It’s no secret that Birmingham and the West Midlands has a profound affection for pets and make all kinds of animals part of their families.
However, its dogs - man’s best friend, domesticated thousands and thousands years ago - who continue to be the most popular pet of choice.
And, some dog breeds are more popular than others in the Midlands as new data from pet insurance company Admiral reveals. A study they have conducted shows the top 10 most popular dog breeds in Midlands homes as part of a campaign to raise awarends of pet insurance. The research also highlights which ailments dog breeds are prone to and how much they can cost in vet bills. We have also included advice from the PDSA for some breesds.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds popular in the Midlands:
1. The Cocker Spaniel is the most popular breed in Midlands homes
They’re energetic, playful and seemingly always happy, with a continually wagging tail! They were traditionally bred as gundogs, which explains their high levels of energy. This breed needs plenty of exercise. | Farmer - stock.adobe.com
2. The Labrador Retriever is the second most popular breed
A versatile breed, originally bred as a working dog and commonly used as a service or guide dog. They’re large dogs that need lots of exercise, especially since they can be greedy and put on weight easily. | Pexels
3. The Shih Tzu breed is the third most popular
Playful little dogs that love being around people and get on well with children. They don’t need lots of exercise, so when they’ve had a walk they’ll be happy to snuggle up on your lap while you relax. | (Photo - Blue Cross)
4. The French Bulldog breed is the fourth most popular
French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, are one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK at the moment. They’re playful and full of personality, making them great family pets. French Bulldogs are prone to a number of conditions, including a problem with their spines called hemivertebrae which can be expensive to treat. | Dogs Trust Merseyside