One of the world’s leading animal insurers, Agria Pet Insurance, has unveiled a striking incline in dog prices within the UK. With the most popular breeds of 2021 seeing some of the highest mark-ups, it reflects the Covid-fuelled demand for dogs over the past two years.
The puppy boom of 2021 has had such a substantial influence on the price of dogs and it’s evident through Agria’s data that the pandemic demand for our furry friends has caused this steep price increase.
With the delight our four-legged friends brought us in unprecedented times, it’s undeniable dogs really are ‘man’s best friend’, serving as caring companions and remaining a loving and essential part of the family.
In 2021, the average price of a Cocker Spaniel has risen to £1,800, a 45 per cent increase from 2020. Yet, it’s the UK’s favourite Labrador Retriever that’s experienced the largest increase of nearly 50 per cent. These high price points have created an equity problem in the UK dog market, especially with the rise in inflation and the impact on general living costs. Prices are now just beginning to plateau as the pandemic begins to fade and demand stabilises.
Tom Vaughan, Head of Marketing at Agria Pet Insurance, said: “We’ve seen the pandemic have a significant impact on various aspects of the pet industry over the past two years, but it’s the effect of lockdown on puppy prices that’s troubling.
"It can be challenging for safeguarding animal welfare and it means that many dog lovers wanting to expand their families are priced out of the market. Those that have made the commitment to a new dog however, are likely to have reaped endless benefit throughout such an uncertain period with our furry-friends proven to ease loneliness, increase sociability and reduce stress and anxiety.”
Top 10 dog breeds experiencing a price increase:
- Labrador Retriever – 47%
- Cocker Spaniel – 45%
- English Springer Spaniel – 43%
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 43%
- Cockapoo – 36%
- Crossbreed – 35%
- Miniature Dachshund – 30%
- German Shepherd Dog – 29%
- French Bulldog – 26%
- Bulldog – 24%
