Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from the Affenpinscher to the Yorkshire Terrier (sadly no dog breed begins with the letter ‘z’).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
But some breeds of dog are just more popular than others, although tastes change over the years.
Polling company YouGov have been busy asking people whether they have a positive impression of numerous dog breeds and some prove much more popular than others - ranging from a healthy 80 per cent approval for the Golden Retriever to a miserly eight per cent approval rating at the bottom of the table.
They’ve also worked out which dogs are most popular with Millenials (that’s people born between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s)
And it turns out that this is a generation that has a very particular taste in canines.
Here are the 12 most popular dogs with Millenials, according to latest data from 2025.
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5. Alaskan Husky
The top five most popular dog breeds with Millennials, with 72 per cent of them fans, is the indefatigable Alaskan Husky, capable of pulling sleds laden with people and supplies across miles of frozen tundra. It's worth noting though, that this is a breed that can be strong-willed so are only really suitable for experienced dog owners. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Siberian Husky
It turns out that Millennials love a Husky - the Siberian Husky also makes the list with a 70 per cent approval rating. They were bred by the Chukchi, Koryak, Yukaghir and Kamchadal people of Siberia for sled pulling and companionship. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Beagle
To know a Beagle is to love a Beagle - something that 69 per cent of Millennials polled clearly understand. First bred in Britain to hunt rabbits and hares, it's not commonly kept as a beloved family pet. A talented scenthound, they can sniff out a treat at 400 yards. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Cocker Spaniel
Eighth spot, according to YouGov polls, goes to the delightful Cocker Spaniel. There are actually two slightly different types - the merican Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. Both were named after their invaluable assistance in hunting woodcock (a type of game bird). It earns a popularity rating of 64 per cent with Millennials. | Canva/Getty Images