Article: These dog breeds are the most popular in Poland – number 2 is a surprise!

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May 19, 2025Lifestyle

These dog breeds are the most popular in Poland – number 2 is a surprise!

Who rules among dogs in Poland?

There are approximately 7.5 million dogs in Poland, and their number is steadily growing. In recent years, we've seen changes in trends—not only in appearance and personality, but also in the lifestyles of owners. While shepherds and mongrels once dominated, today we increasingly choose "Instagrammable," compact dogs, or those that are great for families with children.

Have you ever wondered why some breeds disappear from the streets while others are literally everywhere? Changing dog breed trends show that our choices are becoming more conscious – we're looking for dogs that will suit our lifestyles, interiors, and… Instagram photos.

In this article, we'll take a look at the most popular dog breeds in Poland in 2025. We've gathered data from the Polish Kennel Club (ZKwP) registers, adoption portals, marketplaces, and online search analytics. Number one probably won't surprise you... but number two might be a real surprise!

Where do we get the data from?

The ranking was based on:

ZKwP (Kennel Club in Poland) Registers
Adoption data from TOZ , OTOZ Animals and municipal shelters

TOP 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Poland in 2025

1. Golden Retriever – The Gold Standard of Family Dogs

Why does everyone love Golden Retrievers?
This breed has been at the forefront for years. Golden Retrievers are gentle, intelligent, great with families with children, and... they look great in photos. They are also often chosen as therapy dogs and for working with people with disabilities.

Advantages: gentleness, patience, easy to train
Disadvantages: tendency to obesity, need for high activity

2. Shih Tzu – An unexpected hit in the cities!

Yes! Second place goes to... Shih Tzu.
This small, charming breed has gained immense popularity in recent years, especially among city dwellers. The Shih Tzu is an ideal dog for a small apartment, does not shed, and has the appearance of a small teddy bear.

Advantages: compact size, friendly nature, low walking requirements
Disadvantages: requires regular fur care, does not like being alone

3.Labrador retriever – A classic that never gets boring

This breed is considered a "safe choice" in Poland. The Labrador is a cheerful, energetic, and very devoted companion. Great for active families, it enjoys water, fetching, and human contact.

Advantages: intelligence, loyalty, great approach to children
Disadvantages: high need for exercise, tendency to be overweight

4. York – Small dog, big personality

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dogs on this list, but it has a very big personality. Its popularity is growing year by year, mainly thanks to young women, seniors, and urban families.

Advantages: small size, alertness, sociability
Disadvantages: noisy, requires maintenance

5.German Shepherd – The Legend Dog

German Shepherds have enjoyed a steady following among Poles for decades. They are versatile dogs – both as guard dogs, police dogs, and family companions. Their position has weakened somewhat in favor of "smaller" breeds, but they remain very present.

Advantages: high intelligence, loyalty, trainability
Disadvantages: need for mental work, tendency to orthopedic problems

6. Pug – Charming in appearance, lazy in character

The Pug is a breed with a striking appearance – large eyes, a short muzzle, and a stocky build. Ideal for those who don't enjoy physical activity, as Pugs love lounging on the couch.

Advantages: funny appearance, calm character
Disadvantages: breathing problems, being overweight, laziness

7. Border Collie – The most intelligent dog in the world

While not for everyone, the Border Collie has a large fan base in Poland. This dog loves work, challenges, and human interaction. Ideal for active and experienced owners.

Advantages: incredible intelligence, quick learning
Disadvantages: requires daily mental and physical work

8. Chihuahua – The Princess (or Prince) of Handbags

The world's smallest dog, and yet one of the loudest. The Chihuahua is the perfect dog for a small apartment and for those who treat their dog like a family member – and those from the upper classes, at that!

Advantages: mini size, alertness, longevity
Disadvantages: shyness, tendency to bark

9. Amstaff – Strong but loving

The American Staffordshire Terrier is often controversial, but a well-bred dog is full of love and loyalty. This breed is for experienced owners who understand the need for socialization and consistency.

Advantages: family attachment, courage, vigilance
Disadvantages: physical strength, bad stereotypes, requires training

10. Maltese – Prince on the white carpet

White, fluffy, delicate – the Maltese is a lap dog that is very popular among allergy sufferers (it doesn't shed!) and aesthetic lovers.

Advantages: small, non-shedding, friendly
Disadvantages: requires regular trimming and care

Comparison of the most popular dog breeds in Poland (2025)

Race	Size	Activity level	For children	For the apartment	Molting	Requires care	For beginners
Golden Retriever	Big	Tall	✅ Yes	⛔ Probably not	🔄 Yes	⚠️ Moderate	✅ Yes
Shih Tzu	Little	Short	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Labrador Retriever	Big	Tall	✅ Yes	⛔ Probably not	🔄 Yes	⚠️ Moderate	✅ Yes
York	Little	Mediocre	⚠️ It depends	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
German Shepherd	Big	Tall	✅ Yes	⛔ Probably not	🔄 Yes	⚠️ Average	❌ Probably not
Pug	Little	Short	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	🔄 Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Border Collie	Mean	Very high	✅ Yes	❌ No	🔄 Yes	⚠️ Average	❌ Probably not
Chihuahua	Very small	Short	⚠️ Be careful	✅ Yes	❌ No	⚠️ Average	✅ Yes
Amstaff	Mean	Medium/high	✅ Yes (with socialization)	⚠️ It depends	🔄 Yes	⚠️ Moderate	❌ Probably not
Maltese	Little	Short	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Interesting fact: differences between voivodeships

📌 Did you know that...?
In the Masovian Voivodeship, the most frequently registered breed in 2024 was the Labrador Retriever, while in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the Shih Tzu saw the greatest increase in popularity. In large cities, miniature breeds dominate, while in rural areas and suburbs, German Shepherds and Labradors still dominate.

