Why is there a growing demand for personal protection dogs in the UK?

Demand for personal protection dogs in the UK is increasing due to celebrity endorsements and widespread anxieties about crime, with prices reaching up to £32,000.

What are the concerns surrounding the personal protection dog industry?

The industry faces scrutiny over animal welfare and public safety due to its largely unregulated nature, raising questions about responsible ownership and potential risks.

Are personal protection dogs considered pets or security equipment?

There are concerns that personal protection dogs are treated more like security equipment than sentient beings with emotions and needs, impacting their welfare.

Home / Lifestyle / UK's £32k 'Guard Dogs': Security or Status Symbol?

UK's £32k 'Guard Dogs': Security or Status Symbol?

4 Feb

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Summary

Personal protection dogs costing up to £32,000 are increasingly popular.
Demand is fueled by celebrity endorsements and crime anxieties.
The industry faces scrutiny over animal welfare and public safety.

UK's £32k 'Guard Dogs': Security or Status Symbol?

Personal protection dogs, trained to bite and release on command, are experiencing a significant rise in popularity across the UK. These animals, including German shepherds and Belgian malinois, can cost upwards of £32,000 and are marketed as live-in security solutions. Celebrity endorsements and growing anxieties about crime appear to be fueling this demand.

This sector of dog ownership remains largely unregulated, prompting difficult questions about public safety and animal welfare. While some suppliers emphasize their dogs' socialization and control, critics worry about potential misfires and the legal ramifications for owners. Standard insurance policies often exclude such dogs, leaving owners financially vulnerable.

Experts note that demand is also shifting towards 'status' dogs, especially following regulations on breeds like the XL bully. The RSPCA expresses concern that dogs are being treated as security equipment rather than sentient beings. They advocate for licensing and stricter regulation of breeders and trainers, suggesting alternative security measures might be more appropriate.