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A number of “rare”, “unusual” and “vulnerable” dogs are making a comeback after the lockdown puppy boom – and the Queen’s favorite breed is among them.
The Kennel Club is the UK’s largest organization dedicated to the health, welfare and training of dogs, with numerous databases including pedigree dogs, crossbreeds and a microchiped reunion service.
The canine health organization has released new data on breed popularity in the run-up to their upcoming Discover Dogs event – and there are some surprising trends.
The research shows a significant increase in the popularity of “more unusual breeds”, including some that were recently classified as “vulnerable” due to the low number of registrations.
These include the Irish Red and White Setter, named the Most Endangered Breed in 2019, as well as the Field Spaniel and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the queen’s longtime favorite.
The monarch’s beloved corgi saw demand rise 65 percent during the pandemic, with more than 1,500 puppies registered.
The top ten fastest climbers also included newly recognized breeds such as the White Swiss Shepherd Dog – which achieved the greatest popularity of all at 173 percent – and the Russian toy.
The Queen’s beloved corgi saw demand rise 65 percent during the pandemic, with more than 1,500 puppies registered
(Image: Getty)
Long-time British favorites such as the Yorkshire Terrier, King Charles Spaniel and West Highland White Terrier or “Westie” did not share the same fate – these breeds have lost popularity, according to research by the Kennel Club.
The well-known Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Bulldog, Springer Spaniel, and Dachshund still took the top five spots when it came to the most popular pandemic breeds.
It is believed that these shifts are due to lockdown puppy buyers having more time at home to research lesser-known breeds that would be a better fit with their lifestyle.
Kennel Club spokesman Bill Lambert told TeamDogs, “We are all aware that many people have turned to canine society during the pandemic, with the UK experiencing a boom in puppy ownership.
“The fact that many of these pups that are brought home are lesser known and even endangered breeds is a welcome surprise.
The White Swiss Shepherd saw its popularity jump 173 percent during the pandemic, making it the fastest rising breed.
(Image: Getty)
“With many of us having spent much more time at home over the past two years, it appears that some potential owners have used this time to make more informed decisions when purchasing a puppy and to choose breeds that are really suitable for them.
He added on TeamDogs, “There is such a wide variety of breeds, each with their own unique traits, so we hope that future puppy buyers will continue to consider some of our more unusual four-legged friends.
“We strongly encourage anyone considering buying a dog to come to Discover Dogs, where there will be more than 150 breeds to meet firsthand and learn more from their breed experts.”
The Discover Dogs event will take place on Saturday 20th November and Sunday 21st November at ExCeL London.
It aims to raise awareness of the diversity of breeds and features 150 different types of dogs, from the “most unusual” to the “most popular”.
Tickets cost between £ 15 and £ 21 and children under 8 are free.
