Hounds shillings & pence

Cost of dogs rockets in lockdown

DOGS have soared up to 450 per cent in value during the Covid pandemic – with the French bulldog being the most popular breed of pooch.

Since the UK was forced into lockdown last March, dog thefts have erupted as prices for them rocket.

The biggest price rise was for the rare breed Brazilian dogo, a muscular working dog from South America, which cost £500 before the Covid-19 crisis but now fetches £2750.

And in early 2019, a retriever could be bought for £450 but will now set back buyers £2500, up 455 per cent.

French bulldogs have increased by almost 60 per cent from £1240 to £1977.

But Chihuahuas can boast the most Instagram fame, raking in 42,892,924 hashtags followed by pugs (40.8million) and French bulldogs (38.4million), the price comparison site GoCompare found.

Sally Jaques, pet expert at GoCompare, said: “Many people who dreamed of owning a dog took the plunge while spending so much time at home during lockdown, which is why the price has risen so sharply. “Owning a dog is a big investment. “Worryingly, that rise seems to have coincided with an increased number of dogs going missing – presumed stolen – so it’s crucial owners make sure they know what they are covered for on their pet insurance policy.

“We know owning a pet isn’t all about the money, but insurance policies can help you offer a reward to find your lost or stolen pet as well as advertise for its safe return.”

Toy bulldogs have risen from £1844 to £3572.

Black Russian terriers went from £1521 to £2800, miniature poodles from £860 to £2129, American cocker spaniels from £485 to £1608 and royal favourite corgis from £500 to £1583.

BRAZILIAN DOGO TOY BULLDOG UP450% UP94% WAS £500 WAS £1844 NOW £2750 NOW £3572 Top ten 1 French bulldog 5 2 Labrador 6 breeds.. retriever 3 Cocker spaniel 4 German shepherd 7

RETRIEVER

UP455% WAS £450 NOW £2500 8 English springer

spaniel 9 Border collie 10 Golden

retriever

Bulldog Staffordshire bull terrier Miniature shorthaired dachshund