One of the unexpected effects of the global pandemic – and the resulting series of lockdowns – was an increase in demand for puppies.
And the extent of that soaring in demand has been shown by the latest registrations statistics from the UK Kennel Club.
In 2021 they registered a remarkable 349,013 dogs, compared to 250,659 in 2020 – an increase of 39.2 per cent year-on-year.
Of the 221 different recognised breeds of pedigree dog, many saw huge increases, including the ever-popular Labrador Retriever with 61,559 registrations in 2021 compared with 39,905 the year before.
And many of the rarer dogs also had a good year – for example the Glen of Imaal Terrier enjoyed a 130 per cent increase in popularity from 36 registrations in 2020 to 83 in 2021.
Here are the 24 breeds that have received the most new registrations in according to the latest Kennel Club figures.
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9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Another breed that has surged in popularity in Britain in the last decade, 7,499 Staffordshire Bull Terriers were registered in 2021. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Pug
Originally from China, the Pug has proved to be a popular canine import - with 6,122 registrations in 2021. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
11. Border Terrier
Taking its name from the border between Scotland and England where it was first bred, the Border Terrier had 5,930 2021 registrations. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
12. Miniature Schnauzer
Originally bred by German farmers to hunt rats and other vermin, the Miniature Schnauzer is now more at home curled up on a couch. There were 5,849 new puppies registered in 2021. Photo: Canva/Getty Images