Demand for large breeds soars

Brits have fallen back in love with large breeds, new research reveals.

The Kennel Club registration data shows six out of the ten breeds whose popularity increased last year were classed as large.

Top of this list was the Pyrenean mountain dog, which weighs up to 165lb. Other popular breeds included the English setter, the giant schnauzer, the chow chow, and the akita.

Meanwhile, the old English sheepdog ranked ninth, its increased popularity no longer made it a vulnerable native breed.

Bill Lambert, a spokesman for Crufts, which is organised by The Kennel Club, said the surge might be down to families finding more space after moving out of cities and towns during the pandemic. 

He told The Sunday Telegraph: “Perhaps puppy buyers resisted the urge to go for the most obvious choices, and instead using lockdown and time at home to properly research their new four-legged family member and find the best fit for their lifestyle.”