British pet owners went crazy for designer dogs during the lockdown, and Cockapoos became one of the most coveted breeds, with the price of puppies trebling as breeders sought to cat in on the demand.
But with the price for certain breeds soaring, Brits started looking for less ‘trendy’ four-legged companions, and The Kennel Club’s list of the most popular dog breeds in the UK has revealed that previously unpopular breeds such as Whippets and English Bulldogs are now more popular than ever.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has seen an increase of almost 200 per cent and has entered London’s 20 most popular dog breeds for the first time. Brits are also choosing British-bred hounds like Bedlington and Parson Russell Terriers over the celebrity-endorsed French Bulldog, which was still the top choice in some areas of the UK
However, the most popular breed in the UK is the loyal Labrador.
A total of 19 breeds that had previously been classed as vulnerable or at risk have seen a huge leap in popularity, including the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the Welsh Terrier, and the Whippet.
Bill Lambert, a spokesman for The Kennel Club, said he believes the reason for the increase is that potential pet owners are widening their searches when looking for dogs.
“We are so lucky to have such a wide variety of breeds in this country, and we are pleased to see some of our previously overlooked canine companions experiencing a popularity boost in the capital, particularly some of our historic native breeds”, he said.
He said that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is ‘a real success story’, as it has come back from the brink of disappearance in London, to being one of the capital’s most popular breeds, although the French Bulldog is still a firm favourite.
“There are many other British and Irish breeds that are currently at risk of disappearing from our capital’s streets so we would urge people to spend time researching the vast range of breeds, to ensure they find the right one for them and their lifestyle,” Lambert added.
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