Count every dog, so every dog counts

Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, is launching Ireland's Dog Census 2026, inviting dog owners and dog lovers across the country to take part in the nation's largest survey of dogs and the people who love them.

Now in its third year, the Dog Census aims to help Dogs Trust better understand what Ireland's dogs, and their owners, need most. The charity is encouraging everyone to complete the survey, whether they currently own a dog or not, as it works to "count every dog, so every dog counts.’’

Last year, the Dog Census was completed by 25,299 people, who shared details on over 26,000 dogs. The findings offered a snapshot of life with dogs in Ireland, uncovering everything from the nation’s favourite dog names and breeds, to the biggest challenges facing dog owners today.

Among the standout findings from Census 2025 were Ireland's most-loved dog names. Luna, Bailey, Bella, Daisy and Charlie officially topped the charts, proving once again that some names never go out of style!

However, it was some of the more unusual entries* that really captured the charity’s attention. To celebrate some of the wonderfully distinctive names recorded in Census 2025, Dogs Trust recently named a litter of Maltese puppies in its care after a selection of its favourites – and they're certainly names that will prompt a double-take at the dog park.

Meet Oreo Speedwagon Murphy, Baby Cornelius Cumberbach Jefferson, Mr Peanut-butter and little Indiana Bones. At just eight weeks old, these adorable siblings are all preparing to head off to their forever homes in the coming days.

When it came to Ireland's favourite dog breeds, the Jack Russell once again claimed the top spot, securing first place for the second year in a row. Mixed Breed dogs followed closely behind, with the intelligent Border Collie taking third place, though every four-legged friend is a top dog in their own right.

While these findings highlight the fun and joyful side of the nation’s love for dogs, the Dog Census also plays an important role in helping Dogs Trust understand the challenges facing dogs and their owners today.

So far this year, the charity has been contacted by over 1,200 dog owners seeking to surrender their dogs into its’ care. Census 2025 revealed that the most common reasons for giving up a dog were changes in living situation (39%), unwanted behaviour (18%), and time constraints that left owners unable to give their dogs the care they needed (10%). These findings closely reflect the reasons given by those currently contacting Dogs Trust for help.

The survey also highlighted some of the everyday challenges facing dog owners in Ireland. For the second year running, respondents identified other dog owners as their biggest frustration, with irresponsible behaviour in public cited as a concern by 31% of respondents. A lack of dog-friendly amenities also emerged as an issue, with 28% of respondents highlighting the shortage of dog-friendly cafés, dog parks and other dog friendly spaces.

When it came to the biggest dog welfare concerns at a national level, more than one-third of respondents (34%) identified irresponsible breeding as the issue they’re most worried about, followed by irresponsible dog ownership (29%).

The findings also show that ongoing cost-of-living pressures continue to impact dog owners across Ireland. 36% of respondents reported struggling with veterinary costs, with nearly 4 in 10 finding visits to the vet financially challenging.

These findings represent just a snapshot of the invaluable insights uncovered through Census 2025. To read the full Census 2025 report and learn how the findings have informed Dogs Trust services, campaigns and advocacy work over the past year, visit dogstrust.ie/2025census.

Paulina Padlo, Communications Manager, Dogs Trust Ireland, says: "The 2025 Dog Census gave us an important snapshot of life for dogs and the people who love them, but the landscape for our canine companions is constantly evolving, and understanding those changes is essential if we want to meet their needs. This is why we’re asking the public to share their experiences in the 2026 Dog Census.

By taking part, you’ll help us better understand the needs of dogs and the people who love them, identify long-term trends and help to shape our services, campaigns and advocacy work in the years to come.’’

HOW TO TAKE PART IN CENSUS

Visit dogstrust.ie/census to have your say and help Dogs Trust "count every dog, so every dog counts".