We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
Of course, if you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Spaniels are a type of dog that are hugely popular in the UK, perfect for people who have active lifestyles (they need plenty of exercise).
These are the 10 most popular breeds of Spaniel in the UK, according to UK Kennel Club registrations in 2024.
5. Clumber Spaniel
Thought to date back to the early 19th century, and made popular through links with British Royalty, the Clumber Spaniel is named after Clumber Park, in Nottinghamshire, where the breed was first developed. In 1884 they were one of the first 10 breeds of dog recognised by the American Kennel Club. In the UK, 155 Clumber Spaniels were registered in 2024. | Canva/Getty Images
6. American Cocker Spaniel
One of two types of Cocker Spaniel recognised by the UK Kennel Club, the American Cocker Spaniel got its name from their use to hunt woodcock. Interestingly the name 'spaniel' itself comes from the breed's origins in Spain. An unsual breed in the UK, just 143 were registered in 2024. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Tibetan Spaniel
Named after the country of its origin, the small Tibetan Spaniel isn't a 'true' spaniel, lacking the Spanish lineage of the rest of its group. It's thought it earned the spaniel name due to its resemblance to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 110 of these 'fake' spaniels were registered in 2024. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Field Spaniel
A rare breed, even in the UK where they were developed, the Field Spaniel was originally bred to be an all-black show dog in the late 19th century. Their name comes from their usefulness in 'field work' - or hunting on land. There were 73 Field Spaniels registered with the Kennel Club last year. | Canva/Getty Images