Holidaying with your dog this summer? The best UK destinations for each dog breed
Simon Calder offers advice on booking staycations for 2021
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Staycations are extremely popular this year, and many Britons are rediscovering the joys of a great British summer. Endless things to see and do can turn a holiday destination decision into an overwhelming exercise.
One way to look at the problem is to narrow down a staycation option according to one’s dog breed.
3.2 million UK households welcomed a new pet during the pandemic, and many will bring their new family member on holidays.
Dog Friendly Cottages has reported a 415 percent increase in bookings this Spring, compared to the Spring 2019, making it very clear that dog-friendly holidays are one of the biggest trends this summer.
To help dog owners, the company collaborated with top dog psychologist, George Barrett, and came up with a list of staycation destinations.
READ MORE: UK holidays: ‘Best value for money’ staycations ranked
George Barrett looked at things such as different breed’s love of longer or shorter walks, interest in water-fun and need for socialising with other dogs.
The best staycations for Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever are Padstow, St Ives and Newquay.
“Both breeds are going to love destinations with coves and beaches where they can run in and out of the water and splash around, as well as local dog-friendly bars and cafes where they can socialise with other dogs.”
For French Bulldog, Dachshund and Pug, Cromer, Ilfracombe and Brixham are best.
“Walking one to two miles a day is sufficient, and due to their short legs, flat ground is easier and accessible in Cromer, Ilfracombe and Brixham.”
The best places to take a Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel and Vizsla are Bideford, Perranporth and Llandudno. All offer wide open spaces and plenty of long trails that should satisfy these breeds’ love of exercise and racing outdoors.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Border Terrier should be taken to Staithes, Seahouses or Aberystwyth, while Boxer and German Shorthaired Pointer will probably prefer Rye, Perranporth or Whitstable.
Owners with a German Shepherd or Rottweiler should look at Seahouses, Staithes and Filey for their staycations.
“These are outdoor breeds that enjoy activity over any terrain and will happily take up to three, three mile walks a day depending on age and fitness – so plenty of good walks are a must!”
A staycation in Aberystwyth, Bridport or Beadnell will suit Beagles’ love of walking.
Shih Tzu and King Charles Cavalier will love a holiday in Bude, Newquay or Looe, and Whippet and other running dogs will be happiest in Whitstable, Cromer or St Ives.
While all the above recommendations are based on the general behaviours of certain breeds, George Barrett wants dog owners to remember that “all breeds are individuals and as such will vary in temperament.”
He continued: “Exercise requirements will vary due to age and fitness, and it’s important to remember taking pets to unfamiliar places can alter behaviour due to stress.”
Dog Friendly Cottages also looked at the number of dog-friendly walks, pubs, properties and beaches within four miles of destinations to find the most dog-friendly locations in the UK.
And the results are in. The top five dog-friendly locations in the UK are:
1. Padstow, Cornwall
2. Hunstanton, Norfolk
3. Aberystwyth, North Wales
4. Filey, Yorkshire
5. Newquay, Cornwall
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