Registrations of French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Pugs were lower during the first quarter of 2026 than during the same period a year earlier, according to newly published figures from the Royal Kennel Club (RKC).
The figures were released as part of the organisation’s quarterly breed registration statistics, which record the number of dogs registered with the Royal Kennel Club.
Registrations lower than a year earlier
French Bulldog registrations were recorded at 2,219 during the first quarter of 2025. During the first quarter of 2026, the figure stood at 1,400.
Bulldog registrations were recorded at 765 during the first quarter of 2025 and 509 during the first quarter of 2026.
Pug registrations were recorded at 220 during the first quarter of 2025 and 126 during the first quarter of 2026.
The Royal Kennel Club highlighted the figures in a wider update on breed registration trends published during May 2026.
Annual figures remain below previous highs
The Royal Kennel Club’s annual registration statistics show French Bulldog registrations reached 54,074 in 2021. In 2025, the figure stood at 7,750.
Bulldog registrations were recorded at 7,785 in 2016 and 2,711 in 2025.
Pug registrations were recorded at 10,408 in 2016 and 834 in 2025.
The figures form part of the Royal Kennel Club’s published breed registration records.
Veterinary organisations welcome the figures
French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Pugs are brachycephalic breeds, meaning they have shortened skulls and flattened facial features.
Veterinary organisations have previously highlighted health conditions associated with extreme brachycephalic conformation, including breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, eye disorders, skin fold conditions and complications during birth.
Following publication of the latest figures, veterinary representatives quoted in national media coverage welcomed the continued decline in registrations.
Speaking to The Guardian, representatives from the British Veterinary Association said the figures were encouraging and reflected years of work by veterinary organisations, welfare groups and campaigners to raise awareness of health concerns associated with extreme breeding for appearance.
The latest figures were subsequently reported by a number of veterinary and national news outlets.
Frequently asked questions
What is a brachycephalic dog?
A brachycephalic dog is a breed with a shortened skull and flattened face. Examples include French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Pugs.
Do these figures include all dogs in the UK?
No. The statistics relate to dogs registered with the Royal Kennel Club and do not include every dog bred, sold or imported into the UK.
Are French Bulldogs being banned?
No. The Royal Kennel Club registration figures relate to breed registrations and do not indicate any plans to ban French Bulldogs, Bulldogs or Pugs.
Why were veterinary organisations commenting on the figures?
Veterinary organisations have raised concerns for a number of years about health conditions associated with extreme brachycephalic conformation. Representatives from the veterinary profession commented on the latest figures following their publication.
Data source
Royal Kennel Club breed registration statistics
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