Puppy prices soar in Covid-19 lockdown.

By Georgina Mills

Prices for puppies have skyrocketed during lockdown, with some now more than four times higher than usual.

The trend has prompted concern from vets and animal welfare experts.

An internet search carried out by Vet Record found Labradors for sale at £3000 per puppy, cavapoos priced at £5000, and French bulldogs advertised at £7000 each.

The usual price for a French bulldog is in the region of £1500–£2000, a quarter of the current top going rate.

The price increase is thought to be due to unscrupulous breeders capitalising on a rise in demand for puppies while the UK has been in lockdown due to Covid-19.

New figures from the PDSA and released by the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG) show that Google searches for ‘buying a puppy’ increased by 175 per cent in just one month of UK lockdown compared to the average.

Puppy searches on the Kennel Club’s ‘Find a Puppy’ tool also increased – between the beginning of lockdown (23 March) and the end of May they rose by 168 per cent compared to 2019. The month of May saw the biggest increase – 237 per cent – as many people continued to work from home.

Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at the Kennel Club, said: ‘We are concerned about the price hikes, and that many rogue breeders could simply be cashing in on the surging demand for popular puppies at this time, without any concern for health or welfare. Sadly, our research shows that one in three puppy buyers acknowledge they do not know how to find a reputable source for their puppy and are not aware of the scams that should ring alarm bells.’

Searches for French bulldog puppies on the Kennel Club’s tool increased by 225 per cent during April and May compared to the same time last year.

Furthermore, according to the latest 2020 registration data released by the Kennel Club, the French bulldog is once again the UK’s top dog, with the highest puppy registrations of any breed during January to March 2020.

The French bulldog was the top breed in 2018, overtaking the Labrador. However, in 2019, the Labrador regained top spot.

Dan O’Neill, chairman of the BWG, which aims to improve the health and welfare of brachycephalic dogs, said the group was particularly worried about the rising demand for brachycephalic dogs due to the welfare issues these dogs can face. These issues are further exacerbated by low-welfare breeders and some puppy dealers cashing in on current high prices, he said.

‘Many responsible breeders chose to reduce or cease producing puppies during the current lockdown in line with their social and welfare responsibilities. However, irresponsible breeders and traders have filled this vacuum with puppies that may be bred to lower welfare standards in the UK or may even be imported as commodities for sale. Limited supply from reputable sources, rising demand and unscrupulous traders have created the perfect triad to drive up current prices for puppies,’ he said.

The spike in demand for puppies during the lockdown is an ongoing concern for us

BVA senior vice president Simon Doherty said: ‘The spike in demand for puppies, especially some brachycephalic breeds, during the lockdown is an ongoing concern for us.

‘We are especially worried about the rise in demand for French bulldog puppies, close on the heels of a decline in registrations of flat-faced dogs last year for the first time in a decade.’

Concerns have also been raised from within breed clubs, particularly for the long-term impacts when lockdown is over.

Richie Cairns, of the French Bulldog Club of England, said: ‘Frenchies along with every other breed are currently being sold at over-inflated prices to supply a demand that hopefully is genuine, but sadly many of the breed rescues will be picking up the pieces again once everything is relatively back to normal or the new owners soon discover that the breed they have chosen is not for them and that it then dawns on them that no dog can be left for eight hours when they head back to work full time.’

One French bulldog owner, who did not want to be named, said they had seen a huge rise in prices since they bought their puppy in April.

They said: ‘The price of puppies has surged during lockdown and they sell so fast – French bulldog puppies can barely be found for under £2500 and whole litters are reserved weeks before they are due and within minutes of being listed online.’

Other issues that have been identified by Vet Record from online searches and forums are scams involving fake adverts using pictures lifted from Google, extra hidden costs for ‘shipping’ or unexpected price hikes, and some even buying puppies to then sell on for a profit.