Research by Dogs Trust, University of Exeter and University of Leeds found the UK dog population to be around 13 million – four million higher than previous estimates.
Dogs are the most popular pet within the United Kingdom, with 31% of households owning at least one, but while previous population estimates – including those based on public surveys – put the population between 9 million and 11.5 million in 2019.
New research from Dogs Trust based on the same period, has revealed that the population may have been nearer to 13million.
Previously, estimating the total dog population in the UK was challenging due to a lack of comparable and accessible data.
Dogs Trust has collaborated with researchers from the University of Leeds and the University of Exeter to combine and model data from 18 diverse sources – including a breed registry, an academic institution, veterinary organisations, pet insurance companies, and animal welfare charities – to create a more accurate picture of our canine companions.
Dog hotspots
Not only did this study – the most comprehensive review of dog population ever conducted in the UK – show there were more dogs than previously thought, but it also revealed the areas of the country with the greatest ratio of dogs to people.
The study found Telford and Darlington to be the dog hotspots of the UK, with eight dogs for every 20 people.
Compared to people, the lowest densities of dogs were reported for six areas of London, covering postcode areas N, E, SW, WC, W and UB; here, for every 20 people, there was approximately one dog.
The study found that 83% of dogs called England home, with the South East and North West regions being the most dog-packed areas; 9.1% of the UK’s dogs were found in Scotland, with South Scotland and Lothian as the dog hotspots north of the border.
Meanwhile, Wales was home to 5.8% of the UK’s dog population, with South and West Wales being the most populated. Completing the picture, Northern Ireland was home to 2.1% of the UK’s dog population.
This new study has been designed in a way that means the dog population of the UK can be closely monitored over time, making it possible to track shifts in breed popularity and monitor the welfare implications of these changes, something Dogs Trust describes as a “game-changer” when it comes to understanding dogs and ensuring they receive the care they need.
Dr Kirsten McMillan, deputy head of research at Dogs Trust, said: “The UK is well known for being a nation of dog lovers, but it turns out we may have significantly underestimated how many dogs are out there by over four million!
“This inaccuracy can have serious implications as it affects important statistics like how many dogs of differentbreeds or sizes live in certain regions, how the dog population grows each year, and the overall trends in dog ownership.”
Dr McMillan added: “This new study is the most comprehensive analysis of the dog population in the UK to date. It’s packed with valuable insights for everyone involved in dog welfare and our friends within the welfare sector, veterinary care, epidemiological, and business fields.
“With plans to replicate this study in the future, we’ll be able to track changes in dog populations over time, helping us better understand the changing population, including breed popularity and its impact on welfare.”
