What are the UK’s most popular dog breeds?

The Top 10 of UK dog breeds in 2018

Just as fashions change so do peoples preferences for their dog breeds. This could be down to life style changes or even social media. Here at DogFence we have seen a trend towards smaller breeds and poodle crosses. It’s good to see, however, that still firmly in the #1 position is the Labrador/Retriever.

Young Retriever in training with Dog Fence

Labrador Retriever in dog fence training

1. The Labrador/Retriever – Always a firm favourite as a family pet , they are loyal, biddable and also highly intelligent. On the negative side they are often quite food orientated which has earned them the nickname of the hoovers in the DogFence office! Interestingly they were the #1 breed that we contained on the system until 2014 when they were overtaken by the Cockapoo!.

2. Cocker Spaniel – A popular choice for both families and also as a working dog the Cocker Spaniel is also a highly intelligent breed but often a good choice for those who don’t want a large breed dog. They are also an extremely handsome breed and have consistently been placed first as best in show at Crufts. They can be a little strong willed and when mixed with the poodle to create the Cockapoo the result can be a very intelligent but stubborn Houdini.

3. Springer Spaniel (English) -Another Gun dog meaning that the top 3 places are held by working dogs. Traditionally a little more sensitive than the Cocker Spaniel and extremely loyal they have a wonderful nature and make excellent family pets. We describe the Springers as fun loving and busy!

4. German Shepherd – The German Shepherd (aka The Alsatian) is a very loyal and intelligent breed. Known for their bravery they are an interesting breeds as they are also quite sensitive and are often misunderstood by those that do not know the breed. They are often used by the Police or armed forces as a service dog because of their fearless nature and intelligence

5.  Staffordshire Bull Terrier – The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is again a breed that comes with a reputation that they do not deserve. When homed in a loving family this loyal breed is both affectionate and inquisitive. Sadly in recent years they have become popular because of their stocky stature and fearless nature and are often the subject of abuse and neglect. Luckily when re-homed into a loving home they make excellent and loyal pets.

6.  Border Terrier -Formerly our #2 breed that we contained on the System Border Terrier is a small rough-coated dog originating from the Scottish borders. They have a wonderful personality and are a popular choice of breed for vets as they both hardy and fun loving. These little dogs love children but don’t be fooled by their sweet looking faces as they are also avid hunters and have a high prey drive (hence the need to contain them effectively with the hidden fence).

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is a popular choice for families who like the kind nature found within the Spaniel family but want a small dog. They are friendly and affectionate and love to be sat on someone’s lap.

8. The Golden Retriever – The Golden Retriever or “steady Eddy” as we call them! This breed has the kindest temperament. They are extremely intelligent but do be warned as they love water and if you are not a fan of that “wet dog” smell then this may not be the breed for you.  Known for their loyalty and ability to work with people they  can be found in many working roles such as search and rescue, assistance for blind or deaf people.

9.  Pug –  The Pug breed has increased in popularity over the last few years – they are loved because of looks, small and stocky (almost a mini Boxer with a curly tail) they are entertaining and good-natured.

10. Boxer – The boxer dog, (one of our favourites) was named because of the ‘boxing’ moves they make when fighting or play fighting. Sadly their popularity has fallen in in recent years, but they do make excellent family pets provided you are prepared for the fact that they are bouncy and not nearly as intelligent as the Lab or Springer. They are always looking to please and extremely good natured.

 

 

cat safe outdoors with her cat fence

The results of the first study into electronic cat fences.

So what is an electronic cat fence?

An electronic cat fence! Really, how does that work?

It’s actually a very simple but effective solution to keep cats safe in the garden and away from the roads. A simple transmitter is installed in the owners house. This transmitter is attached to wire that surrounds the property. A coded signal is sent through the wire. The wire can be installed above or below ground but it must form a continuous circuit. The signal that surrounds the wire is picked up by the cat fence collar. Should the cat approach the wire the cat fence collar activates by giving a high pitched warning beep. If the cat continues further the collar then sends out a mild static impulse (similar to a tens machine).

pt4 transmitter

The Cat Fence Transmitter

How does the cat know what to do?

Training, the Company that installs the cat fence system will also train the owner and cat. Training for the cat fence is carried out internally using a portable unit. Once the cat understand how to use the internal system the training continues outside. To assist the cat with the position of the cat fence temporary training flags are placed around the boundary.

cat fence training flags

Training flags to mark the boundary

 

How does the cat know what to do?

Training, the Company that installs the cat fence system will also train the owner and cat. Training for the cat fence is carried out internally using a portable unit. Once the cat understand how to use the internal system the training continues outside. To assist the cat with the position of the cat fence temporary training flags are placed around the boundary.

Similar systems have been used for dogs for over 40 years. Until recently the technology meant that the computer collars were too big for cats. The new cat fence computer collars are both sleek and light weight. Similarly, dog fence and cat fence training protocols are different. Working with animal behaviorists CatFence have developed a simple internal training protocol. Until 2013 there had been no official studies into using electronic fences for cats.

How do I know that the cat fence is safe for my cat to use?

The results of the long awaited study into containment cats using the electronic cat fence system were released in 2016.  Over a three year period the animal welfare researchers at the University of Lincoln, UK, studies all aspects of the fence. They assessed three groups of cats; those allowed to wander freely, those contained with the cat fence and those kept solely indoors.

The study found no evidence of long-term welfare problems for cats living using these fences. More interestingly they also noted that the cats who were able to roam freely in and out of their owners’ gardens had a more distant relationship with their owners.

“Taken together, the findings do not suggest that long-term (at least 12 months) exposure to the system had a significant negative impact on the behaviour and welfare of contained cats. Indeed cats subject to electronic confinement appear to be less neophobic than unrestrained cats.”

Naturally those cats that were left to wander were at more risk from injury or death when left to roam but indoor cats were also at risk. Furthermore the study noted that cats kept solely indoors where more prone to health issues.

cat in house

Keeping cats indoor can cause health and other issues

“In contrast, housing cats solely indoors to remove such risks is associated with increased prevalence of a range of health problems including obesity, Feline Urologic Syndrome and dental disease. Long-term exposure to common flame retardants widely used in homes may also have toxic side effects for cats.”

As cat all cat owners know they are an extension to your family. Sadly there are unscrupulous people around who will steal and sell on pedigree cats. In recent years there has been a surge in the ownership of high value pedigree and naturally this has also increased theft rates. By installing a cat fence an owner is able to allow their cat freedom but also keep a safe eye on them.

Protecting wildlife

Whilst protecting our pets is the primary reason to install a cat fence a bi-product is safety to wildlife. Using the cat fence system also protects wildlife from cats that hunt. In the UK we love our cats and own over 8.1 million but sadly they also do significant damage to our wildlife. Each year our domestic cats are responsible for the  death of 55 million small mammals and birds.

grey cat with cat fence collar

Flissy modelling her pink cat fence collar!

Without the amazing research from the team at Lincoln owners would be unaware of the benefits electronic cat fences offer. With the 300,000+ pets that get injured or killed on the UK’s roads increasing year on year cat fencing  gives owners food for thought.