Map reveals the ‘snobby’ UK city filled with puppy play fetishists

Residents of Edinburgh, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and historic castle, have at times been criticised for ‘snobbiness’.

But it seems they aren’t afraid to get a little down and dirty, as the Scottish hub has newly been appointed as the puppy play fetish capital of the UK.

It’s not just the odd stray getting involved here, with exclusive data from dating app Chyrpe revealing puppy play rates in Edinburgh are nearly double the national average.

The fetish involves a form of adult role play — particularly popular in the gay community — where people dress up and embody the mannerisms of a dog.

These ‘pups’ or ‘furries’ usually wear a leather dog mask and a butt plug with a tail on the end of it. They may also enjoy the likes of walking on all fours, wearing a lead held by a dominant ‘owner’, barking, eating and drinking from a bowl.

Actual sex isn’t mandatory for this BDSM subset, as many get off solely on the power dynamics that come with being reduced to a canine and answering to a human.

In Northern Ireland, the city of Belfast has also earned a new title in Chyrpe’s study: the cross-dressing capital of the UK.

While some people who consider themselves cross-dressers may identify with the opposite gender, there are others who simply find the act of wearing this clothing arousing, without it having any bearing on their gender identity outside the bedroom.

Elsehwere, England is home to not one but two fetish capitals.

Instead of going out on the toon, Geordies are staying in and getting all tangled up, with Newcastle claiming the title for ‘bondage’.

Here, 16.7% of residents are interested in being tied up and dominated, with Dundee following closely behind at 15%, Leeds are also interested in at 13.9%, and Aberdeen at 13.5%.

Londoners, meanwhile, are getting hot under their socks rather than their collars.

That’s right, London is the foot fetish capital of the UK, with a healthy 7.6% of residents dipping their toes into the fetish — well above the national average of 4.8%.

Those in Manchester (6.5%), Birmingham (6.3%) and Sheffield (6.3%) also enjoy a walk on the wild side, engaging in foot play at rates above average.

It’s much less popular in Scotland, though. Just 4.1% of locals in Aberdeen enjoy this kink, along with 3.8% in Edinburgh.

Generational differences

But it’s not just cities showing a divide in what’s hot, and what’s not.

There are big disparities among age groups too, with younger adults (18-34) showing a penchant for puppy play, edging and foot fetishes.

The tranquil UK town that secretly buys the biggest dildos

The tranquil city of Hereford is loved for its scenic walking routes, famous beef cows, and a cathedral which dates back to the 8th century.

It also happens to be home to the biggest dildos in the UK.

Thrusting its way to the number one spot on Lovehoney’s 2025 UK sex map, the average dildo purchased by Herefordians is 7.13 inches long, the biggest of anywhere in the country.

In comparison, that’s roughly the length of a standard pencil, manual toothbrush, or mid-sized banana.

Specifically, edging is enjoyed by 9.7% of younger adults, while those who enjoy feet peak at 5%.

For more mature generations, worship-oriented activities and service are among the most popular ways to derive sexual pleasure.

The proportion of participants into the service kink rises steadily from 7.3% among 18–25-year-olds to 12% in the 55–64 age group, while worship maintains a relatively high and stable interest across generations, hovering around the 14% to 16% mark.

Dominance/submission (DS) fetishes increase with age up to the 45–54 cohort, peaking at 9.3%, although this doesn’t extend to puppy play, which sharply declines among older generations.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.