The most popular dog breeds in UK this year – Whippets rise up ranks

The most popular dog breeds in UK this year – Whippets rise up ranks,

From lovable Labradors to cheeky Chow Chows, the UK is home to hundreds of dog breeds.

Now, the Royal Kennel Club has revealed the breeds that have proved the most popular so far this year.

Topping the list is the Labrador Retriever, with 6,161 litter registrations throughout the first quarter of 2026.

Cocker Spaniels are next (4,237 registrations), followed by Golden Retrievers (2,298), and Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds (1,844).

Along with the six other breeds in the top 10, these are all fairly predictable, The Royal Kennel Club explains.

However, the picture further down the list is ‘markedly different’.

The experts were surprised to discover a surge in the popularity of Whippets in the UK, with 727 registrations in Q1 of 2026 – an 18 per cent year–on–year increase.

This makes the breed – loved by celebrities including Jennifer Saunders, Laura Jackson, and Kit Harington – the 11th most popular in the UK.

The experts were surprised to discover a surge in the popularity of Whippets in the UK, with 727 registrations in Q1 of 2026 – an 18 per cent year–on–year increase

The Whippet was bred from Greyhounds back in the Middle Ages and was even once referred to as the ‘greyhound in miniature’.

Historically, the breed was used for hunting small game in the mining communities of the North and Wales.

However, given its sleek body, it was also admired for its speed and elegance, and it soon became popular with families.

While the breed is athletic, it’s also known for being affectionate, adaptable, and surprisingly low maintenance – only needing around an hour of exercise a day, and minimal grooming.

According to the Royal Kennel Club, Whippets live to 12 years of age on average.

Looking at the other breeds registered so far this year, registrations of flat–faced breeds have plummeted.

French Bulldog registrations are down 37 per cent year–on–year, while Bulldog registrations dropped 34 per cent and Pug registrations declined by 43 per cent.

The Royal Kennel Club believes this decrease may reflect the growing awareness about the health issues faced by these flat–faced (or brachycephalic) breeds.

The Whippet was bred from Greyhounds back in the Middle Ages and was even once referred to as the ‘greyhound in miniature’

Brachycephaly in dogs refers to a short–headed anatomy characterised by a flattened face, pushed–in nose, and shortened skull bones.

This artificial breeding trait is seen as ‘cute’ by many fans, but often leads to serious health issues. 

This includes Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a condition resulting in breathing difficulties, overheating, and reduced quality of life.

‘These early figures for 2026 tell us something important about how Britain’s relationship with dogs is evolving,’ said Charlotte McNamara, Chief Canine and Wellbeing Officer at the Royal Kennel Club.

‘Owners are becoming more considered in their decision making, taking the time to understand which breeds genuinely suit their lifestyle before bringing a dog home which is exactly what we’ve always encouraged.

‘We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who registers their puppies with the Royal Kennel Club. 

‘Registration not only helps owners better understand their dog’s parent’s health history and lineage, but it also allows us to build a clearer picture of changing trends across the UK’s dog population. 

‘Insights like these help inform conversations around breeding, wellbeing, and long–term canine welfare for generations to come.’

The new figures come shortly after the Royal Kennel Club officially granted recognition to the Miniature American Shepherd and Yakutian Laika, making them the 226th and 227th breeds in the UK. 

The Miniature American Shepherd comes from the US, and is known for its intelligence, agility and loyalty. 

Meanwhile, the Yakutian Laika hails from northeastern Russia, and is celebrated for its resilience, instinct, and unwavering devotion. 

‘The Royal Kennel Club will recognise 227 breeds of pedigree dog from 1 July 2026 following the simultaneous recognition of the Miniature American Shepherd [and the Yakutian Laika],’ The Royal Kennel Club explained. 

‘The last breed to be recognised was the Hungarian Mudi in July 2025.’