Brand-new ranking uncovers which dog breed rules Hungary
A new ranking based on fresh data shows which dog breeds and names are currently the most popular among Hungarian pet owners.
To mark World Dog Day, the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) has published the latest figures on the country’s dog population. The report details how many dogs live in Hungary and which breeds are the most common—with a separate list for indigenous Hungarian breeds.
Nearly 900,000 registered dogs live in Hungary
According to the report, there were 878,500 dogs registered in Hungary in 2024, all of which had received rabies vaccinations. The statistics cover only domestically kept, officially registered dogs, excluding those bred for export.
The data show that a significant proportion of Hungarian dog owners opt for mixed breeds: more than 281,000 dogs fall into this category. This means that nearly one-third of registered dogs are not purebred—suggesting that adoption and choosing dogs from shelters is becoming increasingly popular.
The most common dog breeds in Hungary
When it comes to the most commonly owned breeds, the ranking is as follows:
- Dachshund – 83,000
- German Shepherd – 44,500
- Yorkshire Terrier – 32,400
- Labrador Retriever – 24,400
- French Bulldog – 24,100
The dachshund’s top position may come as a surprise, but on reflection, it makes perfect sense. Thanks to its small size and lively nature, it is easy to keep both in cities and rural areas. It is also playful, courageous, and loyal—traits that make it a popular choice for families.
The German Shepherd remains a traditional staple in Hungarian households, valued both as a family pet and a working dog. The popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier and French Bulldog is partly driven by urban lifestyles and trends, but both breeds are beloved for their personalities as well. The Labrador Retriever continues to be a classic family favourite, known for its reliability and child-friendly nature.
Ranking of Hungarian dog breeds
Among native breeds, the Puli leads the pack with 23,700 registered dogs—just a few hundred fewer than the French Bulldog, which rounds out the overall top five. Next comes the iconic Hungarian Vizsla with 20,200. The rest of the ranking is as follows:
- Mudi – 6,900
- Kuvasz – 5,700
- Komondor – 4,300
- Pumi – 2,700
- Hungarian Greyhound – 1,000
- Transylvanian Hound – 800
These figures show that the population of Hungarian breeds is considerably smaller than that of international favourites. Nonetheless, both the Puli and Vizsla boast tens of thousands of registered dogs, underlining their enduring popularity.
The Hungarian Greyhound and the Transylvanian Hound are much rarer, each with around a thousand or fewer individuals. Nevertheless, they represent a vital part of Hungary’s canine heritage. The Hungarian Greyhound dates back to the time of the Hungarian conquest and was primarily used for hare hunting thanks to its speed. The Transylvanian Hound developed during the Middle Ages and was bred to track large game. Though they are now far less common, preserving these breeds is considered a matter of cultural significance.
Hungary’s most common dog names
KSH also looked into the most frequently given dog names. The most popular are short, easy to call out, and often resemble human names:
- Bella – 10,200 dogs
- Molly – 9,700 dogs
- Luna – 8,000 dogs
- Lili – 5,800 dogs
- Maci – 5,400 dogs
These figures clearly show that Hungarian dog ownership blends tradition and modern trends. Many prefer mixed breeds, the popularity of German Shepherds highlights their utility, while French Bulldogs and Yorkies fit urban lifestyles perfectly.
Among Hungarian breeds, the Puli and Vizsla remain widely owned, ensuring they maintain their place despite the dominance of international favourites. The most common dog names also reflect the fact that our four-legged companions are regarded as true family members.
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Cover image: Pixabay.com
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