In a revealing snapshot of the nation’s love affair with canines, Dogs Trust has unveiled the results of its 2025 National Dog Survey, the UK’s largest poll of its kind.
For dog owners in Northern Ireland, the Labrador Retriever emerges as the undisputed favourite, with Bella and Milo topping the charts as the most common names for these beloved pets.
The survey, sponsored by People’s Postcode Lottery, highlights that Labradors account for 6% of all dogs in Northern Ireland, while nationally they represent 13.5% of pure-bred dogs. This confirms the breed’s enduring appeal across the UK, where Labradors named Poppy and Teddy are deemed the most average dogs overall.
Northern Ireland – a nation of dog lovers with more average number of dogs per household than anywhere else in the UK.
Among female dogs in Northern Ireland, the top names are Bella in first place, followed by Poppy and Luna.
For males, Milo leads, with Teddy and Max close behind. These findings underscore a trend towards familiar, endearing monikers that resonate with families throughout the region.
Dogs Trust, which operates a rehoming centre in Ballymena, has also launched an interactive online quiz to celebrate the uniqueness of every pet. By inputting details such as breed, name, and location, owners can discover how their dog stacks up against national averages.
Rising stars and shifting trends in dog breeds
The survey reveals intriguing shifts in breed popularity, particularly among puppies under one year old.
Dachshunds have broken into the top 10 for the first time, signalling a surge in interest for these distinctive, sausage-shaped companions.
Conversely, French Bulldogs have slipped to 15th place, potentially due to a post-pandemic dip in puppy numbers or heightened awareness of health concerns associated with brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds.
Crossbreeds continue to capture hearts across the UK, with 42% of dogs falling into this category – a figure mirrored in Northern Ireland.
These “marvellous mixes” include dogs of unknown ancestry, but among identifiable crosses, Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel crossed with Poodle), Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossed with Poodle), Labradoodles (Labrador crossed with Poodle), and Lurchers (Greyhound, Whippet or Saluki crossed with breeds like Collie or Terrier) dominate the top spots.
Daily dedication: How much time do owners invest?
Northern Irish dog owners are deeply committed, dedicating an average of two hours and three minutes each day to their furry friends – slightly below the UK national average of two hours and 12 minutes.
This time encompasses essential activities such as walking (typically 67 minutes nationally), feeding and enrichment (41 minutes), and even running errands with their dogs (24 minutes).
These insights not only paint a picture of daily life with dogs but also inform Dogs Trust’s mission as the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. The survey’s data helps shape services, such as the Behaviour Support Line launched in 2022 following previous findings on behavioural challenges.
Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, Owen Sharp, commented:
“With thousands of responses, the National Dog Survey paints a picture of the nation’s ever-changing relationship with its canine companions.
“But the National Dog survey is more than just a snapshot of our favourite breeds and names. It is a vital tool to help us understand the impact of dogs, the challenges, and the joy of dog ownership.
“Whether you are one of the 94% of people who treat your dog as a member of your family, or you have a Labrador named Teddy, every dog deserves a loving home and the right support.
“The results of the National Dog Survey will help Dogs Trust to continue to tailor our services to meet and support the real needs of dog owners and ensure that every dog has the best chance at finding their forever home.”
Since 2013, support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has raised over £26 million for Dogs Trust, benefiting more than 100,000 dogs through rehoming and welfare initiatives.
This comprehensive survey underscores the profound bond between humans and their dogs, offering valuable guidance for prospective owners and reinforcing the importance of responsible pet ownership in an ever-evolving landscape.