Dogs in lockdown: The most sought-after pooches in quarantine revealed
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began, Brits have been looking for furry companions to help them through lockdown.
More and more people in the UK are looking to buy dogs as they get used to working from home and having more time for a pet.
The search term “buying a puppy” has increased in popularity by 120%. As demand increases, dog prices have also risen – with the average price of a dog rising from £520 in June last year to £753 in July this year, according to new data from GoCompare.
But which dog breeds are most in demand? Here, we take a look at the dog breeds whose prices have increased the most over lockdown.
1) Border Collie
Border collies have long been one of the UK’s most popular working dogs.
This year, the average price of a border collie has more than doubled, as UK residents have more time on their hands for the long walks the breed requires.
The average price of a border collie has gone from £203 to £427.
2) Toy Poodle
Toy poodles, miniature versions of the regular poodle breed, are loved for being smart, sensitive and more manageable than a larger dog.
Their average price has increased by 71% to £1040 this year, as families seek a pet poodle companion.
3) American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a taller version of the English Bulldog, descended from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog.
Very popular in American culture, they have recently grown in popular in the UK, and since the pandemic now the most expensive dog on this list at £1618, with a price increase of 61% since last year.
4) (Smooth-Haired) Dachshund
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The Dachshund, also known as the sausage dog or weiner dog, is known for its short legs and long body.
The breed has greatly increased in popularity, with its price rising by 58% this year to £1,190.
5) French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a cross between Toy Bulldogs from England and local ratters in Paris. Bred to be companion dogs, the stocky animals were the second most popular registered dog in the UK last year.
Their price has increased by over half to £1,230 this year.
6) Rottweiler
Rottweilers are large dogs, used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guard dogs.
Their average price has increased by half to £829 this year.
7) French Mastiff
The French Mastiff, or Dogue de Bordeaux, is a large dog with a powerful muscular body. Its price has increases by 47% in the pandemic to £1,159.
8) German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large dogs, bred as working jobs in Germany, and often used in police work.
Their price has increased by the smallest amount on this list, rising during coronavirus by 40% to £703.