Dog attacks in the UK have reached a record high, rising more than a third in the past five years. The issue returned to the spotlight after the XL Bully made headlines when Rishi Sunak confirmed plans to ban the breed entirely.

New survey findings suggest many owners may be choosing dogs without fully understanding what different breeds require. The poll of 2,000 UK dog owners, commissioned by Petsure.com and carried out by OnePoll, asked people why they selected their chosen breed. 41% said they chose their dog for its temperament, yet nearly a third admitted that appearance played a major role. A quarter focused on how well the dog would fit with children or family life. One third said that with hindsight they would have prioritised temperament rather than looks.

Respondents viewed Labradors, Jack Russells, Cockapoos, Cocker Spaniels and Staffordshire Bull Terriers as among the breeds with the best temperaments. Even so, more than half of owners said they had been swayed by dogs that looked cute or fluffy.

The survey also found that research levels varied widely. 18% admitted they had not done much research before choosing a breed, while nearly one in ten had done none at all. Social media was a significant source of information for many owners, with 22% turning to platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. 10% used Wikipedia. Despite this mixed approach, almost all respondents agreed that whatever research they did complete was useful before bringing the dog home.

Many owners said their expectations did not fully match reality. Nearly half reported they were not fully aware of how well their chosen breed would suit their lifestyle. A similar proportion said they had not anticipated the cost of owning a dog, including routine vet visits and food. More than half were not fully aware of potential breed-related health issues, such as breathing difficulties in flat faced dogs. Only just over a quarter now feel very knowledgeable about their dog’s breed.

There were some encouraging findings. Over a third of owners said their dog ended up fitting into their lifestyle better than expected. With a rise in home working, owners now leave dogs alone for up to six hours a week on average. The RSPCA recommends no more than four hours per day.

Most owners reported taking steps to prepare for unexpected health problems. 64% said they had pet insurance, although the remaining 36%have no cover. The RSPCA reports that the average vet bill is £848, and private clinics can cost more than not for profit organisations. Many who chose not to insure their dog believed the premiums were too expensive. According to the Association of British Insurers, the average annual pet insurance premium is £271. A quarter of those without insurance believed it was unnecessary, despite 17% of all dog owners struggling with unexpected costs.

The survey also identified the most popular breeds by region. Labradors, Border Collies and Boxers were most common in Scotland, while London favoured German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. Jack Russells were most popular in the North West, and Cockapoos and Cocker Spaniels were common in the South East. Staffordshire Bull Terriers were also a favourite in the North West.

Veterinary expert Dr Scott Miller said: “Whether you are looking to buy or adopt a dog, you need to be responsible. Ethical breeders know so much about the animals they raise, including the good and bad aspects of their health and behaviour. They want them to go to the right homes. Lots of people make massive mistakes when choosing a dog. Always think: Is the dog right for the family, or do I just like the look of them or feel sorry for them? Can I afford to look after them? Can I manage the progress and setbacks of training and settle them in?”

Rebecca Gardiner at Petsure.com said: “With so much information available online, it can be hard to know who to trust when it comes to choosing the right dog for you and your family. Think about seeking help from professional organisations like the Kennel Club and speaking to current owners of the breed you are interested in. With careful financial planning and being fully informed about the healthcare needs of different breeds, dog owners can look forward to a long and happy time together with their pet.”