Dogs Trust, which has a rehoming centre in Leeds, has revealed that dog owners dedicate more than two hours a day to their dogs, Dachshunds are on the up, and if you have a Labrador named Luna or Alfie, you may not be as creative as you think… The results from Dogs Trust’s 2025 National Dog Survey are in!
Hot off the press data from the UK’s largest dog poll, Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey, reveals that Labradors named Luna or Alfie are the most ‘popular’ dog in Yorkshire and the Humber, while Labradors named Poppy and Teddy are the most average dogs in the UK.
The survey, sponsored by People’s Postcode Lottery, confirms what many already suspected, Labradors are once again the UK’s most popular specific dog breed. Nationally, they account for 13.5% of all pure-breed dogs, while in this region, 8% of all dogs are Labradors. Luna and Alfie take the top spots for the most common names in the region, closely followed by Poppy, Bella, Milo and Teddy.
Every dog is unique, and this year, Dogs Trust has launched an online quiz alongside the results of the National Dog Survey, inviting owners to celebrate their pet’s individuality. By entering your dog’s name, breed, and location, owners can discover how their pets compare and just how unique they are. To try the quiz, visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk/ndsquiz
Dachshunds On The Rise, Frenchies On The Decline
With a surge in popularity, the survey also shared that Dachshunds have entered the top 10 most popular dog breeds among puppies under one year old for the first time. While French Bulldogs, who are currently 15th among puppies under one year old, now appear to be declining in numbers, either as a result of fewer puppies since the pandemic puppy boom, or growing awareness around the health issues linked to flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds.
The UK Loves A Crossbreed!
It isn’t just the purebred dogs getting the love. The UK’s dog owners are still huge crossbreed lovers, with 42% of dogs in the UK a type of crossbreed – a dog whose parents are two different breeds. While ‘marvellous mixes’ (dogs with unknown ancestry) make up a significant portion of mixed-breed pets, among the identifiable crosses, Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle), Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle), Labradoodles (Labrador x Poodle), and Lurchers (a Greyhound, Whippet or Saluki crossed with another breed of dog such as a Collie or Terrier) take the top four spots.
Two Hours And 14 Minutes – The Time Dedicated To Our Dogs Each Day
In Yorkshire and the Humber, dog owners spend an average of two hours and 14 minutes each day caring for their pets, just over the national average. The Dogs Trust’s biggest dog survey also revealed that across the UK, prospective dog owners should expect to dedicate around two hours and 12 minutes daily to dog-related activities such as walks, grooming, and feeding. Nationally, the bulk of this time is spent walking (67 minutes), followed by feeding and enrichment (41 minutes), with an additional 24 minutes typically spent running errands with their dog.
While the idea of the ‘Dog of the Nation’ might raise a smile, the National Dog Survey plays an important role in helping Dogs Trust, the nation’s largest dog welfare charity, shape its services to reflect the needs of dog owners in the UK. In 2022, Dogs Trust responded to its National Dog Survey results by launching the Behaviour Support Line, offering free guidance and expert advice, as a result of the insights showing that dog owners were struggling with their dog’s behaviour.
Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, Owen Sharp, said: “With thousands of responses, the National Dog Survey paints a picture of the nation’s ever-changing relationship with its canine companions.
“But the National Dog survey is more than just a snapshot of our favourite breeds and names. It is a vital tool to help us understand the impact of dogs, the challenges, and the joy of dog ownership. Whether you are one of the 94% of people who treat your dog as a member of your family, or you have a Labrador named Teddy, every dog deserves a loving home and the right support. The results of the National Dog Survey will help Dogs Trust to continue to tailor our services to meet and support the real needs of dog owners and ensure that every dog has the best chance at finding their forever home.”
The National Dog Survey is generously sponsored by People’s Postcode Lottery; since 2013, support from its players has raised over £26 million for Dogs Trust, improving the lives of over 100,000 dogs.
