The most popular dog breeds in Poland – which dogs really win the hearts of Poles?

Just a dozen or so years ago, choosing a dog in Poland was often a matter of chance. "A friend has puppies," "I saw a nice dog at the neighbor's," "the kids want one like the one in the movie."

Today is different.

We enter in Google:

• the most popular dog breeds in Poland
• what breed of dog to choose for an apartment
• a dog for a family with children
• how much does it cost to keep a dog

Increasingly, this decision is a conscious one. We analyze a dog's temperament, exercise needs, health, costs of keeping it, and compatibility with remote work and lifestyle.

But despite the changes, one thing remains the same:

Poles love family dogs, intelligent and closely related to humans.

In this article, we'll not only present the ranking, but also answer the following questions:

• Why are specific breeds the most popular in Poland?
• Does popularity mean a dog is easy?
• How to match your breed to your lifestyle?
• How much does it really cost to keep the most popular breeds?

This is a comprehensive guide for future caregivers.

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The most popular dog breeds in Poland - current ranking

Popularity can be measured in different ways:

• the number of dogs in homes,
• breeding registrations,
• interest in search engines,
• presence on social media,
• number of sales ads.

In Poland, the following have been at the forefront for years:

1. 🥇 Golden Retriever
2. 🥈 Labrador Retriever
3. 🥉 German Shepherd
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Shih Tzu
6. French Bulldog
7. Maltese
8. Chihuahua
9. Border Collie
10. Pug

But the rankings are just numbers. Each breed has a specific story behind it and a reason why Poles choose these dogs.

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Golden Retriever – the symbol of the family dog

The Golden Retriever is an iconic family dog. It feels right at home in Polish homes.

Why is golden so popular?

• gentle temperament
• patience with children
• high intelligence
• ease of training
• a great need for human contact

The Golden Retriever is an emotionally stable dog. He rarely shows aggression and is friendly towards people and other animals.

Who is golden for?

✔️ Families with children
✔️ Active people
✔️ Beginner caregivers
✔️ House with a garden (but it is not a necessity)

Challenges

• very intense moulting
• tendency to be overweight
• high demand for traffic
• higher maintenance costs (high body weight)

A Golden Retriever will become frustrated in an apartment without regular walks. This is a dog that needs at least 1.5–2 hours of activity per day.

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Labrador Retriever – energy and joy

The Labrador is one of the most sought-after breeds in Poland. It's friendly, family-oriented, and incredibly loyal.

Why do Poles love Labradors?

• an excellent family dog
• great for kids
• emotionally stable
• intelligent and trainable

Labrador loves food and people. They are a mix of enthusiasm and affection.

Who is a Labrador for?

✔️ Families
✔️ Active people
✔️ Beginner caregivers
✔️ People who like long walks

Challenges

• huge appetite
• susceptibility to obesity
• need for movement
• strong attachment (does not tolerate loneliness well)

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German Shepherd Dog – loyalty and intelligence

Until recently, it was number one in Poland. Today, it remains among the top performers.

The German Shepherd is a dog:

• versatile,
• alert,
• very intelligent,
• loyal to family.

This isn't a "just-for-watch" dog. This is a working dog that needs a job.

Who is a German Shepherd for?

✔️ Active people
✔️ Experienced caregiver
✔️ People who enjoy training and working with dogs

Challenges

• requires consistency
• needs intensive socialization
• can be overly alert without proper upbringing

A German Shepherd in a small apartment without mental work will begin to "organize its own activities."

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Yorkshire Terrier – the city's favorite

Small dog, big personality.

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds in Poland in cities.

Why?

• perfect for a block of flats
• small size
• strong bond with the caregiver
• vigilance

This is a brave dog, often unaware of its size.

Who is a yorkshire for?

✔️ Apartment in a block of flats
✔️ Single people
✔️ Seniors
✔️ Families with older children

Challenges

• requires regular care
• can be barking
• needs training like any dog

A small dog is still a dog – it needs rules and consequences.

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Shih Tzu – a calm companion

If someone searches for the phrase "apartment dog, undemanding", the shih tzu comes up very often.

