Dog ownership soared over the last two years according to the Kennel Club, with lockdown meaning people felt more able to open their home up to a new puppy.
There seems to be no letting up in the popularity of pups, as prices continue to rise as demand outstrips supply.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pooch – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
The Kennel Club separates breeds into seven different groups, each of which have a particular set of attributes.
If you are looking for an intelligent and courageous dog that will naturally form a close bond with you, then it’s worth considering a breed from the Pastoral Group.
They are dogs that have been bred to herd or guard livestock so they also respond very well to training and are eager to please.
These are the 10 most popular breeds of pastoral dog in the UK, according to Kennel Club registrations.
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5. Rough Collie
Another type of dog originally bred to herd sheep in Scotland, the Rough Collie is now a popular show dog. There were 516 new registrations with the Kennel Club in 2020. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Malinois
The Malinois is a type of Belgian Shepherd Dog that are often used as police dogs in their homeland. There were 311 new Malinois registrations in the UK last year. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Bearded Collie
A speedy breed that is always full of energy, the Bearded Collie is one of the most fearsome competitors when it comes to dog sports, including agility tests and obstacle courses at dog shows. There were 268 UK registrations last year. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Australian Shepherd
It may be called the Australian Shepherd but this breed of herding dog was actually developed in California in the 19th century. There were 255 Kennel Club Australian Shepherd registrations last year. Photo: Canva/Getty Images