Number of Jersey dogs increases by 25% since 2020

The number of dogs in Jersey has increased by 25% in the past five years with more than 10,000 dogs now in the island.

The island's most popular breed is the Labrador Retriever followed by Cockapoos, Cocker Spaniels, Jack Russell Terriers and Dachsunds.

As of December 2025 there were 10,547 dogs registered in the island, according to the figures from the Constables Committee - an increase from 8,456 in 2020.

Lauren Tohill, from the Jersey Canine Academy, said the Covid lockdown in 2020 encouraged her to get her dog Max and subsequently start her dog walking and training business two years later.

She said: "I think a lot of dog walkers, very well established dog walkers, currently did start during the pandemic - I'm a prime example that I got Max during the pandemic, he is a pandemic puppy and he came with a lot of his own issues.

"Everyone went out and got a dog, but I don't think people realise actually how hard it is being a dog owner half the time.

"Once you stop working from home, you then go back to the office you have a dog probably with some sort of attachment issues."

More than 2,000 of Jersey dogs can be found in St Helier - the most populated parish in Jersey. Tohill said it was important pet parents taught them recall.

She said: "When dogs are so populated within the town area it can cause a lot of issues - dogs weren't intended to be kept on a lead and walked around town so it can cause a lot of behavioural issues.

"If you're gonna teach your dog anything, teach them recall - it's the most important, it can save their life, it also prevents them getting into trouble with other dogs."

Tohill said her dogs Max and Codi "changed my life".

She said: "They bring an element of joy that I cannot imagine - they're not just a dog, they are members of our family."

Tohill said there were more than 100 dog walkers alongside day carers in the island.

One of those is Bethany Druce, who started her dog walking company in 2024 after deciding on a new career path.

Druce, who walks about 25 dogs on a regular basis, said the benefits of having a dog were "amazing" but a commitment as well.

She said: "I think a lot of people underestimate having a dog and what's involved - in winter, when it's pouring down with rain and it's gale force eight outside, your dogs still have to go out for a walk.

"A lot of owners, especially the ones that need us five times a week, they invest a lot of money monthly just so that their dogs can go out and socialise and be a part of a nice group and I think it's really important as a dog owner to recognise that."

As of 2025 there were 845 Labrador Retrievers in the island, the most popular breed, followed by 705 Cockapoos, 631 Cocker Spaniels, 522 Jack Russell Terriers and 375 Dachshunds.

The report found islanders called their furry friends more human names like Bella, Aflie and Molly.

But how many dogs in Jersey have quirkier names? Tohill said she had walked dogs named Popcorn, Stingray, Beans and Pickles; and Druce said her favourite unusual names for dogs were Plum, Sanka and Artemis.

Speaking to islanders in St Helier, Christopher said he let someone he works with name his seven-year-old Patterdale Terrier.

"I work with a gentleman who has a learning disability and he had a bit of a phobia about dogs, so I told him when we get one he could name it - he called it Quito and he thinks it's his dog."

Fifteen-year-old Harley has been a loyal companion to Mark for 13 years: "We're always in town every day - his favourite shop is the butchers in the market."

When asked why Moira named her West Highland Terrier Buddy, she said it was because "he's a Buddy nuisance!".

She added: "[He's] lovely, keeps me going, I don't know what I'd do without him."

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