Lab remains top dog
Shooting Times & Country|May 12, 2021
The UK’s top two gundogs are on the up, while the English springer could slip in the rankings. David Tomlinson crunches the numbers
David Tomlinson
Lab remains top dog

I’VE ALWAYS thought that the phrase “lies, damned lies and statistics” sums up brilliantly the world of the statistician. It’s a quote widely attributed to Benjamin Disraeli, but it seems unlikely that he ever said it, let alone coined it.

For anyone fascinated by statistics, the past 12 months have been exceptional, as we have been given daily statistical updates on the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths. What we haven’t heard so often is that the average age of death in the UK from COVID-19 is 80.4 years, a statistic that reminds us that it’s a disease that has much of its greatest impact on the elderly. Despite this, we have all been locked down, whether we liked it or not.

I enjoy a bit of statistic crunching and have been doing exactly that with the Kennel Club’s annual figures for dog registrations. There was a great surge in dog ownership last year, but this didn’t benefit the Kennel Club as much as you might expect. It seems that many of the puppies that found homes in 2020 were cross-breeds, such as cockapoos and labradoodles. As a result, there were not nearly as many registration fees paid into the KC’s coffers as you might expect.

However, overall, the Club did have a good year. Labrador registrations went from 35,347 in 2019 to 39,905 last year, ensuring that the breed retained its slot as our most popular breed of registered dog.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYView all
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023