Facts and figures

Dogs Trust changed its name from National Canine Defence League in October 2003.

Dogs Trust was started in 1891 by Lady Gertrude Stock and a 'small party of gentlemen' at the very first Crufts dog show. We currently have 17 Rehoming Centres and over 500 staff.  Last year we:

• Cared for 15,162 dogs.
• Neutered 52,615 dogs.
• Microchipped 19,964 dogs.

Want to know more about the world of dogs?

• The average dog lives for around 13-15 years, but this is rising with improved veterinary techniques.
• Dogs cost anything up to £1000 a year to keep, depending on the age, size and type of dog - as well as how generous you are prepared to be!
• There are currently 209 breeds of dog recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK, but this increases as more dogs are imported from abroad into the country.
• According to the PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers Association), in 2004:

         - The UK dog population was 6.8 million, 
            broken down as follows:  Giant 3.7% 
            Large 21.4%  Medium 41.2%  
            Small 23.6%  Toy 10%
         - The top 3 dog breeds in the UK were:  
            Mongrel 23.1% Collie 7.8% and Labrador 6.5%
         - There were 5.2 million dog owning households
            in the UK (21.1% of animal owning households)

• It is a popular misconception that 1 dog year equals 7 human years. It actually depends on the relative size/weight of the dog and life stage they are at. For instance, a Jack Russell of age 13 would be approximately 66 in human years, whereas a Saint Bernard would be nearer 83.