Searches Surge for King Charles’ Newly Chosen Breed Following Crufts Win
Searches for the Lagotto Romagnolo breed have soared by an astonishing 723 percent on The Kennel Club’s website, triggered by reports of King Charles III’s adoption of the breed into his royal family. The Kennel Club registered a total of 552 searches for the Lagotto Romagnolo breed information pages within just three days following the announcement of the new royal addition. This marked a massive 723 percent spike compared to the previous three days. Furthermore, searches for puppies within this breed on the Kennel Club’s Find a Puppy site also experienced a significant surge of 190 percent during the same period.
The Lagotto Romagnolo, a curly-coated breed, gained widespread attention in 2023 when Orca, representing the breed, clinched the prestigious title at the renowned Crufts event. This year, the annual Crufts event is scheduled for 6th to 9th March. Notably, in 2023, the Lagotto Romagnolo breed witnessed a peak in popularity with 327 registered puppies when Orca triumphed at Crufts. Despite being recognised by The Kennel Club back in 1991, the breed has seen a gradual rise in popularity, particularly in the last five years, with a commendable 57% increase since 2019. However, the breed’s numbers in the UK remain relatively low, with only 246 puppy births in 2024.
The Kennel Club, with King Charles III as its patron, foresees a substantial surge in interest for the Lagotto Romagnolo breed, akin to the surge witnessed with the Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi following the late Queen’s preference for the breed. The Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi experienced a remarkable 56% surge in popularity after being embraced by the royal family, peaking at 9,000 puppies in 1960, seven years post the Queen’s coronation. Although the breed faced challenges and was listed as a Vulnerable Breed by The Kennel Club in the early 2000s, its fortunes took a positive turn post the airing of the Netflix series, The Crown, and the subsequent jubilee celebrations.
It is essential to note that while breeds like the Lagotto Romagnolo, along with other breeds that gain fame through celebrities and influencers, may make excellent family pets for some, they may not be suitable for everyone. With Crufts just around the corner, individuals will have the opportunity to meet the Lagotto Romagnolo and interact with over 200 different dog breeds, alongside experts, in the Discover Dogs zone at the event. Bill Lambert, the spokesperson for The Kennel Club, emphasised the suitability of the Lagotto Romagnolo breed for King Charles III, citing his fondness for truffle hunting and an active lifestyle, aligning well with the breed’s characteristics.
As Crufts kicks off this week and showcases a diverse range of over 200 dog breeds, one being crowned as the Best in Show, the event presents a unique opportunity for dog enthusiasts to engage with experts and learn more about various breeds, including the Lagotto Romagnolo. The Kennel Club reiterates the significance of conducting thorough research before selecting a breed, emphasising the uniqueness and suitability of different breeds for individuals. In light of King Charles III’s choice of the Lagotto Romagnolo, similar to the late Queen’s influence on the Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi’s popularity, a surge in interest in this truffle hunting breed is anticipated, aligning with past trends observed in royal dog preferences.
Ensure to stay tuned for updates from Crufts, where enthusiasts can witness the beauty and diversity of dog breeds, including the Lagotto Romagnolo, and engage with experts to make informed decisions when selecting a furry companion for their families.