A Quick Look at Some of The Most Popular Dog Breeds in Major European Countries: Historical Favourites vs Today's Top Dogs
- puppiestopawprints
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
Europe has played a central role in the development of many of the world's most beloved dog breeds.
From rugged mountain guardians and skilled hunting companions to modern family pets, dog ownership trends have changed over the centuries.
Historically, dogs were primarily bred for work, including herding livestock, hunting game, guarding property, and assisting farmers.
Today, companionship, adaptability, trainability, and family-friendly temperaments often drive a breed's popularity.
In this guide, we explore the most popular dog breeds across major European countries, comparing historical favourites with today's top choices and examining why these breeds have captured the hearts of dog lovers.
United Kingdom
Historical Favourite: Border Collie
The Border Collie was originally developed along the border of England and Scotland as a highly intelligent sheep-herding dog.
Why was it popular:
Exceptional herding ability
Incredible intelligence
Essential for sheep farming
Outstanding work ethic
Border Collies became indispensable on British farms and are still regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds in the world.
Popular Today: Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has become Britain's favourite family dog.
Why is it popular today:
Friendly personality
Excellent with children
Highly trainable
Adaptable to urban and rural living
Labradors excel as family pets, therapy dogs, guide dogs, and sporting companions.
Germany
Historical Favourite: German Shepherd
The German Shepherd was developed in the late 19th century as an all-purpose herding and working dog.
Why was it popular:
Intelligence
Loyalty
Herding capabilities
Versatility
The breed later became famous in military, police, and search-and-rescue roles.
Popular Today: German Shepherd and Dachshund
While German Shepherds remain highly popular, Dachshunds have seen a major resurgence.
German Shepherd
Known for courage, intelligence, and loyalty.
Dachshund
Originally bred for badger hunting, Dachshunds are now cherished for their distinctive look and spirited personality.
Why Dachshunds are popular:
Compact size
Apartment-friendly
Playful temperament
Strong bond with owners
France
Historical Favourite: Briard
The Briard served French shepherds for centuries.
Why was it popular:
Livestock protection
Herding skills
Loyalty
Endurance
Popular Today: French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has become one of Europe's fastest-growing breeds.
Why is it popular:
Small size
Minimal exercise needs
Affectionate nature
Perfect for city living
French Bulldogs are especially common in Paris and other urban areas.
Spain
Historical Favourite: Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff protected livestock from wolves and predators.
Why was it popular:
Powerful guardian instincts
Massive size
Protective temperament
Reliability with livestock
Popular Today: Labrador Retriever
Spain's growing urban population has fueled demand for adaptable family dogs.
Why Labradors are popular:
Friendly disposition
Easy trainability
Excellent family companions
Active lifestyle compatibility
Italy
Historical Favourite: Cane Corso
The Cane Corso descends from the ancient Roman dogs once used for guarding and warfare.
Why was it popular:
Property protection
Hunting ability
Courage
Loyalty
Popular Today: Cane Corso and Golden Retriever
The Cane Corso remains highly respected, while Golden Retrievers have become increasingly common.
Golden Retriever
Why is it popular:
Gentle temperament
Family-friendly personality
Intelligence
Easy training
Netherlands
Historical Favourite: Kooikerhondje
The Dutch Kooikerhondje assisted hunters by luring ducks into traps.
Why was it popular:
Hunting skills
Agility
Intelligence
Popular Today: Labrador Retriever
Dutch families increasingly favour Labradors for their adaptability and sociability.
Belgium
Historical Favourite: Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois originated as a herding dog.
Why was it popular:
Work ethic
Intelligence
Herding ability
Popular Today: Belgian Malinois
The breed remains highly sought after.
Why it remains popular:
Elite police and military performance
Athleticism
Exceptional trainability
Strong protective instincts
Switzerland
Historical Favourite: Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards became famous for their work in mountain rescue in the Swiss Alps.
Why was it popular:
Rescue abilities
Gentle nature
Strength
Endurance
Popular Today: Labrador Retriever
Modern Swiss dog owners often prefer Labradors because of their versatility and family-friendly temperament.
Sweden
Historical Favourite: Swedish Vallhund
Developed as a farm and cattle-herding dog.
Why was it popular:
Herding talent
Durability
Intelligence
Popular Today: Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers consistently rank among Sweden's most beloved breeds.
Why are they popular:
Friendly nature
Outdoor compatibility
Excellent family dogs
Norway
Historical Favourite: Norwegian Elkhound
A breed used for hunting elk and large game.
Why was it popular:
Hunting prowess
Endurance
Cold-weather resilience
Popular Today: Norwegian Elkhound and Labrador Retriever
Norwegians continue to appreciate active breeds suited to outdoor lifestyles.
Finland
Historical Favourite: Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz has long served as a bird-hunting dog.
Why was it popular:
Hunting skill
Alertness
Adaptability
Popular Today: Labrador Retriever
The Labrador's versatility has made it one of Finland's most popular modern breeds.
Ireland
Historical Favourite: Irish Setter
Originally developed for bird hunting.
Why was it popular:
Speed
Hunting ability
Elegant appearance
Popular Today: Golden Retriever
Poland
Historical Favourite: Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Used to guard livestock in mountain regions.
Why was it popular:
Protective instincts
Independence
Strength
Popular Today: German Shepherd
German Shepherds remain among Poland's most trusted family and working dogs.
Czech Republic
Historical Favourite: Bohemian Shepherd
A traditional herding and guarding breed.
Popular Today: Labrador Retriever
The breed's reliability and family-focused temperament have driven its popularity.
Austria
Historical Favourite: Austrian Pinscher
Originally bred for farm work and property protection.
Popular Today: Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are now among Austria's most common companion dogs.
Denmark
Historical Favourite: Danish-Swedish Farmdog
A versatile farm helper.
Popular Today: Labrador Retriever
Denmark's active outdoor culture aligns perfectly with Labrador's temperament.
Why Have Dog Breed Preferences Changed Across Europe?
Several factors have influenced modern dog ownership trends:
Urbanization
As Europeans moved from farms to cities, smaller and more adaptable companion breeds became increasingly desirable.
Family-Oriented Lifestyles
Modern families often seek dogs known for friendliness, patience, and ease of training.
Breed Awareness
Social media, television, and international kennel clubs have increased awareness of breeds from around the world.
Companion Over Working Roles
Most dogs today serve primarily as companions rather than workers, shifting popularity toward affectionate and adaptable breeds.
The Most Popular Modern Dog Breeds Across Europe
Across many European countries, several breeds consistently rank among the most popular:
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
French Bulldog
German Shepherd
Dachshund
Border Collie
Belgian Malinois
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Cane Corso
Final Thoughts
Europe's history of dog ownership reflects the continent's agricultural, cultural, and social evolution. Historically, breeds were selected for practical working purposes such as herding, hunting, guarding, and rescue. Today, companionship, trainability, and adaptability dominate the list of desirable traits.
While beloved working breeds such as the Border Collie, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Norwegian Elkhound, and Saint Bernard continue to enjoy popularity, family-focused breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, and Dachshund have become modern favourites throughout Europe.
Understanding how dog breed preferences have evolved offers fascinating insight into both canine history and the changing lifestyles of European dog owners.
Comments