4 days ago
The King and Queen are leading a Jack Russell resurgence! Numbers of the breed - famously owned by Charles and Camilla - spike by 75% in Britain
It's the plucky, intelligent and energetic breed that has already won the hearts of the King and Queen.
Now it turns out the Jack Russell Terrier – also known for being stubborn and fearless – has also become one of Britain's favourite dogs.
Data from the Kennel Club reveals that in the first quarter of the year, there has been a 75 per cent increase in puppy registrations compared to the same period in 2024.
It follows a steady increase in popularity in recent years, possibly triggered by King Charles ' ascension to the throne in 2022.
At the time, he and his wife, Queen Camilla, owned two Jack Russell Terriers called Beth and Bluebell.
The pair were adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats home in 2011 and 2012 respectively, and famously featured as embroidered designs on Her Majesty's coronation gown.
The Queen, 77, was left heartbroken when Beth died last November.
But earlier this year the royals welcomed a new rescue puppy – a Jack Russell mix called Moley, described as a 'mischievous' and 'much-loved canine companion'.
Her Majesty shared a charming photograph of the tiny pooch perched confidently in her lap.
A Battersea spokesman said at the time: 'We're pleased to confirm that Battersea has recently rehomed an 8-week-old Jack Russell Terrier cross female puppy, called Moley, to our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen.
'The Queen has long been a supporter of Battersea's work and has previously rehomed two rescue dogs from our charity.'
It's thought the new pet will live at Rat Hill, Queen Camilla's private Wiltshire residence, although it's expected she'll accompany the royal couple when they stay at official royal residences.
The Queen had a very close bond with Beth, who she described as a 'very special dog' - much like the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was famed for her love of corgis.
Over the years Camilla has paid tribute to her pets by giving them her pearl necklaces for a magazine cover.
She was also joined by Beth in a picture posted by the royal family for her 75th birthday in 2022.
The Jack Russell trend follows that of the Corgi, whose popularity also ebbed and flowed in line with the late Queen Elizabeth's ownership of the breed.
The Jack Russell terrier appeared on a set of Royal Mail stamps that were issued in 2024, featuring some of the nation's favourite dog breeds
Another beloved British breed, the Cocker Spaniel, also looks set to have secured its place in the hearts of both the nation - and the Royal Family - after becoming the second most popular breed, according to Kennel Club figures, in 2024.
The breed has continued to hold its second place spot in the first quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Cocker Spaniel, Orla, is reported to have recently welcomed a quartet of Cocker Spaniel puppies.
The breed has become a steadfast family favourite in the UK, remaining in the top 10 most popular breeds throughout the last century.
In 2024, it moved up into second place and is continuing to close the gap behind the nation's 'top dog', the Labrador Retriever.
Charlotte McNamara, spokeswoman for The Kennel Club said: 'The Jack Russell Terrier and the Cocker Spaniel are iconic British breeds, and make wonderful companions, so it's no wonder they have the royal seal of approval.
'Both breeds have friendly and lively personalities, making them well-suited to the busy and active lives of royalty where they are certain to meet lots of new people.
'It's of course vital that any would-be owner spends a lot of time researching which dog best suits their lifestyle, and making sure they can take on their various needs.
'We are lucky to have such a rich diversity of different types of dogs in the UK, so we urge the public to thoroughly research, in order to find their perfect match.'
Based on annual puppy registrations the top five most popular breeds in Britain so far this year are the Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog.
They are followed by the Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel, Miniature Long Haired Dachshund and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Other 'fast riser' breeds include the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Italian Greyhound, the Shetland Sheepdog and the Samoyed.
The 10 most popular dog breeds of 2025
Labrador Retriever
Cocker Spaniel
Golden Retriever
French Bulldog
Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
German Shepherd Dog
English Springer Spaniel
Miniature Long Haired Dachshund
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