Breeds gaining and losing popularity

Gaining Races:

Shih Tzu – +47% increase in interest year-on-year
Maltese – +32% (especially among allergy sufferers)
Chihuahua – +24% (miniature dog fashion continues)

Losing races:

German Shepherd – a decline in popularity among families with children
Amstaff – more and more people choose calmer breeds
Beagle – formerly in the top 5, now outside the top ten

Why These Specific Races? Analysis of Trends and Behavior in Poland

"The popularity of breeds such as the Shih Tzu and the Maltese is not surprising – these dogs thrive in urban environments, are friendly, affectionate, and do not shed hair."

When choosing a dog, Poles are increasingly guided by:

housing conditions (preference for small breeds in cities),
aesthetics (Instagram, TikTok fashion),
ease of care and living with a dog,
recommendations from family, friends or veterinarians.

Social media , the popularity of breeding in a given area and the presence of dogs of a given breed on television and in advertisements also have a significant impact.

What breed of dog is best for living in an apartment building?

If you live in the city, don't have a large yard, and want to avoid problems with your neighbors, choose a breed that thrives in confined spaces and doesn't make much noise. The most popular breeds in 2025 are:

Shih Tzu – calm, does not shed hair, does not need long walks
York – energetic, yet small and adaptable
Maltese – perfect for allergy sufferers and people who value cleanliness
Chihuahua – the smallest dog in the world, enjoys human company

All of these dogs are perfect for apartment living, but remember – even the smallest dog needs love, care, and activity!

Summary: Trends 2025 – towards compactness and coziness

In 2025, we have classics like the Golden Retriever and the Labrador in the lead, but the unexpected winner of hearts (and rankings!) turned out to be the Shih Tzu – a small, fluffy dog perfect for an urban lifestyle.

What does this mean?
We're changing our approach to dogs. We increasingly treat them as family members, choosing breeds that are not only beautiful and fashionable but also easy to care for, gentle, and cuddly.

👉 What about you? Which breed do you consider the best? Leave a comment or share this article with your dog-sitting friends!

The most popular dog breeds in Poland – short ranking:

🥇 Golden Retriever – a family classic
🥈 Shih Tzu – the city loves him
🥉 Labrador – joy and energy
York – your pocket companion
German Shepherd – a legendary dog
Pug – the king of the couch
Border Collie – a brain on four legs
Chihuahua – micro, but with character
Amstaff – strength and heart
Maltese – a white dandy

Please note: Not every breed will be suitable for everyone.

Popularity doesn't mean universality. Before choosing a specific breed of dog, consider whether its needs fit your lifestyle:

A Border Collie is a brilliant dog, but without daily challenges, they get bored quickly.
The Amstaff is a loyal friend, but requires a responsible owner.
Chihuahuas can be loud and possessive if they do not have human contact.

Don't just focus on looks or fashion - what matters is the relationship and the compatibility of personalities.

The most common mistakes when choosing a dog

Choosing a breed based solely on appearance
Buying a dog without checking the breeder
An inexperienced owner choosing a demanding breed (e.g. Border Collie)
Lack of preparation for the dog's physical and emotional needs

Which dog breed suits you best? (Mini guide)

Choosing a dog isn't just about looks—it's a decision that will last for years. Here's a quick guide to help you choose a breed that fits your lifestyle:

Do you enjoy walks and being active? → Labrador or Border Collie
Do you value peace and quiet and live in an apartment building? → Shih Tzu or Pug
Do you have children and are looking for a patient pet? → Golden Retriever
Looking for a dog to fit in your purse? → Chihuahua or Yorkie

Frequently asked questions

Is a Shih Tzu a good breed for beginners?
Yes, they are gentle, calm, and very sociable. However, they do require regular grooming.

Which dog doesn't shed hair?
The Maltese and Shih Tzu are two breeds that do not shed, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Which breed tolerates loneliness best?
Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers cope better with the temporary absence of their owner than, for example, Yorkies.

Which dog is best for a senior?
Calm breeds like the Pug, Shih Tzu, Maltese, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are great for older adults. They are small, affectionate, and don't require extreme activity.

Which breed of dog should you choose for a small apartment?
Recommended breeds include: Chihuahua, Yorkie, Maltese, Shih Tzu – they are compact, easy to care for and do well in urban spaces.

Is a dog from a breeder better than one from a shelter?
It depends on your expectations and experience. Shelter dogs can be incredibly loyal, but they may have had traumatic experiences. Breeders offer more predictable temperaments but require choosing a responsible breeder.

Are there any dog breeds good for allergy sufferers?
Yes, the most commonly recommended breeds are those that don't shed, such as the Maltese, Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. However, it's worth testing individual reactions before adopting or purchasing.

Which dog breeds are the easiest to train?
Golden Retriever, Labrador, Cavalier, and Miniature Poodle – these breeds are known for their gentle nature and willingness to learn. Ideal for those inexperienced.

🛒 What to choose for your pet? Recommended Petto products

Once you know which breed is best for you, ensure its comfort and safety every day. Here are the products most frequently chosen by dog owners from the ranking:

For small breeds (Shih Tzu, York, Chihuahua):

PETTO Oi Fluffy car seat dog seat pink

PLN 369.99