The top dog breed in the UK in 2022, as measured by number of registrations, was the Labrador Retriever breed. Some 44,311 retrievers were newly registered in the UK in 2022. French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels rounded out the top three dog breeds in the UK that year.

Surge in UK dog registrations

In 2022, many dog breeds saw a decrease in registrations after large growth in 2021. Over 17 thousand fewer Labrador Retrievers were registered in 2022 than in 2021. Registrations of French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels also saw significant decreases in the UK that year.

UK pet food market

Europe and North America produce the most pet food worldwide. In 2022, Europe produced about 11.8 million metric tons of pet food. Though less pet food is produced in North America overall, the United States has the highest pet food revenue worldwide by far. The UK has the second highest revenue, reaching over 6.8 billion U.S. dollars that year.

In the United States, more than half of the population reported owning a pet in 2011. This number has been quite steady since then. Today there are more than 90 million cats in the United States, while the number of dogs is just below the 90 million-mark. Freshwater fish are the most common pet with almost 140 million nationwide in 2018, followed by the aforementioned cats and dogs.   Pet expenses    When it comes to expenses, fish are generally considered low maintenance compared to other pets. Dogs especially require high expense, particularly for kennel boarding while their owners are away. However, the highest costs for dog owners are due to surgical vet visits, reported at almost double the expense for cats in 2019. Lower life expectancy could be a factor - around 11 years for a medium-sized dog, compared with 12 to 15 years for cats.  
  Pet food  

Food is currently the largest expense for cat owners, and the second highest for dogs, not even including treats. Despite the convenience of buying pet food online, or while already grocery shopping in a supermarket, food store, or wholesale club, the highest share of pet food sales comes from pet specialty chains. With many owners are willing to make the extra trip for their pets, chain shops Pet Smart and PetCo make up almost half the market for pet companies in the United States.

Over the five years to 2024, increases in both competition and public disapproval have threatened the Dog and Pet Breeders industry. This industry includes various operations, from small independent home breeders to large USDA-certified breeding facilities. However, the industry also comprises unlicensed puppy mills, often using inhumane practices to reduce costs and maximize profit. Recent attention to these operations has hurt the overall industry's reputation. In 2017, the "Adopt, Don't Shop" campaign emphasized the ethical benefits of getting pets from shelters and adoption groups rather than pet stores. This campaign has led many pet stores to no longer work with breeders and instead host adoption events with local shelters. Through the end of 2024, industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 2.6% to $3.1 billion, including an estimated 0.9% decline in 2024. The breeding industry's trajectory has been mixed with challenges. Stringent regulations like those mandated by the Animal Welfare Act have kept most breeders operating on a small scale, with only a tiny fraction exceeding the threshold for requiring USDA licensing. The public's growing scrutiny of puppy mills and other inhumane conditions has pressured breeders to maintain higher quality standards. Some medium-sized breeders will likely seek USDA certification to improve their reputation and gain legitimacy. Higher standards and requirements will enable these breeders to increase their profits. Heightening veterinary services and pet essentials costs will likely strain household budgets, leading to more careful spending on pet purchases. Demographic trends suggest older populations might shy away from new pets, while younger generations lean towards pet adoption, driven by ethical considerations. Legislative pressures and higher public awareness are expected to push the industry towards more stringent welfare standards. While adoption campaigns and regulatory constraints present formidable challenges, purebred breeders may still find sustained demand from consumers looking for specific traits and appearance. Through the end of 2029, industry revenue is projected to fall at an annualized rate of 0.4% to $3.0 billion.

IntroductionLarge scale data on the prevalence of diverse medical conditions among dog breeds in the United States are sparse. This cross-sectional study sought to estimate the lifetime prevalence of medical conditions among US dogs and to determine whether purebred dogs have higher lifetime prevalence of specific medical conditions compared to mixed-breed dogs.MethodsUsing owner-reported survey data collected through the Dog Aging Project (DAP) Health and Life Experience Survey for 27,541 companion dogs, we identified the 10 most commonly reported medical conditions in each of the 25 most common dog breeds within the DAP cohort. Lifetime prevalence estimates of these medical conditions were compared between mixed-breed and purebred populations. The frequency of dogs for whom no medical conditions were reported was also assessed within each breed and the overall mixed-breed and purebred populations.ResultsA total of 53 medical conditions comprised the top 10 conditions for the 25 most popular breeds. The number of dogs for whom no medical conditions were reported was significantly different (p = 0.002) between purebred (22.3%) and mixed-breed dogs (20.7%). The medical conditions most frequently reported within the top 10 conditions across breeds were dental calculus (in 24 out of 25 breeds), dog bite (23/25), extracted teeth (21/25), osteoarthritis (15/25), and Giardia (15/25).DiscussionPurebred dogs in the DAP did not show higher lifetime prevalence of medical conditions compared to mixed-breed dogs, and a higher proportion of purebred dogs than mixed-breed dogs had no owner-reported medical conditions. Individual breeds may still show higher lifetime prevalence for specific conditions.

