We are a nation of dog lovers and, from the gentle Golden Retriever to the lively Chihuahua, everyone has their favourite dog breed. There's no denying that dogs are one of life's best sources of happiness which is why it's not surprising that videos using the hashtag #DogsOfTikTok have amassed an incredible 237.9 billion combined views.
However, according to Dr Anna Foreman, our in-house vet: "Social media, alongside TV, film and the media in general, all massively influence people's habits, including their dog ownership habits. The more a certain breed is exposed to the public, who are all ultimately potential owners, the more likely the public is to grow familiar with, and ultimately desire, them."
To highlight how often our furry friends feature on social media, our team has revealed the top 10 most popular breeds on TikTok, according to combined views on breed-related hashtags.
Dr Anna has also put together her top tips on what to consider when becoming a dog owner, including how to find the right dog for you without relying on social media and TikTok.
1 . Golden Retriever - 46.6 billion views
In the top spot with 46.6 billion combined views under the hashtag #GoldenRetriever, this won't come as much of a surprise because these pooches are consistently one of the most popular breeds in the UK. Playful, gentle and intelligent, Golden Retrievers are the dog equivalent to sunshine!
2. Chihuahua - 23.2 billion views
An extremely popular dog breed, videos using the hashtag #chihuahua have amassed 23.2 billion views worldwide. Lively, loyal and sassy, these furry companions have even been at the centre of TikTok trends with songs being made about them.
3. German Shepherd - 18.3 billion views
The hashtag #GermanShepherd has been viewed an impressive 18.3 billion times, which makes sense as German Shepherds were the 8th most popular doq breed in the UK last year. Loyal and energetic, these furry friends will keep you on your toes!
4. Rottweiler - 16.9 billion views
Accumulating a huge 16.billion views under the hashtag #Rottweiler, TikTok For You Pages have been filled with plenty of videos about big, beautiful Rottweilers. Traditionally depicted as 'aggressive' and 'scary', many of the popular videos on TikTok are dedicated to debunking these myths and showcasing their soft and friendly qualities.
5. French Bulldog - 12.8 billion views
Making the list with 12.8 billion views, French Bulldogs have seen an exponential rise in popularity over the last decade.
Dr Anna said: "Exposure of [French Bulldogs] in the media, TV and film has played a large part in their popularity. A lack of knowledge regarding their many health concerns has also helped their popularity — many new French bulldog owners are unaware of their likelihood to need veterinary intervention, and relatively short lifespan as a result, and the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of their many common health conditions."
6. Labrador - 11.6 billion views
Consistently one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, you might be surprised that
Labradors aren't higher up on the list. However, with 11.6 billion views under the hashtag #Labrador and 4.2 billion under #LabradorRetriever, there's still a huge amount of love for these friendly, sociable, eager to please pooches.
7. Pug - 11.5 billion views
Coming in 7th with 11.5 billion views under the hashtag #Pug, the popularity of this furry friend doesn't stop there. #Pugs has reached 2.4 billion combined views, #PugsOffikTok has attracted 2 billion views and #PugLife has amassed 1.6 billion views.
If you're wondering why French Bulldogs are more popular on TikTok, Dr Anna says: "Pugs are a brachycephalic breed like French bulldogs, however their more extreme features, and thus health issues, lead to more negative media than with Frenchies, hence their less popular nature".
8. Cane Corso - 10.9 billion views
The underdog on the list (pardon the pun), you might be surprised to see Cane Corso on here as they are not typically one of the most popular breeds in UK households. However, TikTok has been going crazy for these giant Italian mastiffs, with videos using the hashtag #CaneCorso attracted 10.9 billion views!
9. Dachshund - 10.9 billion views
It's a fact, TikTok loves Dachshunds which is why they come in 9th place with 10.9 billion views under the hashtag #Dachshund! Courageous, lively and independent, who wouldn't love these poochie pals? Fun fact: Miniature Dachshunds are also very popular, with combined views reaching 952.1 million for #MiniatureDachshund.
10. Pomeranian - 8.5 billion views
Taking the final spot in the top ten, the hashtag #Pomeranian has 8.5 billion combined views. Pomeranians have gained huge popularity on TikTok due to dog-washing videos, which see this breed washed and then dried to highlight the amusing difference between their wet, short hair and dry, gloriously puffy coat.
How to choose the right dog for you, according to our in-house vet Dr Anna Foreman
Every animal is an individual, there is not a 'one size fits all' breed or species of dog for certain situations. Some dogs may be more independent and aloof, with certain breeds such as Huskies and Greyhounds being known to be more so than others.
Some young adult, adult or senior dogs who have had a harder start to life, such as street dogs, may be much more difficult to integrate into a home setting, and may be more challenging to gain the trust and affection of too.
Regarding family pets, it very much depends on the individual animal as mentioned above. A slow gradual introduction is vital for success. Dogs tend to be more sociable animals, tending to enjoy the company of humans, and tolerate children better than cats. However, some dogs can be exceptionally anxious!
What to consider before taking on a dog
- It is vital to consider your lifestyle, and time and financial constraints, before taking on a dog. As a rule, dogs should not be left alone for over four hours at a time, as they require access to go to the toilet and socialisation. Dogs who are left alone for extended periods of time are prone to developing abnormal behaviours due to boredom and loneliness. Equally, if a dog who is always with their owner then is left alone, no matter for how long, they can develop separation anxiety. Dogs also require daily walking, something an owner needs to have the time to commit to.
- Dogs are very expensive luxuries to own too. At the outset, although some dogs taken on from rehoming centres may only cost a small fee, certain breeds of puppy can cost thousands of pounds. These pedigree animals are more likely to suffer from genetically linked health conditions, which can incur significant veterinary bills too. Pet insurance is always recommended when taking on a dog, whether from a puppy or adult. A lifetime policy with a limit of £6000-£12000 will ensure all eventualities are covered. Some rescue dogs may be taken on with pre-existing health concerns it is important to consider that not all of these will be covered by insurance.
- Any dog can cost a significant amount of money to upkeep regardless of its pedigree however — food costs, veterinary care (both preventative and for illness or injury), accessories (such as bedding, clothing etc.), travel costs etc. can all be high, and especially in a time of a cost of living crisis, these overheads should all be considered before taking on any pet.
- Puppies, especially if they have been born in, and have spent the first 8 weeks of their life in, a household with children, are much easier to integrate into a pre-existing set up, as much of their 'learning' phase will have been spent around children. Even if a puppy has not come from a household with children, if they have had exposure to humans, and seen their mother comfortable around humans, they will have already learned they are not a threat.
- Dogs over the age of 16 weeks (who have already been through the sensitive learning phase) will take much longer to adapt to a new environment, and (particularly adult dogs) can take months to settle in. There tends to be a rule of three with older dogs (and even puppies) — it takes three days to stop feeling acutely overwhelmed by a new home, three weeks to start to settle into a new routine, and three months for a dog to consider a new place home.
Everypaw Pet Insurance
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