SPANIELS REPLACE ‘UNHEALTHY’ FRENCH BULLDOGS AS UK’S FAVOURITE DOG BREED

With their signature bat-like ears and charming personalities, French bulldogs have reigned as the nation’s favourite dog for the past decade.

But their time at the top has come to an end—replaced by the cocker spaniel, the beloved breed of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

According to a Pets4Homes report analyzing 7.5 million pet rehomings over the last six years, enthusiasm for flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs is waning, partly due to their high costs and potential health issues.

Cocker spaniels have surged in popularity to claim the top spot. William and Kate welcomed their spaniel, Orla, in 2020 following the death of their previous dog, Lupo—also a cocker.

Miniature dachshunds have also climbed the ranks, breaking into the top three for the first time. The breed is a favourite among celebrities, including Prince Harry’s former girlfriend Cressida Bonas and Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke.

Pet ownership soared during the pandemic as families spent more time at home. However, this boom was followed by a slump, driven by market oversupply, rising living costs, and waning enthusiasm for adoption. Demand bounced back last year, rising by 33 percent and pushing puppy prices up by 14.3 percent.

While cocker spaniels lead in overall sales, the goldendoodle—a golden retriever and poodle mix—has become the most in-demand breed, attracting the highest number of enquiries per dog on the Pets4Homes platform.

Each goldendoodle listing attracted around 900 interested buyers, with maltipoos—a Maltese and poodle mix—close behind at 802, and golden retrievers following at 771.

English bulldogs topped the price chart as the most expensive breed, selling for an average of £1,544—up 25 percent from the previous year.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels weren’t far behind at £1,528, marking a rise of over 25 percent. Golden retrievers averaged £1,521, an increase of 15.8 percent, while boxers came in at £1,472—up 17.2 percent.

Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, commented: “French bulldogs losing their number one spot signals a broader shift away from breeds perceived as unhealthy, and a decline in the overall popularity of bulldogs.

“Bulldogs are also among the most expensive breeds—especially the English bulldog. As the cost of pet ownership rises, demand for high-priced dogs is naturally declining.”