Woman and her daughter holding a small brown dog on their lap

All about dogs

Are dogs really our best friend? Here's what thousands of dog owners said.

A huge 58 per cent of those who filled in the Big Pet Census own a dog, with many of you owning more than one. In total, we had an insight into the lives of almost 83,000 dogs.

The ten most popular dog breeds from the Big Pet Census

  1. 19 per cent are mixed breed or unknown
  2. 11 per cent are golden retrievers
  3. 9 per cent are Labrador retrievers
  4. 8 per cent are Jack russell terriers
  5. 7 per cent are border collies
  6. 6 per cent are cocker spaniels
  7. 6 per cent are Staffordshire bull terriers (staffies)
  8. 5 per cent are cockapoos (cocker spaniel and poodle mixed breed)
  9. 4 per cent are German shepherds
  10. 4 per cent are springer spaniels

The majority of dog owners (almost 60 per cent) chose the breed of their dog based on their temperament. The second most popular reason for choosing a breed was their activity levels, followed by the way they look.

Dog being stroked by a man, sitting with a woman and young child illustration

Where did you get your dog?

  • 41 per cent purchased their dog from a breeder
  • 24 per cent purchased their dog from an online classified website
  • 23 per cent got their dog from a UK-based rescue
  • 12 per cent got their dog from a friend or family member
  • 6 per cent got their dog from a friend of a friend
  • 5 per cent got their dog from an overseas charity

Dogs are firmly part of the family

We asked you how you see your pet and 96 per cent of you say your dog is part of the family. 50 per cent say they are a best friend, while 48 per cent say they are also a companion.

Showing our love

When we asked how you show your pet you love them:

  • 97 per cent say you give them affection
  • 97 per cent say you talk to them
  • 91 per cent say you give them treats
  • 86 per cent say you let them on the bed, your lap or up on the sofa
  • 73 per cent say you buy them something new
  • 52 per cent say you take them to their favourite place
Bumble and her bucket list
Bumble enjoying a trip to the beach

And the love is reciprocated…

  • 96 per cent of us say our dogs are excited to see us
  • 92 per cent say our dogs come to us to show us love
  • 85 per cent say our dog follows us around the home
  • 81 per cent say our dog lies with us
  • 75 per cent say our dog cuddles us
Yellow Labrador in front of a computer screen illustration
  • 69 per cent say our dog gives us kisses
  • 69 per cent say our dog brings us their favourite toy
  • 55 per cent say our dog ‘talks’ to us
  • 52 per cent say our dog sleeps in our bed
  • 48 per cent say our dog protects us

Taking your dog to work

16 per cent of dog owners who filled in the Big Pet Census take their pet to work with them.

With the increase in working from home and hybrid working, the results show that 70 per cent of those who said they take their pet to work with them, work from home. 15 per cent said they take their dogs to work in an office and 13 per cent of people who take their dog to work, work outdoors.

 

[Illustrations by Laura Ireland]

— Page last updated 12/09/2022