Earlier this year, the Kennel Club released a list of the most popular breeds in the UK, which saw the Labrador continue to keep its top spot as number one, followed by mixed breeds, the Jack Russell, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Border Collie.
Whilst it’s clear that dogs continue to be man’s best friend, with two thirds of households owning a pooch across the UK, it appears that when it comes to choosing a breed, some of the more important considerations are forgotten.
Research by FURminator has revealed that unsurprisingly for 40% of dog owners, temperament was the most considered factor when it came to choosing their desired breed. This is followed by how suitable the breed was for a family setting, their size, appearance and general reputation. However, concerningly less than one in 10 Brits consider a breed’s grooming requirements to be important.
The top five most popular breeds are all very different dogs, and with that comes very different grooming needs. Long haired collies should be brushed daily to ensure their fur stays free from tangles while Staffordshire Bull Terriers require a bath every three weeks as they can be susceptible to allergies causing their skin to become irritated. Long-haired Jack Russells will need to visit the groomers every three months for a hand-strip, with a wash and brush in between, which can add up to nearly £400 a year. And, while mixed breeds, such as Cockapoos and Labradoodles have beautiful thick curly coats that are very desirable, they should visit the groomers every three weeks which can cost anything up to £80 a session.
Stuart Simons, FURminator’s grooming expert and Founder of the Groomer’s Spotlight comments, “It’s understandable that a dog’s nature would be hugely important to anyone looking to introduce a new pet to their home. However, what is worrying is that so few people consider the grooming needs of their pooch. Grooming is a really important part of pet maintenance as not only does it ensure that dogs look healthy and happy, but regular grooming sessions at home can create a relaxing environment where owners and their pet can boost the bond between them, while giving owners the chance to check for any skin issues such as dandruff or unfamiliar lumps.”
Along with a regular professional grooming routine, pet owners can quickly and easily implement a grooming routine at home to help keep their pet’s coat and skin healthy and glossy. Weekly use of FURminator’s FURflex tool reduces shedding by up to 90%3, reaching deep into the undercoat to remove loose fur and dirt, while helping to release natural oils to support the skin.
The FURflex System makes home grooming a comfortable experience no matter what the size or breed of your dog. It’s also available from Pets at Home, Jollyes and Pets Corner with an RRP starting from £34.99 with interchangeable heads available from £9.99. For more information please visit www.furminator.net/en or check out FURminator UK on Facebook.
