Is it the end of the barking mad craze for handbag dogs?
THEY have long been seen as a must-have fashion accessory for certain celebrities.
But designer ‘ handbag dogs’ and toy breeds appear to have finally had their day, with a dip in the number of puppies being bought.
Kennel Club figures for Scotland show Chihuahuas have slumped in popularity. Almost half as many were registered in 2020 compared to the previous year. Likewise, there was a 45 per cent fall for Shih Tzus, with 29 per cent fewer Toy Poodles registered and a 31 per cent decline for Maltese.
By contrast, Scottish breed the Golden Retriever has seen a boom, with registrations soaring 43 per cent.
The popularity of t he Border Terrier – favoured by ITV host Lorraine Kelly and tennis ace Sir Andy Murray – grew 30 per cent while the West Highland Terrier, or Westie, rose 10 per cent.
Kennel Club spokesman Bill Lambert said: ‘ Bigger and more traditional dog breeds, like the native Golden Retriever, seem to have seen a rise in popularity in Scotland this year, whereas the likes of the smaller more exotic breeds – including the once celebrity favourite, the Chihuahua – have declined. The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly had an impact on all our lives and perhaps there is a reflection of these consequent lifestyle changes in the dog breeds Scots are choosing to be their fourlegged companion.
‘With more people working from home and some making the choice to move out of cities with smaller living spaces, it’ s likely they’ re more able to provide the exercise, space and time that a bigger breed needs.’
Flat- nosed breeds also seem to have fallen out of favour. Registrations of Boxer puppies were down 12 per cent while Pugs dipped 8 per cent. Meanwhile, the Skye
Terrier, i mmortalised as Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh, has again fallen in popularity with just 32 puppies registered in Scotland this year, a fall of 46 per cent.
The breed has been on the Kennel Club’s vulnerable list for several years. Mr Lambert added: ‘ The Vizsla, Pointer and Dalmatian – which all feature in the 2020 top five “quickest risers” in the bid to be Scotland’s most popular dog – are all athletic dogs which need more than two hours of exercise a day.
‘Again, this fits with the habits many formed due to various Covid-19 lockdowns and r estrictions, where getting outside and going for a long walk with their dog was a breath of fresh air, in more ways than one.’
‘We urge prospective owners to look beyond the most obvious choices and explore the huge diversity of breeds we’re lucky enough to have.
‘There are 220 breeds of dog and they are all very different, suited to different people and lifestyles.’
‘Look beyond obvious choices’