New research from pet insurance provider, Petsure.com, has revealed why owners chose their respective dog breeds and how they feel that breed fits their lifestyle. The survey highlighted that London-based owners are overlooking the importance of insurance, with nearly half of the dogs (49%) in the capital city lacking cover.

Dog attacks have risen more than a third in the last five years (BBC March 2023)1. With the XL Bully the most recent to make headlines, the Government has announced the breed will be banned entirely (GOV.UK, 15/09/23)2.

The survey of 2,000 UK dog owners, commissioned by Petsure and carried out by OnePoll, asked respondents why they chose their breed of dog, with 41% answering ‘for their temperament’. Yet a third (30%) admit to choosing the breed ‘for their looks’, and 25% for the breed’s compatibility with their families. London has the highest percentage (24%) of dog owners in the country who decided on their breed due to environmental factors such as living arrangements and its size.

The results show the most popular dog breeds in London are:

German Shepherd

Known for their intelligence and bravery, German Shepherds often work as service dogs. So they need plenty of mental stimulation and exercise to keep them happy and healthy. As the most popular dog breed in London, owners must be making the most of the parks and gardens the capital has to offer.

Beagle

Characterised by their long, rounded ears and sturdy, compact build, the Beagle is the smallest of the British pack hounds bred to hunt hare and are usually friendly and alert.

Though typically a working dog, Beagles tend to be extremely placid animals that show little aggression or hyperactivity. This could be ideal for busy homes with other pets and children.

Border Collie

Intelligent, speedy and responsive are common characteristics of the Border Collie. Usually famous for herding sheep and cattle, they appear to make excellent working dogs.

This energetic bundle of fur would most likely enjoy the many parks in the capital.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is classed as a Toy breed, which are small companion or lap dogs. There are long and smooth coat variations of the breed, and they tend to be bold and expressive dogs. Possibly chosen by Londoners for environmental factors such as size, which also means exercise demands are lower, perfect for those with busy lifestyles.

Cocker Spaniel

Commonly known as Cockers, these people-loving dogs are extremely playful, making them great for families with children. These happy, sociable canines are adaptable to their surroundings but love to stay entertained.

(Information on breeds taken from The Kennel Club, 20233 and the PDSA, 20234 and Purina5)

Most UK owners said they got their dog from a local breeder (27%), while 20% adopted from a shelter or rescue organisation. In London, local breeders were also favoured (19%), but that was matched by those using a friend or family member (19%).

Dog owners across the nation were asked how much research they did on the dog breed before bringing them home, with 18% of them admitting to ‘not doing very much’ research before making their choice. 9% said they did ‘no research at all’.

22% said they used social media to research their dog’s breed, with 10% taking to Wikipedia, the publicly curated platform. The good news is that overall, 97% agreed the research they did was useful before bringing their dog home.

When it comes to London, half of the dog owners surveyed did a fair amount of research beforehand. Though, you’ll find the biggest researchers in Scotland (60%).

The survey asked UK dog owners whether their experience of owning their dog aligned with reality, with most in London (56%) admitting they were ‘not fully aware’ of how their dog would fit with their lifestyle.

For example, even though Beagles have a gentle nature, as a scent hound and hunting dog they need plenty of exercise and training. Across our survey, 14% of Beagle owners claimed the biggest challenge they had was difficulties training their pet.

Patience, practice and finding professional help such as a dog trainer can help you with training challenges.

Only a third of owners in the capital city (33%) said they were ‘fully aware’ of habits and behaviours associated with their respective breeds, 23% said they weren’t aware at all.

Almost half ‘didn’t fully know’ the costs of vet bills and food.

When it comes to the temperament of their chosen breed, across the UK, 53% of owners said they ‘were not completely confident’ they knew how their dog may behave. 56% said they ‘were not fully aware’ of associated breed health problems, such as flat-faced dogs being more likely to have breathing problems6.

Only 27% said they now think of themselves as ‘very knowledgeable’ about the breed of their dog.

34% of UK dog owners said their experience with how their dog breed fits in with their lifestyle was ‘better than they expected’. With more of us working from home than ever before, we found that over half (51%) of UK dog owners only leave their dog alone for up to six hours a week. This is well within the recommended guidelines of four hours a day (RSPCA, 2023)7.

All dogs can suffer from accidents and unexpected health problems, so it’s positive to see 64% of owners across the nation said they have pet insurance to help during the times they need it.

But with 36% respondents admitting not having dog insurance, many of these pet owners could be putting their pet’s health and their finances at risk. The survey found that nearly half (49%) of all dogs in London are uninsured, the highest proportion across English regions. 61% opted out of cover in Northern Ireland. In 2021, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) claims the average vet bill is £848 (The ABI, 24/05/2022)8.

45% of UK dog parents who chose not to take out pet insurance did so because it’s too expensive. According to the ABI, the average cost of a pet insurance premium was £327 in 2022 (The ABI, June 2023)9.

A quarter of dog owners who don’t have insurance believed it wasn’t necessary, while 17% of all dog owners found the unexpected costs of owning a dog a challenge. Without insurance, dog owners could find themselves out of pocket for treatments and care for their pets as they won’t be able to claim money back using their insurance policy.

Expert vet, Dr Scott Miller says: “Whether you’re looking to buy or adopt a dog, you need to be responsible. Ethical breeders know so much about the animals they raise, including the good and bad of their health and behaviour. They want them to go to the right homes.

“Lots of people make massive mistakes when choosing a dog. Always think: Is the dog right for the family, or do I just like the look of them or feel sorry for them? Can I afford to look after them? Can I manage the progress and setbacks of training and settling them in?”

Rebecca Gardiner, at Petsure.com adds: “With so much information available online, it can be hard to know who to trust when it comes to choosing the right dog for you and your family.

“Think about seeking help from professional organisations like the Kennel Club, and speaking to current owners of the breed you are interested in. With careful financial planning and being fully informed about the health care needs of different breeds, dog owners can look forward to a long and happy time together with their pet.”