Where are all the Poppys? UK’s favourite dog name missing from West Sussex top five

Poppy may be the most common dog name in the UK, but new figures suggest owners in West Sussex are choosing something different.

Dogs Trust’s 2026 National Dog Survey found Poppy was nowhere to be seen among the five most common female dog names in the county, with Luna taking the top spot instead.

More than 3,400 dog lovers in West Sussex responded to this year’s survey, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Luna was followed by Bella, Rosie, Willow and Lola in the list of most common female names.

Among male dogs, Charlie was the most popular name in West Sussex, followed by Bertie, Alfie, Buddy and Barney.

Dogs Trust says Luna is particularly popular locally, with West Sussex accounting for 12% of all the Lunas recorded in the survey across the South East.

The results also reveal West Sussex has a particular fondness for Spaniels and Spaniel crosses.

Labrador Retrievers remain the most popular single breed in the county, accounting for 9% of dogs surveyed.

Cockapoos and Cocker Spaniels each accounted for 6%, while Cavapoos made up 3%.

Unknown mixed breeds were the largest overall category at 13%.

Pure-breed dogs made up 53% of those surveyed in West Sussex, compared with 47% which were cross breeds or mixed breeds.

Dogs Trust says its National Dog Survey has now received more than 1.6 million responses since it was launched five years ago, helping the charity understand the lives and needs of dogs across the country.

And while Poppy may be missing from West Sussex’s most popular names, there is one Poppy looking for a new home at Dogs Trust Shoreham.

The 11-year-old Pomeranian-Chihuahua cross is searching for what the charity describes as a quiet retirement home.

Adam Levy, Head of Rehoming Operations at Dogs Trust, said: “The results of Dogs Trust's 2026 National Dog Survey leave one clear question: where are all of Sussex's Poppys? Well, we happen to know one who is waiting to be found! Eleven-year-old Poppy is a sweet, cuddly Pomeranian x Chihuahua who is looking for a loving retirement home to enjoy her golden years. She adores being with her people and, with the right family, we’re sure she’ll blossom in confidence and learn to feel braver when facing her fears.

“Poppy would love a quiet home with a garden of her own, no other pets and older secondary-school-aged children, with peaceful walking routes nearby. Underneath her big personality is a little dog with lots of love to give. Perhaps the Poppy West Sussex has been missing is right here at Dogs Trust Shoreham, waiting for her forever home!

“But Poppy is not the only one! From clever companions to cuddly couch potatoes, there are dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities waiting for their forever homes across our Dogs Trust rehoming centres. So, if you’re thinking about welcoming a dog into your life, why not consider adopting? Your new best friend could be waiting for you.”

Dogs Trust says names including Mabel and Winnie are also becoming increasingly popular across the South East, following a similar resurgence in traditional names among human babies.

Dogs Trust Shoreham is open to the public five days a week — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday — between midday and 4pm.

Visitors do not need an appointment to look around, meet dogs seeking homes, get advice or apply to adopt.

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