The global pet breeding services market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing pet ownership, rising disposable incomes, and a growing demand for specific breeds with desirable traits. The market is segmented by application (personal and commercial) and type of breeding (natural mating, artificial insemination, and others). While natural mating remains prevalent, particularly among smaller-scale breeders, artificial insemination is gaining traction due to its potential for improved genetic selection and disease control. Commercial breeding operations, focusing on high-volume production of popular breeds, are a significant market segment, while personal breeding caters to individual owners seeking specific characteristics in their pets. The market is geographically diverse, with North America and Europe holding significant market shares currently, but Asia-Pacific is projected to exhibit strong growth over the forecast period (2025-2033) due to increasing pet adoption rates in developing economies. Factors such as stringent regulations concerning animal welfare and ethical breeding practices, along with potential economic downturns, pose challenges to market growth. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, fueled by the enduring human-animal bond and the continuous development of advanced breeding techniques. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large-scale commercial breeders, specialized veterinary clinics offering breeding services, and smaller-scale, independent breeders. Key players include established names in animal genetics and breeding, as well as organizations focused on breed standards and ethical breeding practices. Companies are focusing on technological advancements to improve breeding efficiency, disease prevention, and genetic selection. Furthermore, the increasing awareness of responsible pet ownership is shaping market trends, driving demand for ethical and sustainable breeding practices. This includes a greater focus on genetic testing to prevent hereditary diseases and responsible breeding practices to avoid overpopulation and animal welfare concerns. The market's future success hinges on balancing commercial viability with ethical considerations and sustainable practices, promoting a healthy and responsible pet population. We project a conservative CAGR of 6% for the global pet breeding services market from 2025-2033, with the market valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2025, increasing steadily over the forecast period.

Maltese dogs are the most common dog breed owned in South Korea, according to a survey conducted in 2023, with around ** percent of respondents answering to own such a dog. The market for pets and pet products in South Korea has continued to grow over the last years in Korea and, according to forecasts, will continue to do so for the next six years. Dog population in South Korea Just as the pet market size has grown, the dog population in South Korea has also experienced an upward trend, with almost *** million dogs owned as pets in 2022. While the number of new dog registrations decreased, it was still an elevated level compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. Dog registrations became mandatory in 2014 and dog owners have to follow up with multiple veterinarian checks. Reasons for this policy were, among others, to reduce the number of stray dogs in cities, such as Seoul, and simplify the recovery of lost dogs. Pet food market According to a survey among pet owners, the preferred type of dog food was dry food. Dry food can be easily imported from other countries and in 2023, South Korea imported most of its pet food from the U.S. The average monthly spending on other pet related items in South Korea amounted to close to **** thousand South Korean won in 2023.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare previously identified demographic risk factors for injury in agility dogs, and explore other potential associations with demographic risk factors in new populations, and across different levels of injury severity.ProceduresAn internet-based survey of agility handlers was conducted. The primary outcome was if the dog had ever had an injury that kept from agility for over a week. Demographic information about the dog and handler were recorded. Logistic regression was used to quantify associations between variables of interest with injury history and all models were adjusted for age. Analyses were stratified by geographic location. Final model building was done via backward selection.ResultsThe sample included 2,962 dogs from North America and 1,235 dogs from elsewhere. In the North American sample, 8 variables were associated with injury history; dog breed, height and weight, handler age, gender, agility experience, competing at the national level, age dog was acquired, and taking radiographs to assess growth plate closure. In the non-North American sample, 4 variables were associated with injury history; breed, handler age, occupation (dog trainer or not), and handler medical training. In both samples, Border Collies showed a marked increase in injury risk (ORs 1.89 and 2.34) and handler age >65 was associated with lower risk (ORs 0.62 and 0.77). Consistent with previous studies, greater handler experience was associated with reduced risk in the North American sample, but the other sample did not show this pattern, even in unadjusted models. Dog spay/neuter status was not associated with injury risk in either sample.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceDogs with radiographs assessing growth plate closure may have increased injury risk as this population of owners may plan to train their dog harder, and at an earlier age. This finding also poses the question of whether or not growth plate closure is a good indicator of safety for increasing training intensity. Knowledge of what risk factors exist for injury in agility dogs is imperative in determining direction for future prospective studies, as well as creating recommendations to help prevent injury in this population of dogs.

