Large, muscular dog breeds have fallen out of favour since the American XL Bully came into force with a change in the type of pets people are going for, according to the latest figures. England and Wales implemented a ban on American XL Bully dogs due to a rise in fatal attacks involving the breed.
In December 2023 it became illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or allow XL Bully dogs to stray and on February 1, 2024, i t became illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless it was registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs and complied with strict requirements, including being microchipped, neutered, and kept on a lead and muzzled in public
Puppies.co.uk has now analysed the data of thousands of dogs listed on the platform from January 2024 to December 2024 to identify the most sought-after breeds. The research revealed a surge in interest for smaller breeds, suggesting a potential shift in preferences towards compact, adaptable dogs.
The Cockapoo retained its crown as the nation’s most popular dog in 2024 with 81% more listing views than the year before. Cocker Spaniels also saw a significant surge in popularity, with views increasing by 99% between 2023 and 2024, securing their position as the second most popular breed for the second year in a row.
The Labrador Retriever and Dachshund retained their spots in the top four, with views rising to 254,209 and 242,168, respectively. Meanwhile, the French Bulldog experienced a jump from ninth to fifth place, with views nearly doubling from 114,366 in 2023 to 215,421 in 2024.
Lager breeds that made the top 15 include the German Shepherd (9th) Cane Corso (10th) and Rottweiler (15th). Views for the Cane Corso rose from 60,817 to 123,062 views — a 102% increase.
A spokesperson atpuppies.co.uksaid: “Following the XL Bully ban, many muscular dogs were at the centre of much publicity. So, it’s not surprising that some prospective owners are opting for smaller breeds. But our message to owners remains the same – any dog has the potential to display aggressive behaviour, regardless of breed.
“When it comes down to it, owners need to ensure their pets are properly trained, socialised and cared for. Whole breeds should not be tarnished with the same brush when the root cause of aggression is usually irresponsible ownership and poor breeding practices.”
Here are the dog breeds that attracted the most unique listing views between January 2024 and December 2024.
- Cockapoo – 421,512 views
- Cocker Spaniel – 382,177 views
- Labrador Retriever – 254,209 views
- Dachshund – 242,168 views
- French Bulldog – 215,421 views
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 212,221 views
- Cavapoo – 151,928 views
- English Bulldog – 147,911 views
- German Shepherd – 143,679 views
- Cane Corso – 123,062 views
- Jack Russell – 119,991 views
- Chihuahua – 117,331 views
- Labradoodle – 110,858 views
- Golden Retriever – 110,751 views
- Rottweiler – 103,570 views
A Cane Corso is a large and powerful dog breed from Italy, originally bred for guarding property or livestock and hunting. Its name roughly translates to “protector dog” or “guard dog” in Latin. Cane Corsos are part of the mastiff family and are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and imposing appearance.