Ireland's Dog Census 2025

Welcome to the results of Ireland's Dog Census 2025! 

As the lives of our canine companions continue to evolve, it is important that we regularly assess and understand the challenges facing dogs, their owners, and the wider dog-loving community. Understanding those challenges is essential if we want to help more dogs, and Ireland’s Dog Census plays a vital role in doing just that.

The valuable insights gathered through Ireland’s Dog Census in 2024 and 2025 are helping us build a clearer picture of life with dogs in Ireland. They inform the support, services and advocacy work we deliver today and will help shape our priorities as we work towards a better future for dogs and the people who love them, now and in the years to come.

This year’s report is another important step forward in our mission to ‘count every dog, so every dog counts.’  

Together, you helped us build an even clearer picture of life for dogs in Ireland. 

By comparing this year's findings with our 2024 Census, we've started to identify important trends that will help shape our work in the years ahead. 

Our goal is simple: to help keep more dogs and their owners together by providing the support, education and advocacy they need. 

You can download both the 2025 and 2024 reports below, or keep scrolling to explore the highlights from Ireland's Dog Census 2025. 

Which breed is top dog?

Jack Russells have once again claimed the crown as Ireland's most popular breed, making up 11% of all dogs included in this year's Census (up 1% from 2024). 

Mixed-breed dogs secured second place with 8% of the total, because who doesn’t love the best of both worlds? 

While clever Border Collies retained third place, also with 8%, with their share increasing by 1% since last year. 

Of course, every dog is a top dog in their own right! 

Irresponsible dog breeding was the top welfare concern overall for you, with 1 in 3 (34%) saying it was their biggest concern. 

However, among the 27% of dog owners who got their dog from a breeder, almost one in three (31%) were unsure whether the breeder was licensed or not, highlighting that there is room for greater awareness in this area. 

The findings also show overwhelming support for stronger regulation. Almost all of you (96%) believe anyone breeding, selling or transferring ownership of puppies should be recorded on a centralised database, while 9 in 10 (91%) believe the Government should urgently strengthen Ireland's dog breeding laws.  

While most dog owners did some research before bringing home their furry friend, worryingly, almost a third (31%) of dog owners admitted they didn’t do any research at all before embarking on the journey of dog ownership.  

This highlights an ongoing need for better education to help people choose the right dog for their lifestyle. 

Among those who did their homework: 

• 49% researched breed characteristics.
• 46% looked into temperament and behaviour.
• 41% researched exercise and activity requirements.
• Only 16% researched the costs associated with owning a dog. 

Many dog owners continue to face financial pressures. 

More than 1 in 3 (36%) said veterinary care is their biggest financial challenge. 1 in 7 (14%) struggle to pay for pet insurance, while 1 in 10 (10%) have found it difficult to afford dog food. 

The biggest challenges dog owners face are: 

• Other dog owners not being responsible in public places – 31% (up 4%)
• A lack of dog-friendly spaces – 28% (up 4%) 

These findings suggest that many of the challenges owners experience happen outside the home. Access to welcoming public spaces, responsible dog ownership and clean, safe environments all have a major impact on everyday life with dogs. 

Whether people currently have a dog or simply love them from afar, the reasons they cherish dogs were remarkably similar. 

Among dog owners: 

• 92% said companionship.
• 90% said unconditional love. 

Among dog lovers: 

• 87% chose unconditional love.
• 86% chose companionship. 

These results are just the tip of the terrier's tail when it comes to what we learned. We're now collecting responses for Ireland's Dog Census 2026. Help us count every dog, so every dog counts.