The UK Puppy Industry Report 2024
Puppies.co.uk is thrilled to share its latest pet industry report, providing crucial insights into dog breeding and ownership in the UK. The report covers key topics for anyone involved in the dog community, including buyer behaviour and the most sought-after dog breeds. Read on for the full report.
Who We Are
puppies.co.uk is one of the UK’s largest dog classified websites, introducing buyers to breeders along with providing puppy ownership advice and information.
We advocate for responsible dog ownership and breeding and recently partnered with Agria Pet Insurance to promote responsible practices
Every month, over 200,000 unique pet buyers visit puppies.co.uk to find their perfect furry companion
We review each litter individually against a set of criteria for that specific breed to ensure alignment with their respective breed club's recommendation and provide each litter with a star rating based on the breeder and the litter themselves
5-Star listings are pushed to the top of the results and get more views. This means buyers visiting puppies.co.uk are 8X more likely to end up with a high-quality litter as judged against our criteria
We accepted nearly 5,000 litters in 2024 and denied over 3,000 which did not manage to provide the necessary information we request to fully review the litter
We strive to ensure that every dog finds the home they deserve by providing a trusted platform for buyers to connect with reputable breeders
Most Popular Dog Breeds
The UK’s love of Cockapoos shows no signs of waning, with the playful and family-friendly crossbreed retaining its crown as the nation’s most popular dog in 2024. Listing views for the Cockapoo soared to 421,512 this year, an 81% increase from 233,036 in 2023.
Cocker Spaniels also saw a significant surge in popularity, with views increasing by 99% between 2023 and 2023, securing their position as the second most popular breed for the second year in a row. This remarkable growth reflects their versatility and charm as beloved companions.
The Labrador Retriever and Dachshund retained their spots in the top four, with views rising to 254,209 and 242,168, respectively. Meanwhile, the French Bulldog experienced a dramatic jump from ninth to fifth place, with views nearly doubling from 114,366 in 2023 to 215,421 in 2024.
While this surge in interest for smaller breeds suggests a potential shift in preferences towards compact, adaptable dogs, larger breeds like the Cane Corso and Rottweiler also saw impressive growth. The Cane Corso leapt from 60,817 to 123,062 views—a 102% increase.
In response to the findings, a spokesperson at puppies.co.uk said: “Following the XL Bully ban, many muscular dogs were at the centre of much publicity. So, it’s not surprising that some prospective owners are opting for smaller breeds. But our message to owners remains the same - any dog has the potential to display aggressive behaviour, regardless of breed. When it comes down to it, owners need to ensure their pets are properly trained, socialised and cared for. Whole breeds should not be tarnished with the same brush when the root cause of aggression is usually irresponsible ownership and poor breeding practices.”
Here are the dog breeds that attracted the most unique listing views between January 2024 and December 2024.
Cockapoo - 421,512 views
Cocker Spaniel - 382,177 views
Labrador Retriever - 254,209 views
Dachshund - 242,168 views
French Bulldog - 215,421 views
Staffordshire Bull Terrier - 212,221 views
Cavapoo - 151,928 views
English Bulldog - 147,911 views
German Shepherd - 143,679 views
Cane Corso - 123,062 views
Jack Russell - 119,991 views
Chihuahua - 117,331 views
Labradoodle - 110,858 views
Golden Retriever - 110,751 views
Rottweiler - 103,570 views
Most and Least Affordable Dog Breeds
Buyers can expect to pay just under £1,000, with the average puppy costing £989.08. However, some breeds are more expensive than others.
Known for its iconic wrinkled appearance and gentle temperament, the beloved English Bulldog takes the lead at an average price of £1,672.51. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes in second at £1,457.93. Closely following is the ever-popular, Golden Retriever, priced at £1,420.60, renowned for its intelligence and family-friendly nature. In fourth and fifth place are the Boxer (£1,394.40) and the hybrid Goldendoodle (£1,369.39).
On the opposite end of the scale, the Border Collie has been named the most budget-friendly choice for prospective pet owners, with an average price of £567.82. Jack Russells took second place with an average cost of £602.91. Following closely are Mixed Breed dogs at £605.44 and Sprocker Spaniels at £680.56. Pugs round out the top five, with an average price of £760.00.
Most and Least Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure
Pet insurance is essential to ensure your pooch receives the best care without financial strain if anything happens. But the reality is premiums can vary depending on the breed.
New data from Agria Pet Insurance has uncovered the top 10 most expensive dog breeds to insure in 2024, with the American Staghound taking the top spot.
Here is the full list of the most expensive breeds to insure includes:
American Staghound
Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand)
Bullmastiff
Dogue De Bordeaux
Greek Shepherd
Mastiff
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
Spanish Mastiff
Tornjak
For dog owners looking to keep pet care costs manageable, choosing a breed with lower insurance premiums can make a big difference. Here are the least expensive breeds to insure:
Blue Lacy
Bordoodle
Felland Terrier
Halden Hound
Icelandic Sheepdog
Jack-A-Poo
Kerry Beagle
Malshi
Rat Terrier
Swedish Lapphund
Buyer Behaviour
The pet market is witnessing an upswing in interest, as the number of potential buyers on puppies.co.uk increased by 14.3% between 2023 and 2024, from 2.1 million to 2.4 million. This rise reflects a growing demand for puppies among UK households.
The surge in interest is further highlighted by a 12% increase in total page views over the same period, climbing from 7.9 million to nearly 9 million. What’s more, in 2024, there were approximately 81 prospective buyers per puppy.
The spokesperson added: "The puppy market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth, defying challenges like the ongoing cost of living crisis. The rising demand highlights the enduring bond between people and their pets, remaining a source of comfort and joy during difficult times. Not to mention, there is growing awareness of the benefits of pet ownership for mental and emotional well-being. For many households, welcoming a puppy is not just about adding a pet to the family but investing in a relationship that brings stability, happiness, and purpose.”
Most Popular Dogs Listed On The Platform
The Dachshund has been crowned the most popular dog breed among breeders, with an impressive 317 litters advertised on the platform in the past year. In second place is the Labrador Retriever, with 316 litters advertised. The ever-adorable Cockapoo, a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, secures third place with 306 litters. Rounding off the top five are the Cocker Spaniel (278 litters) and the French Bulldog (251 litters).
Methodology
To conduct this study, puppies.co.uk analysed the data of thousands of dogs sold through the platform from January 2023 until December 2024.
Traffic figures on puppies.co.uk were gathered through Google Analytics while interested buyers and demand were determined by the number of contacts and views that each breed generated.
To determine the most and least affordable dog breeds, puppies.co.uk analysed thousands of listings published on the platform in 2024. To improve the accuracy of the data, breeds with fewer than 30 listings were excluded from the ranking.
About puppies.co.uk
puppies.co.uk is one of the largest online dog marketplaces in the UK, relied upon by thousands of potential pet parents every month. puppies.co.uk advocates for responsible practices in both breeding and ownership and aims to ensure dogs are bred and sold safely via its unique listing review and star rating system.
