- The Kennel Club has revealed the dog breeds that declined the most in 2023
- Three are flat-faced dogs, who are known to suffer from health conditions
From friendly Golden Retrievers to adorable Chihuahuas, Britain is home to an estimated 13 million dogs across more than 200 breeds.
Now, figures released by The Kennel Club have revealed the dog breeds that have declined the most in popularity in Britain this year.
Three of these breeds are flat-faced dogs, who are known to suffer from a range of health conditions related to their facial structure.
‘The drop in puppy registrations for these flat-faced breeds is a welcome step in the right direction,’ said Dan O’Neill, Chair of The Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG).
So, is your pooch on the list?
To find out the dog breeds that have declined the most in popularity this year, The Kennel Club analysed the number of puppy registrations in Q1-Q3 2022 to those in Q1-Q3 2023.
It only looked at breeds who had more than 150 puppy registrations so far this year.
‘Small numbers show up disproportionally,’ The Kennel Club explained.
The results revealed that the Pug saw the biggest decline in numbers, dropping from 2,834 registrations in 2022 to just 1,654 this year – a 42 per cent decrease.
Two other flat-faced (or brachycephalic) breeds also featured in the top list – the English Bulldog and the French Bulldog, which saw a 39 per cent decrease and 34 per cent decrease respectively.
According to The Kennel Club, this drop in popularity is a sign that puppy buyers, owners and breeders are considering the serious health and welfare implications for flat-faced dogs.
Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, said: ‘We hope the new figures are a sign of this message getting through and that there are now fewer, better-informed owners buying from responsible breeders who are doing all they can to breed healthy puppies.’
Coming in third spot was the Miniature Pinscher, which saw a 35 per cent decrease in popularity this year.
Meanwhile, the Belgian Shepherd Dog rounded out the top five, seeing a 34 per cent decrease compared to 2022.
The Shar-Pei, Chihuahua and Scottish Terrier came next, with 33 per cent, 32 per cent, and 31 per cent declines, respectively.
Finally, the Samoyed declined by 30 per cent, while the Boston Terrier saw numbers plummet by 29 per cent.
You’ll probably notice that many of these dogs including the Pug, Miniature Pinscher, Chihuahua, Scottish Terrier, Samoyed and Boston Terrier are on the smaller side.
The Kennel Club suggests that this may show a shift away from miniature breeds.
Speaking to MailOnline, a Kennel Club spokesperson explained: ‘Chihuahuas were really the dog of the decade in the 2000 and 2010s.
‘They became known as “handbag dogs” and were the choice of pet for many celebrities. But it seems they have fallen in favour.’
If you’re considering getting a dog, The Kennel Club is urging you to do your proper research.
‘It’s crucial to remember that every dog – small or big – should be considered with care, and their needs, health and characteristics must be researched if you’re going to find your match responsibly,’ the spokesperson added.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
