The most and least popular dog to adopt in West Yorkshire

Using search data compiled by Oxbridge Home Learning, we can reveal the most and least adopted breeds in West Yorkshire.

While it is excellent that people across the county are adopting dogs and giving them a new home, experts suggest that some animals are being overlooked purely on their breed.

Claire Barber, Animal Care Specialist at Oxbridge commented: “Although it’s heartening to see such a healthy rise in animal adoption as a result of the pandemic, it’s clear many animals are being overlooked based on their breed alone.

“Those looking to adopt might also consider less popular breeds, which are desperately in need of a good home.”

Let's take a look at some of the most and least popular dog breeds in our county:

Rehoming dogs in the pandemic

Oxbridge's research found that dog adoptions have increased significantly in the last year with online searches for dog adoption increasing by more than 203 per cent and spiking with each national lockdown.

While this is great news for unloved animals without a home the figure also presents something much more troubling. 

According to the Oxbridge research, the pressures of the pandemic are beginning to show for some dog owners.

Searches about rehoming dogs has increased by more than 103 per cent with spikes aligning to each national lockdown.

Oxbridge’s Dog Grooming Expert Lisa Graham said: “We shouldn’t need to remind prospective pet owners that taking on a dog is a long-term commitment, and not a decision to be taken lightly.

“Dogs of all breeds and sizes require a stable, loving home if they’re to lead a happy, contented life and if they face the prospect of regular rehoming, it can cause serious damage to a dog’s development, trust and quality of life.”

However, it’s better news for Yorkshire as the data suggests local residents are least likely to rehome dogs they already own.

Those living in London and the North West were also least likely to rehome a pet.

(Credit: Flourish/Oxbridge)

The most popular searches for rehoming concern small and medium dogs, as opposed to large, high-energy breeds that owners may struggle with.

This may be due to the fact that small and medium dogs are more popular and accessible, meaning that more owners have taken them on without first considering the commitment involved.

According to the data, Cockapoos are the breed that are most frequently rehomed in the UK.

Most adopted dog breeds in the UK

Across the UK, there is a huge interest in adopting or rehoming dogs of specific breeds – from the cockapoo to the classic West Highland terrier.

But of the dogs to generate most interest online, which breeds came out on top?

Dog breed adoption trends in the past year (Credit: Oxbridge/Flourish)

According to the data, the most popular dog breed in the UK is the greyhound averaging 2400 monthly searches.

This is followed by cockapoos (2340 monthly searches), French bulldogs (2250 monthly searches), dachshunds (2160 monthly searches) and whippets (2070 monthly searches).

Most and least adopted dogs breeds in West Yorkshire

We know that the Greyhound is the most popular dog breed to adopt in the UK- but what about in West Yorkshire?

According to the data, the most popular dog breeds to adopt in West Yorkshire are cockapoos, French bulldogs and greyhounds- each of which receive and average of 70 adoption searches each month.

The whippet isn’t far behind with an average of 60 searches per month followed by the adopt cocker spaniel (50 monthly searches).

However, not every breed is shows as much love in West Yorkshire.

According to the data, the Bordoodle is the least searched for breed of dog when it comes to adoption.

This is followed by the silky terrier and then the affenpinscher.

Large dogs such as the basset hound also made the list and the experts at Oxbridge think people might be intimidated by the demands required from a larger breed.

Commenting on the least popular adoption dogs, Oxbridge’s Dog Grooming Expert Lisa Graham said: “While cost and space are obviously factors in people’s choice not to adopt a large dog, with the right care and the right home, oversized breeds make wonderful, gentle companions.”

Did you adopt a dog during the pandemic?