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common inflammatory skin condition in dogs. It is a life-long problem which poses a significant welfare issue due to the chronic skin discomfort and pruritus (itch) experienced. Excessive scratching, licking and chewing cause self-trauma to the skin and increased risk of secondary infections. Several breeds are predisposed including the Labrador Retriever, Boxer and French Bulldog, suggesting a genetic component to the condition. Our access to a sizeable population of dogs genotyped on a medium density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array along with linked clinical record information allows for large-scale and highly powered genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis. In this study, over 28 thousand dogs were used to look for genetic changes associated with CAD. We identified a statistically significant signal on canine chromosome 38, with a particularly strong association in the French Bulldog breed. Genome resequencing revealed a provocative splice donor variant in SLAMF1 (Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule 1), an immune system associated gene. Analysis of further genome sequences and RNA samples from the Mars Petcare Biobank confirmed the SLAMF1 variant as a strong candidate for causing an increased risk of atopic dermatitis.
Methods Samples DNA samples were collected via commercial testing of Wisdom Panel™ Premium, Wisdom Panel™ Essential, Wisdom Panel™ Health and Optimal Selection™ retail products, and genetic testing performed as a part of Optimal Wellness Plans® for puppies, through Banfield Pet Hospital branches (Vancouver, WA, USA) and as part of the MARS PETCARE BIOBANK™. Samples were either collected through non-invasive cheek swabbing by dog owners or veterinary professionals or through blood sampling by a veterinary professional at a Banfield Pet Hospital in line with regulations governing diagnostic testing. Consent for use of DNA data in research was obtained through the client’s agreement with terms and conditions of DNA testing through Wisdom Panel. Analysis and sequencing of cDNA were performed using samples collected from dogs participating in the Mars Petcare Biobank. All samples originated from the United States or Mexico. Analysis An initial GWAS was performed using 14,378 single breed cases and 14,633 breed matched controls to tightly control against potential population stratification. Within breed GWAS was performed where at least 200 cases and controls were available for a given breed.

Inclusion criteria

CAD cases and controls were categorized based on labelling provided by general veterinary practitioners in the Banfield EMR and through criteria set by a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. Given the retrospective nature of the data, this is a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in the broad sense which may include dogs with food allergic dermatitis.

CAD cases were in the age range of 0.3 to 20 years and must have received at least three months of ectoparasite control. CAD cases had also been diagnosed with recurrent (more than once) clinical signs of atopic dermatitis including: Dermatitis, Atopic Allergic; Otitis; Pododermatitis; Pruritus; Pyoderma or Malassezia. In addition, CAD cases could also have been prescribed recurrent systemic anti-inflammatories, antihistamines or medicated ear drops.

Controls were in the age range of 3 to 20 years and must not have been diagnosed with of any of the following recurrent symptoms: Acne; Alopecia Undetermined; Dermatitis (of any variety), Folliculitis; Lichenification; Malassezia; Otitis (of any variety); Paronychia; Pododermatitis; Pruritus; Pyoderma (of any variety). Controls also must not have been prescribed recurrent systemic or topical anti-inflammatories, antihistamines or medicated ear drops.

For breed assignment single breed dogs were defined as dogs with greater or equal to 80% single breed ancestry as defined by the Wisdom Panel breed classification algorithm (BCSYS).

Genotype Analysis

Genome-wide association study analysis was performed using a linear mixed-model approach in the software package GEMMA v0.98.5 including a centered relatedness matrix. PLINK v1.9 was used to apply the following quality control: Samples with an overall genotyping success rate of lower than 95% across all tested SNPs were also filtered out; then, variants below 1% minor allele frequency or lower than 95% genotyping success rate were filtered out.

The oldest confirmed remains of domestic dogs in North America are from mid-continent archeological sites dated ~9,900 calibrated years before present (cal BP). Although this date suggests that dogs may not have arrived alongside the first Native Americans, the timing and routes for the entrance of New World dogs are unclear. Here, we present a complete mitochondrial genome of a dog from Southeast Alaska, dated to 10,150 ± 260 cal BP. We compared this high-coverage genome with data from modern dog breeds, historical Arctic dogs, and American precontact dogs (PCDs) from before European arrival. Our analyses demonstrate that the ancient dog shared a common ancestor with PCDs that lived ~14,500 years ago and diverged from Siberian dogs around 16,000 years ago, coinciding with the minimum suggested date for the opening of the North Pacific coastal (NPC) route along the Cordilleran Ice Sheet and genetic evidence for the initial peopling of the Americas. This ancient Southeast Alaskan dog occupies an early branching position within the PCD clade, indicating it represents a close relative of the earliest PCDs that were brought alongside people migrating from eastern Beringia southward along the NPC to the rest of the Americas. The stable isotope δ13C value of this early dog indicates a marine diet, different from the younger mid-continent PCDs’ terrestrial diet. Although PCDs were largely replaced by modern European dog breeds, our results indicate that their population decline started ~2,000 years BP, coinciding with the expansion of Inuit peoples, who are associated with traditional sled-dog culture. Our findings suggest that dogs formed part of the initial human habitation of the New World, and provide insights into their replacement by both Arctic and European lineages.