This breed is:

• calm,
• sociable,
• attached to a human being,
• less active than retrievers.

Perfect for:

✔️ Seniors
✔️ People working from home
✔️ Families living in the city

Challenges

• demanding care
• regular visits to the groomer

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French Bulldog – urban fashion or conscious choice?

In recent years its popularity has exploded.

The French Bulldog is:

• compact,
• social,
• very attached to the caregiver,
• perfect for an apartment.

However, you need to know:

• sensitive to heat
• prone to respiratory problems
• may generate higher veterinary costs

This is an ideal dog for people who spend a lot of time at home.

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Maltese – an elegant family dog

The Maltese is a classic companion dog.

Advantages:

• gentle nature
• small size
• good adaptation to the apartment

Defects:

• very demanding care
• frequent visits to the groomer

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Chihuahua – the smallest, but demanding

The Chihuahua is not an “easy” breed just because it is small.

This is a dog:

• alert,
• can be timid,
• very attached to one person.

Requires proper socialization to prevent him from becoming reactive.

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Border Collie – pure intelligence

One of the most intelligent races in the world.

Border collies need:

• intellectual work,
• training,
• sport,
• tasks.

This is not a dog for inactive people.

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Pug – a home companion

A pug is a dog:

• friendly,
• calmer,
• very sociable.

However, it requires weight control and attention in hot weather.

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Why are these breeds dominant in Poland?

When analyzing trends, several common features can be seen:

✔️ Suitable for apartments
✔️ They are sociable
✔️ They function well in families
✔️ They have a predictable temperament

Poles are increasingly choosing to keep dogs "in their kennels." Dogs are increasingly becoming family members.

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How much does it cost to keep the most popular dog breeds in Poland?

Costs vary depending on the size of the dog and its needs.

Average monthly cost of keeping a dog:

Small breeds: PLN 300–600
Medium breeds: 500–900 PLN
Large breeds: PLN 800–1500

The costs should include:

• karma
• vet
• prevention
• toys
• den
• accessories
• care

Larger dogs generate higher feeding and treatment costs, while smaller breeds often require more expensive care.

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The most popular dog breed in Poland – is it the best choice?

This is the most important question.

Popularity does not mean fit.

Golden may be perfect for a family with a garden.
York will do well in a small apartment.
The Border Collie needs an active athlete.

The most common mistake? Choosing a dog based on appearance.

The best dog isn't the most popular one. It's the one that fits your lifestyle.

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How to choose a dog breed in Poland – a practical guide

Ask yourself these questions:

1. How many hours a day am I away from home?
2. Do I like physical activity?
3. Do I have a budget for treatment and care?
4. Do I have experience training dogs?
5. Are there children at home?

Only after this analysis is it worth looking at the rankings.

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FAQ – frequently asked questions

What breed of dog is currently the most popular in Poland?

The most frequently recommended breeds are the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd.

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

Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, French Bulldog.

What breed of dog is best for beginners?

Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are often recommended.

Is a large dog suitable for the city?

Yes, if you provide it with adequate exercise.

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Summary

The most popular dog breeds in Poland have one thing in common – closeness to humans.

We no longer choose a dog just because it's fashionable. We're increasingly choosing them consciously.

Because a dog is not an addition to life.
He becomes part of it.

And the most important question is not:

“What breed is the most popular in Poland?”

Just:

“Which breed will be happy with you?”

📚 Additional materials

https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/

• How to Tell If Your Dog Is Bored: 10 Signs You Can't Ignore
• TOP 10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds – Which Ones Will Surprise You With Their Cleverness?
  
• 🏙️ Best dogs for apartments – breed ranking
• 💬 How Do Dogs Show Affection? Signals You Should Know
• 🐕 Is your dog pulling on the leash? Find out how to fix it.
• 🚗 How to safely transport a dog in a car?
• 🐾 How to teach your dog to stay home alone
• 🛏️ Can a dog sleep in bed with its owner? Facts, myths, and behavioral advice.

See more at: Petto.com.pl