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Every generation remakes the bond forged by the first human to tame a wolf with food scraps. These days, canine companions bring reassurance to lonely home workers, fractious families and the jobless. Dog ownership has surged. So have prices.
The average asking price for a dog on the Pets4Homes website more than doubled to £1,912 in the twelve months to September 2020. That values a typical litter at £9,500 before expenses. The fanciest puppies sell for far more.
There are around 200 potential buyers for every pet advertised online. For some middle-class Brits, acquiring a nice dog is now a mission almost as consuming as getting their children into a good school. The friendliness, smelliness or yappiness of different breeds is a topic of intense debate.
Breeds favoured by families have produced the biggest price increases. Cocker spaniels are top of the puppy pile with a rise of 207 per cent between the third quarter of 2019 and 2020. Jack Russells and Border Collies are close behind. These are dogs that need lots of exercise. Presumably their purchasers do too.
Dogs with fanbases that are passionate rather than universal have risen less in price, but still cost more. Lex analysis of Pets4Home data this week found that pedigree English Bulldogs top a list of popular breeds at a median asking price of £3,500. Staffordshire Bull Terriers came next. Their fierce mien conceals a sweet temper, owners say.
Breeding capacity inevitably trails price rises. Breeders say a social media craze for pugs increased the supply of puppies before the pandemic. Prices have been relatively subdued since.
A dog is for life, not just for lockdown. Dogs are intelligent, social animals with individual quirks and inflexible basic needs. Only buy one — from a reputable supplier — if you will have time and affection for it once workplaces reopen.
Sadly, thousands of pandemic-era puppies will be left with animal shelters months from now. Many may be destroyed. Dog lovers may wish to consider waiting until then and offering a lifeline.
The Lex team is interested in hearing more from readers. Please tell us what you think of the surge in UK dog prices in the comments section below.
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