From enormous Great Danes to tiny Chihuahuas, Britain is home to over 220 breeds of dog.
Now, one exotic breed has surged in popularity, following the news that King Charles III has welcomed one into his family.
Searches for the Lagotto Romagnolo spiked by a whopping 723 per cent in the three days following the announcement of the new royal arrival, according to The Kennel Club.
The curly-coated breed was previously relatively unknown and was only recognised by The Kennel Club in 1991, making it a ‘relative newcomer to the UK.’
King Charles, 76, was given the Lagotto Romagnolo puppy – called Snuff – as a gift four weeks ago, and is reportedly ‘besotted’ with the new addition.
‘The Lagotto Romagnolo is a wonderful breed and seems to be very well suited to His Majesty the King, who enjoys truffle hunting and an active lifestyle, which this breed is perfectly suited for,’ said Bill Lambert, Kennel Club spokesperson.
‘It is highly likely that Snuff’s arrival in the royal household will boost interest in the breed.
‘The late Queen’s Pembrokeshire Corgi famously peaked in popularity at key moments in the spotlight, such as after the coronation and following its moment in TV series The Crown.’
Searches for the Lagotto Romagnolo spiked by a whopping 723 per cent in the three days following the announcement of the new royal arrival, according to The Kennel Club
King Charles, 76, was given the Lagotto Romagnolo puppy – called Snuff – as a gift four weeks ago, and is reportedly ‘besotted’ with the new addition
The Lagotto Romagnolo was developed in northern Italy and was originally a retrieving breed.
However, its keen sense of smell soon paved the way for another use.
‘The acute scenting powers of the Lagotto have been utilised in truffle hunting and this is now his primary use in his native land,’ the Kennel Club explains on its website.
While the breed has been recognised in Britain since 1991, it hasn’t proved hugely popular.
For example, in 2023, there were just 327 Lagotto Romagnolo puppies registered.
The breed did have a moment in the spotlight in 2023, when Orca the Lagotto Romagnolo was crowned as winner of Crufts.
Now, it has hit the headlines once again, following the news of the new royal puppy.
An insider told The Sun: ‘Charles is besotted with his puppy. He hasn’t had one since Tigga.
The Lagotto Romagnolo was developed in northern Italy and was originally a retrieving breed
‘The breed is a truffle-hunter. Charles enjoys mushroom foraging, so they have a lot in common.’
According to The Kennel Club, there were 552 searches for the Lagotto Romagnolo on the information pages of its website in the three days following the royal announcement.
In addition, searches for Lagotto Romagnolo puppies on The Kennel Club’s Find a Puppy site increased by 190 per cent in the same time frame.
If you’re thinking of getting a puppy, The Kennel Club advises taking the time to do your research.
‘We urge would be owners to remember that research really is king when looking for a breed of dog,’ Mr Lambert said.
‘If people want to find out more about this breed or any of the other 200 dog breeds in the UK then Crufts – with its unique Discover Dogs zone – starts today, where people can talk to experts and meet and greet the huge variety of breeds in this country.’
This isn’t the first time that King Charles has led a resurgence of a dog breed.
In May 2023, numbers of Jack Russells – famously owned by Charles and Camilla – increased by 40 per cent in the days leading up to the King’s coronation.
