Can you guess which dog breeds are people choosing right now?
It's always interesting to see what dog breeds are coming to our classes and we definitely spot trends in which types of dog are popular. After years of cockerpoos dominating classes, we’re having a spaniel moment! Spaniels, particularly working cockers, are very popular in HotDog Training classes. Quick to learn and super energetic, they can be challenging and rewarding for owners in equal measure but if you’re willing to put in the legwork (metaphorically and literally), the working cocker is a delight.
We’re still seeing many ‘doodles’ of course – crosses between poodles and another breed, usually from the spaniel family. Appealing and affectionate, cockerpoos/cavapoos/labradoodles may look like teddy bears but it’s important to remember they are a cross between one of the most intelligent dogs (the poodle) and a working breed. This means they have busy minds and busy bodies and if you’re to have a contented, well behaved dog, you need to make sure you’re giving both enough to occupy them.
Meanwhile, the flat-faced breeds seem to have peaked. Two years ago we had a lot of French bulldogs, Boston terriers and pugs but we’re seeing less of those now and they seem to have been replaced by miniature dachshunds as the small dog of choice. All these dogs are tremendous little characters but as a whole, are plagued by a range of health problems which are expensive and heart-breaking to deal with, so do look very carefully into the breeding before taking the plunge. Interestingly, we find that wire-haired dachshunds and standard dachshunds tend to have a much steadier temperament and may have less health issues.
Our top tip for the breed that’s going to be top of pops? The West Highland terrier. After years of seeing just the odd one or two in class each year, these sparky little characters are becoming a very welcome regular. Like most pure breeds, they are prone to certain health problems, and we wouldn’t recommend them as a ‘starter’ dog – they do have that terrier tenacity (aka stubbornness) and a high prey drive, so it’s great to see our experienced owners starting them in class early.
The other trend we’re seeing is for rescues from abroad. Whilst it’s natural to help these dogs find homes away from often appalling conditions, it is important to remember that these dogs have often had traumatic experiences. Very often, they need careful, patient handling and expert help. Whilst UK rescue dogs often also have issues that need a proper plan of action, rescues from Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, Greece and Cyprus usually come from very different environments to a UK pet home and the journey alone can take months to recover from. Having said that, the process of helping any rescue dog gain trust and confidence can be immensely rewarding and I know many rescues who had a ropey start in life and turned out to be really super dogs. We work with many rescues, in class and on a 1-2-1 basis, so do get in touch if we can help.
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