The global market for adjustable dog knee braces is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing pet ownership, rising pet healthcare expenditure, and a growing awareness of canine joint health issues. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $150 million, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors: an aging pet population necessitating more supportive medical devices, advancements in brace technology leading to improved comfort and efficacy, and a surge in veterinary recommendations for preventative and rehabilitative care. The market segments by application include injury recovery, osteoarthritis management, and preventative care, while types encompass different materials, designs (e.g., hinged, non-hinged), and sizes catering to various dog breeds. Key players in the market are focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding their distribution networks to capture a larger market share. Regional analysis indicates strong growth across North America and Europe, fueled by higher pet ownership rates and better healthcare infrastructure. However, growth is also projected in Asia-Pacific, driven by increasing pet adoption and rising disposable incomes. While the market is expanding rapidly, certain restraints exist. High initial costs associated with acquiring these braces can be a barrier for some pet owners. Furthermore, the market's growth is subject to fluctuations in pet ownership trends and economic conditions. Future market trends will likely include increasing demand for customized and technologically advanced braces, the integration of smart technology for monitoring and feedback, and a wider range of sizes and designs tailored to specific breeds. The continued rise of online pet supply retailers presents significant opportunities for market expansion, providing greater accessibility and convenience for consumers. Manufacturers are likely to focus on enhancing product quality, improving comfort and usability, and leveraging e-commerce platforms to build market presence and increase sales.

The global dog and cat joint health supplement market, currently valued at approximately $82 million in 2025, is poised for significant growth. This expansion is driven by several key factors. The increasing aging pet population globally leads to a higher incidence of osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia, conditions directly addressed by these supplements. Furthermore, rising pet owner awareness of preventative healthcare and a willingness to invest in their pets' well-being fuel market demand. The preference for convenient capsule-based supplements over liquid formulations contributes to market segmentation. While the market is relatively fragmented, key players like Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Dorwest, and others are investing in research and development, introducing innovative products tailored to specific joint conditions and breeds. The North American market currently dominates, but substantial growth potential exists in Asia Pacific, driven by rising pet ownership and increasing disposable incomes. However, stringent regulatory approvals and varying consumer perceptions about supplement efficacy represent key restraints. Continued innovation in supplement formulations, focusing on enhanced bioavailability and efficacy, alongside targeted marketing campaigns highlighting the benefits, will be crucial for sustained market expansion. Looking ahead to 2033, the market is projected to witness robust growth, fueled by continuous advancements in supplement technology and a deeper understanding of canine and feline joint health needs. The introduction of new, more effective ingredients, improved manufacturing processes, and an increase in online retail channels will further propel this growth. Competitive strategies among established players will involve expanding product portfolios, pursuing strategic partnerships, and focusing on geographic expansion into emerging markets. The market will likely see an increase in premium and specialized supplements catering to niche needs and specific breeds, reflecting growing consumer demand for higher-quality products. While economic downturns could pose a challenge, the overall trend suggests a positive trajectory for the dog and cat joint health supplement market over the forecast period.

Vermont was the leading state in terms of cat ownership, with some ** percent of households owning a pet cat in 2025. In comparison, around ** percent of households in Wisconsin were cat owners that year. Cat ownership in the U.S. There are almost ** million households in the U.S. that own a cat. Cats are the second most popular type of pets, only surpassed by dogs, which are owned by about ** million households. The average accident and illness insurance premium for a cat in the U.S. amounts to approximately *** U.S. dollars annually. The costs of insurance largely depend on the type of cat. The largest cat insurance claims paid in Canada and in the U.S. are made for a sphynx. A total claim amount of approximately ****** U.S. dollars is paid annually to treat various conditions for this breed. In comparison, a total claim amount of slightly under ****** U.S. dollars is paid for domestic short hairs at the age of 4. American pet food companies The global pet food market has shown a growing trajectory for over a decade. The market reached sales of approximately *** billion U.S. dollars in 2022. The U.S. company Freshpet is the fourth fastest-growing pet food company worldwide, with an annual growth rate of about ** percent. The U.S. companies General Mills and Tuffy’s Pet Foods are also among the top ten fastest-growing pet food companies worldwide, with annual growth rates of approximately ** and ** percent, respectively. The German company Bewital petfood GmbH & Co. KG ranks in first place, with an annual growth rate of almost 100 percent. The leading pet food company in the U.S. is Mars Petcare Inc., with **** billion U.S. dollars in revenue. Nestlé Purina PetCare follows closely in second place with just under **** billion U.S. dollars in revenue.