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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th June 2018
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French bulldog overtakes Labrador as UK’s top dog
The French bulldog has seen a staggering increase of 2,964 per cent in the last 10 years.
Breed has seen a staggering increase in the last 10 years

Puppy buyers are being urged not to buy a French bulldog on a whim as the breed overtakes the Labrador as the UK’s top dog for the first time.

Figures published by the Kennel Club show that the French bulldog has seen a staggering increase of 2,964 per cent in the last 10 years. It is now set to be 2018’s top dog - a position held by the Labrador for almost three decades.

The organisation is now calling on potential dog owners to consider a wider variety of breeds, including the UK's ‘forgotten breeds’ at risk of disappearing because their numbers are so low.

“We have never seen such a dramatic increase in breed popularity as we have with the French bulldog and so far in 2018, it is the top dog in the UK for the first time,” explained Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary.

“The problem is that rogue breeders are cashing in on this surging demand, which is why it has never been more important that people consider buying from a responsible breeder, such as a Kennel Club Assured Breeder – particularly with this breed, which can suffer from serious health concerns.”

She adds: “The French Bulldog is a wonderful breed for the right owners but people are often surprised to know there are actually 221 pedigree dog breeds, so we urge people to remember that it isn’t always the obvious and fashionable choice that is right for you.”

The Kennel Club is also concerned that lack of pre-purchase research may lead to an increase in the number of French bulldogs being handed over to rescue centres. Between 2012 and 2017, the organisation saw a 107 per cent increase in searches for French bulldogs on its website.

“We are getting more and more French bulldogs coming through our doors from people who haven’t thought through whether they are the right dog for their lifestyle,” said Sue Worrall, Trustee of the French Bulldog Welfare Trust. “People need to be aware that French bulldogs require lots of companionship and training and can suffer from serious health problems.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.