dogs and I see lots of them around when I’m out walking my dogs.

Do you agree with this list? Are there any breeds you thought would appear but didn’t?