WORKING DOGS FOR 2024: THESE ARE THE 10 MOST POPULAR BREEDS OF LOYAL WORKING DOGS
Source: The Scotsman (Extract)
Posted: April 19, 2024
A huge number of us decided to add dogs to our families over the last few years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership has soared to record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pooch – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
The Kennel Club separates breeds into seven different groups, each of which have a particular set of attributes.
If you are looking for a dog that is intelligent, strong, watchful and alert, it’s worth looking at breeds in the Working Group.
These are the 10 most popular working dogs in the UK, according to Kennel Club registrations.
1. Boxer
There’s no doubting the top dog in the UK when it comes to the Working Group. The Boxer is a German import that had 3,202 registrations last year.
2. Dogue de Bordeaux
The French Dogue de Bordeaux, also commonly known as the Bordeaux Mastiff, is a large powerful dog that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. There were 1,500 registrations of the breed last year.
3. Great Dane
A gentle giant, the Great Dane is one of the world’s largest dogs, but they have a very sweet nature and get on particularly well with children. A total of 772 were Kennel Club registered last year.
4. Dobermann
With 1,440 Kennel Club registrations in 2020, the Dobermann, or Doberman Pinscher, is the fourth most popular dog in the Working Group. Another dog of German descent, it is very protective of its human family.
5. Rottweiler
Known for being great guard dogs, the Rottweiler can also make for a surprisingly gentle and loving family dog. There were 2,050 registrations in 2020, putting them in second place for popularity in the Working Group.
6. Newfoundland
Originally from Canada, Newfoundland have a natural instinct to protect and help people, making for wonderful service dogs. There were 557 registered in the UK in 2020.
7. Bullmastiff
A breed originally bred to guard estates in the 19th century, the Bullmastiff completes the top 10 with 372 registrations in 2020.
8. St Bernard
Originally bred to rescue people lost in the Western Alps on the Italian-Swiss border, the Kennel Club registered 607 huge St Bernard’s last year.
9. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky was bred to pull sleds for long distances over icy tundra, so British winters aren’t a problem. The Kennel Club received 391 Husky registrations last year.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
One of the least aggressive breeds of canine, there were 518 Kennel Club registrations of gentle Bernese Mountain Dogs in 2020.
