They are happy, loving and easily-trained – as well as being the adorable stars of a certain long- running ad campaign.
Now Labradors have been confirmed as Scotland’s top dogs – accounting for a whopping one in ten of the country’s pet pooches.
The Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey also found that Scots are most likely to name their dogs Luna or Alfie, followed by Poppy and Buddy.
The dogs are even more popular across the UK as a whole, making up 13.5 per cent – more than one in eight – of all dogs.
Labradors are extremely affectionate and very active.
One participant in this year’s survey said of their loyal dog: ‘My Labrador has such soulful eyes and is my constant shadow. He is my silent pal and lightens the weight on my shoulders.’
It is not the first year they have topped the chart, with the Labrador named the UK’s favourite breed since the start of the survey in 2021.
Meanwhile, 7.5 per cent of Scots dogs have unknown ancestry, with the category described by the charity as ‘marvellous mixes’ the second most popular, followed by Cocker Spaniels which make up 6 per cent of all dogs.
Labradors have been confirmed as Scotland’s most popular dogs
Labrador puppies are extremely affectionate and very cute
Owners north of the Border love spending time with their pets, with an average of two hours and 20 minutes dedicating to their hounds, which is well over the UK-wide norm.
Scots also love their crossbreeds, with 35 per cent of dogs in the country a type of crossbreed according to the annual survey. The most popular in this category include Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Labradoodles, and Lurchers.
In the UK-wide league table Dachshunds have entered the top ten most popular dog breeds among puppies under one-year-old for the first time, while French Bulldogs appear to be in decline.
The dog charity said the fall was either as a result of fewer puppies since the pandemic boom, or growing awareness around the health issues linked to flat-faced breeds.
The National Dog Survey is Britain’s largest study of dogs, with more than 340,000 people responding including around 30,000 Scots.
The survey found that 95 per cent of owners said their dog improved their mental health while 84 per cent credited their pet with giving them emotional support.
A whopping 80 per cent described their canine companion as their best friend.
Owen Sharp, chief executive of the Dogs Trust, said: ‘With thousands of responses, the National Dog Survey paints a picture of the nation’s ever-changing relationship with its canine companions.
‘But the National Dog Survey is more than just a snapshot of our favourite breeds and names.
‘It is a vital tool to help us understand the impact of dogs, the challenges and the joy of dog ownership.
‘Every dog deserves a loving home and the right support.’
