Declining Pedigree Dog Population in the UK: Insights and Implications
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According to groundbreaking research published in the journal Companion Animal Genetics and Health, the population of pedigree dogs in the United Kingdom has witnessed a gradual decline of approximately 0.9% annually from 1990 to 2021. This study offers significant insights into the evolving landscape of dog breeds in the UK, revealing an increase in both crossbreeds and imported pedigree dogs during the same timeframe. However, it is noteworthy that between 2005 and 2015, only a mere 13.7% of registered domestic pedigree dogs were actively used for breeding purposes.
Globally, there are over 400 distinct breeds of dogs, each exhibiting unique physical traits and behavioral characteristics. While the overall pet dog population in the UK has soared from 7.6 million in 2012 to an estimated 12 million by 2021, the limited genetic diversity present in pedigree or purebred dog populations poses a heightened risk for inherited diseases. This concern is underpinned by mounting evidence indicating the prevalence of breed-specific health issues.
Joanna Ilska, along with her colleagues, undertook a comprehensive analysis of demographic data concerning 222 dog breeds sourced from the Kennel Club's electronic database. Their research encompassed critical factors such as breed classification, parentage, and country of origin. The findings revealed that the ten most popular pedigree breeds accounted for an astonishing 44% of the entire pedigree population in the UK, with Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels emerging as the top three breeds.
Alarmingly, the study highlighted a significant decrease in the populations of pedigree dogs since 2010. In particular, Yorkshire Terriers experienced the most substantial decline, with their numbers plummeting by 10.6% from 1990 to 2021. Conversely, French Bulldogs enjoyed a remarkable surge in popularity, with their population increasing by 22.1% during the same period.
In a notable trend, the influx of imported pedigree dogs surged dramatically after 2010, with more than 3,000 dogs being imported each year from 2011 to 2019. Notably, Ireland emerged as the leading exporter, sending over 11,577 dogs to the UK between 1990 and 2021. Following Ireland, Russia and Poland contributed 4,396 and 3,905 dogs, respectively, to the UKs dog population.
The authors of the study propose that the decline in the pedigree dog population may be closely linked to negative perceptions surrounding dog breeding practices. This sentiment has been further exacerbated by the routine neutering of dogsa practice estimated to encompass around 44% of the dog population in the UK. Additionally, the authors suggest that this decline may reflect a broader societal shift toward favoring mixed and crossbred dogs, exemplified by the growing popularity of breeds such as Cockapoos.
In light of these findings, Ilska and her co-authors recommend that management strategies for pedigree dogs be developed with careful consideration of the declining population sizes. These strategies should be specifically tailored to address the unique circumstances associated with individual breeds. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of imported dogs in breeding programs could potentially enhance the overall genetic diversity of dog populations, which is critical for the health and longevity of various breeds.
For further reading, refer to Joanna Ilska's comprehensive study titled Modern pedigree dogs in the United Kingdom Kennel Club: a journey through shifting population landscapes and demography, published in Companion Animal Genetics and Health (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s40575-025-00142-1. More information can also be found at
Angela Thompson
