Rover.com launches royal competition to find the UK’s most patriotic pup

As the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee approaches, Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, has revealed the most, and least, ‘Queen appropriate’ dog breeds.

According to a study of over 1,000 dog parents in the UK, one third (33%) admit that their dog would likely embarrass them if they were ever in Her Majesty’s presence. Perhaps most cringe-worthy, the research found that over a quarter of Beagles and Boxers (both 26%) would make a beeline for The Queen’s leg, while Beagles (32%) are most likely to bark or howl uncontrollably in Her Royal Highness’ presence. Others most likely to be exiled include: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, who despite their royal names, are most likely to defecate on the palace floor (22%); Cocker Spaniels, who would most likely jump up at the Queen (59%); and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, who might try to lick her face (54%).

Meanwhile, the breeds able meet Her Majesty’s royal standards include Huskies, who were most likely (48%) to only speak when spoken to (e.g. bark on command), and Labrador Retrievers (69%) who would shake hands with the Queen (place their paw in her outstretched hand). Proving why they are the Queen’s pooch of choice, Corgis would be most able to bow before her (41%).

A ROYAL CELEBRATION

The research also uncovered how patriotic pups up and down the country are preparing to celebrate the royal occasion. Nearly half (49%) will be dressed up in royal attire – with their outfits of choice including a crown or tiara (18%) or their very own Beefeater costume (15%). Meanwhile 30% of owners planning to dress their dog will fashion a Union Jack patterned outfit and a further 11% intend to dress their dog ‘like a Queen’.

However, not all dogs need an excuse for the royal treatment – 64% of dog parents believe they already ‘treat their dogs like royalty’ while over half (53%) confess their dogs are so regal they act as their loyal servant.

CROWNING THE UK’S MOST ‘REGAL ROVER’

In celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and recognising her love for animals, Rover is announcing its search for the nation’s most patriotic pup – AKA, a ‘Regal Rover’.

Taking into consideration entrants’ impeccable manners, potential royal associations, such as names or heritage, and appreciation for the long serving Queen, the judges will also be on the lookout for dogs’ reflection of the Queen’s fashion and traditions.

To help set the ‘Regal Rover’ standard, Rover teamed up with award-winning dog influencer Le Corgi, who will appear as a special guest judge on the panel next to Canine Behaviourist Adem Fehmi of the Rover Dog People Panel.

Participants should enter by emailing a photo of their dog with no more than a 100 word explanation as to why their dog deserves to be crowned the UK’s most ‘Regal Rover’. Entrants will have the chance to win a prize package worth £150, consisting of Rover credit and a Doggy Afternoon Tea for Two at a London Hotel. Entries must be submitted to [email protected] by 25th May 2022 at 11.59am BST, the winner will be notified on 27th May 2022.* More competition details can be found at www.rover.com/uk/blog/queens-jubilee/.

Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist comments on the competition: “We all know that the Corgi has a strong association with Her Majesty, but it is believed (and proven on many occasions) that the Queen has a passion for all dogs, so I’m excited to see how the nation’s pups can mirror her affection and celebrate this incredible milestone in their own way.

However, he also offers a word of caution to pet parents: “If you’re choosing to celebrate the Jubilee with your dog, make sure their safety and comfort is your number one priority. Ensure outfits are not constricting and that they don’t keep them on for too long. If you have a street party planned, remember to think of your furry friends and don’t be tempted to feed them anything they shouldn’t eat, just because it’s a special occasion.”

Adem Fehmi’s top tips to ensure your dog is ‘fit for a Queen’

1. Stay until called upon: When training your dog to ‘stay’, use food or food dispensing toys to enforce this command as they can help your dog to settle while waiting. This will also keep them occupied and create positive associations with the request. Having a bed area, settle mat, pad, or safe place can assist with this – think of it as your dog’s throne!

2. Bowing to show respect: This tradition is sure to impress the Queen! Start with your dog in the stand position. Holding a tasty treat in your fingertips, place this to their nose and guide the front half of their body to the floor by lowering the treat to the floor. Once their elbows and chest are touching it, but their back legs are still standing and bottom is still raised, say the command word ‘bow’ and release the treat. If your dog already knows the ‘down’ command, this might take some practice as they may very quickly lower their whole body, but with time, clarity and consistency the distinction between the two actions can be made.

3. Staying spick and span: Muddy feet are a no-no in the royal household. Teach your dog to wipe their own feet at the door with the ‘twist’ command. Start with your dog standing on a mat and place a tasty treat to their nose. By moving the treat in a circular motion, guide them round in a circle. You may have to do this slowly to begin with. As your dog completes this action, say the command word ‘twist’ and give the treat at the end of the turn. Congrats, your dog has now wiped their feet!

4. Wearing its Sunday best: Help your dog look their best by grooming them frequently. One top tip to help them stay still during grooming is to use a lick mat style food dispensing toy. Filled with yummy food (pastes work well here), this can help your dog to stay still and in the standing position while being groomed – a win win! It can also help to make the grooming experience more enjoyable for your pooch.

5. Food fit for a Queen: I recommend using natural and healthy treats when training as it positively reinforces the behaviours we are looking for when offered at the right time. When using training treats, ensure that you adjust your dog’s overall food intake for the day accordingly and monitor their weight to ensure that your dog stays healthy.

Whether you enter or not, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Rover is also offering a £20 credit for new users. Download the Rover app and use the code REGALROVER when booking a service until 6th June 2022 to take part.