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The Labrador has reclaimed its title of Britain's Favourite Dog from the French Bulldog

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Country Living

The dog breeds becoming increasingly popular in the UK have been revealed as part of the Kennel Club's annual report – and there's one main theme: we have fallen back in love with native breeds.

The breed increasing in popularity the most, from 2018 to 2019, is the adorable brown-haired Norwich Terrier. The list of rising stars also includes the Gordon Setter (which increased by 41%), the much-loved Jack Russell Terrier (+30%), and the Queen's favourite, the Corgi (38%), thanks to the return of Netflix's The Crown.

Photo credit: CaptureLight - Getty Images
Photo credit: CaptureLight - Getty Images

But, despite these breeds falling back into favour with Brits, none have exceeded the popularity of the beloved Labrador, which has reclaimed its title of Britain's favourite dog breed. The titles was held for a short while by the French Bulldog but, with British breeds seeing a resurgence, the small French dog has been pipped to the post.

Photo credit: Eva Blanco / EyeEm - Getty Images
Photo credit: Eva Blanco / EyeEm - Getty Images

Elsewhere in their research, the Kennel Club have revealed some of the breeds which have decreased in popularity over the past 12 months. Many of these pups were breeds from overseas, including the celebrity favourite Chihuahua and the exotic Siberian Husky.

"High profile owners and popular culture can have a huge impact on the popularity of certain breeds, though we'd urge people to always do their research rather than follow a trend," Bill Lambert, Kennel Club spokesperson explains.

"The Jack Russell for example has certainly seen a surge of interest since rescue dog Dilyn first put his paws through the door of Downing Street in September, and at Crufts 2020 there will be more Jack Russells than ever before competing for the silver Best in Show trophy. We'll have to wait and see if this dog has its day!"

9 dog breeds increasing in popularity

  1. Norwich Terrier (+58% increase)

  2. Gordon Setter (+41%)

  3. Spaniel (American Cocker) (+41%)

  4. Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) (+38%)

  5. Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) (+34%)

  6. Saluki (+34%)

  7. Giant Schnauzer (+34%)

  8. Jack Russell Terrier (+30%)

  9. Lancashire Heeler (+25%)

Photo credit: Dixi_ - Getty Images
Photo credit: Dixi_ - Getty Images

10 dog breeds decreasing in popularity

  1. Newfoundland (-25% decrease)

  2. Spaniel (Welsh Springer) (-26%)

  3. Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) (-26%)

  4. Bracco Italiano (-28%)

  5. Pug (-31%)

  6. Akita (-31%)

  7. Coton De Tulear (-31%)

  8. Schnauzer (-36%)

  9. Siberian Husky (-37%)

  10. Spaniel (Clumber) (-38%)

Sadly, the Kennel Club have also uncovered the most vulnerable dog breeds in the UK and those that most often need adopting. On the list is the Old English Sheepdog, which the Kennel Club warned could be at risk of extinction if its numbers don't increase.

"Some of the breeds we consider to be at risk of disappearing due to their low numbers are largely in this position because of the fact they are unrecognisable to the British public. We need to keep the rich diversity of breeds, with all of their unique characteristics, so that people can get a dog that is truly right for them," Bill continues.

Take a look at the full list below...

12 of the most vulnerable dog breeds in the UK

  1. Bloodhound

  2. Bull Terrier (Miniature)

  3. Collie (Smooth)

  4. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

  5. Deerhound

  6. English Setter

  7. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)

  8. Fox Terrier (Smooth)

  9. Glen of Imaal Terrier

  10. Gordon Setter

  11. Irish Red & White Setter

  12. Irish Wolfhound

7 dog breeds on the 'at watch' list

  1. Bedlington Terrier

  2. Bearded Collie

  3. Bullmastiff

  4. Irish Terrier

  5. Old English Sheepdog

  6. Parson Russell Terrier

  7. Welsh Terrier

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