| | The Growing Craze for small dog breeds
Australian dog owners are opting for smaller pets, claims recent research fromthe University of Sydney. Findings published in the journal Canine Geneticsand Epidemiology suggest that Oz has fallen in love with brachycephalicbreeds such as pugs and bulldogs.
The report, which was co-authored by Professor Paul McGreevy and PhD candidateKendy Teng, looked into changes in Australian National Kennel Councilregistration between 1986 and 2013. According to the University of Sydney, itaccounted for just 16.5 percent of newborn puppies in 2014 so may only berepresentative of pure breed trends.
Smaller ‘designer’ dogs have also seen increasing interest in the UK. TheRSPCA’s report Sold a Pup? , released earlier this year, suggested thatregistered breeders were struggling to keep up with demand for certain breeds.French bulldogs, Pomeranians, shih-tzus, Yorkshire terriers, and pugs were allnoted for their popularity.
So, why are these smaller dogs so loved? Professor McGreevy suggests thattheir big-eyed, round-cheeked “infantile facial features” may be one of thefactors to appeal to owners.
Source: UK Pet Gazette
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