PHOTOS: See France's ten favourite breeds of dog

Dogs are, understandably, popular pets in France with some third of French residents owning one and a further 20% declaring that they want one. 

In France animal names traditionally follow the alphabet with 2023 being the year of U (the two most popular dog names were Ulysses and Una), 2024 the year of V and then 2025 goes back to the beginning of the alphabet to the letter A. 

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Centrale Canine, an organisation whose aim is to track the genealogy of pedigree dogs in France through its Livre des Origines Français (French Book of Origins), compiled a list of France’s favourite dogs based on the number of births per breed in 2023 (2024 figures are not yet available). 

Here is the list (in reverse order).

10. English setter

These beautiful and intelligent hunting dogs kick off the list. There were 5,294 births in 2023 for the sociable setter, which tends to get along with other pets. 

9. Miniature American shepherd

Just one look at these photogenic dogs is enough to understand their popularity. In 2015, there were only 210 new births as opposed to 5,581 last year. 

8. English cocker spaniel 

The second ‘English’ entry, English cocker spaniels are loving and energetic dogs. There were 6,857 new births in 2023. 

7. King Charles cavalier

Next on the list is the King Charles cavalier. This breed is less sporty than most of the others on the list. It is not a fan of solitude but makes a kind and loyal companion. 6,907 King Charles cavaliers were born in France in 2023. 

6. Labrador retriever

Patient and good with children while maintaining its mischievous and energetic nature, the Labrador retriever, which is often confused with a golden retriever, was sixth on the list, with 7,301 births. 

5. German shepherd

For a long time, the German shepherd was France’s favourite dog and it seems unlikely to drop out of the top ten any time soon. There were 7,462 German shepherd births in 2023. 

4. Belgian shepherd

However, its Belgian counterpart was more popular in France last year, with 9,749 births. Affectionate, intelligent and docile, it is the perfect pet for active dog owners who wish to train their dogs. 

3. Staffordshire bull terrier

The first dog on the podium, with 10,743 births in France, is the Staffordshire bull terrier, or Staffie for short. This breed has a brilliant smile which you are sure to see if you supply it with enough ways to satiate its seemingly tireless energy. 

2. Golden retriever

With 15,276 births, the golden retriever is France’s second most-favourite breed. Its unconditional love for its owners is unparalleled even among dogs. 

1. Australian shepherd 

France’s favourite dog is the Australian shepherd. Loving, energetic, smart, highly trainable, its qualities are endless. There were 17,609 Australian shepherd births in 2023.