As the Whippet rises up the ranks in registrations, Royal Kennel Club's Q1 2026 data reveals some surprising movement in the top 15 breeds.
The Royal Kennel Club’s data, covering litters registered throughout the first quarter of 2026, shows the top ten breeds remain the same with our beloved retrievers retaining their positions. However, the picture outside the top ten is markedly different, with Whippets now one of Britain's most-chosen dogs.
Following its Best in Show win at Crufts 2025, the breed now sits within the top fifteen with an 18% year-on-year increase. The hound has built up a loyal following across the UK, including celebrity owners such as Jennifer Saunders, Laura Jackson, Kit Harrington, and Nathanial Parker.
Once referred to as ‘'the greyhound in miniature', this sighthound was originally bred from Greyhounds. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Whippet has long been admired for its speed, elegance, and gentle temperament. Historically used for hunting small game in the mining communities of the North and Wales, the breed has since evolved into one of the UK’s most popular family companions. Despite their athletic reputation, Whippets are known for being affectionate, adaptable, and surprisingly low maintenance, requiring only around an hour of exercise a day and minimal grooming. Their sleek physique combined with a calm nature at home and lifespan of up to 12 years on average, has helped fuel their growing popularity among both city and countryside dog owners.
In other breeds, RKC registrations of French Bulldogs fell 37% year-on-year, while Bulldog registrations dropped 34% and Pug registrations declined by 43%. While these breeds had seen a significant surge in popularity in recent years, the Royal Kennel Club believes the decrease reflects growing awareness around responsible breeding and ownership. Through initiatives such as its Respiratory Function Grading Scheme, developed with the University of Cambridge, the RKC has continued to prioritise health-led breeding decisions to help improve the future welfare of brachycephalic breeds.
Meanwhile, the Labrador Retriever remains by far the most registered dog on the list, followed by the Cocker Spaniel. Both breeds are family-loving, friendly and fiercely loyal, reflecting how many families in the UK feel their home isn’t complete without a dog.
Charlotte McNamara, Chief Canine and Wellbeing Officer at the Royal Kennel Club, said: "These early figures for 2026 tell us something important about how Britain’s relationship with dogs is evolving. Owners are becoming more considered in their decision making, taking the time to understand which breeds genuinely suit their lifestyle before bringing a dog home which is exactly what we’ve always encouraged.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who registers their puppies with the Royal Kennel Club. Registration not only helps owners better understand their dog’s parent’s health history and lineage, but it also allows us to build a clearer picture of changing trends across the UK’s dog population. Insights like these help inform conversations around breeding, wellbeing, and long-term canine welfare for generations to come.”
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