Move over cockapoos – adorable ‘smiley dog’ made famous by Taylor Swift is soaring in popularity, say experts

COCKAPOOS may soon be knocked off the top spot as “trendiest dog” – as an unlikely contender could become the nation’s most popular pet. Taylor Swift’s canine companion has wooed pet lovers with its “smiley” appearance. These canine cuties feature a distinctive white “cloud-like” coat and friendly demeanour Credit: bruev Cockapoos have long-reigned as Britain’s beloved designer dog, enticing the nation with their sweet temperament, hypoallergenic fur and adorable “teddy-like” appearance. But one superstar’s pooch could put an end to all that. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Spotted with a white Samoyed by her side, Taylor Swift‘s newest canine companion could dethrone Cockapoos as the country’s most popular pup. Pet expert Hedda Båverud Olsson told The Metro: “A single high-profile appearance can shift interest in a breed almost overnight. “There’s a long history of this, sometimes referred to as the ‘Dalmatian effect’, after Disney’s 101 Dalmatians triggered a surge in demand for the breed decades ago.” Known for their “sammy smile”, Samoyeds are sought-after for their thick fluffy white fur and friendly, sociable nature, according to Charlotte McNamara, chief canine wellbeing and engagement officer at Royal Kennel Club. She said: “If Taylor Swift has joined the ranks of Samoyed owners, she’s certainly picked a breed that has won plenty of fans in the UK.” The dog’s plush coat traditionally served as protection against cold temperatures as it was bred by the Samoyedic people (in Siberia) for herding reindeer, hunting, and hauling sleds. Most read in The Sun The pooches gained popularity when Queen Alexandra received one of the first imports in the 19th century, with the Royal Kennel Club (UK) granting the pup recognition in the late 19th century. Now, Royal Kennel Club figures reveal puppy registrations hit an all-time high in 2022, and have since held steady at around 302 puppies registered each year. On Instagram, reels of white Samoyeds draw in hundreds of thousands of views, with one account, “melobearthecloud”, having over 28,000 followers. Meanwhile on Tiktok, Samoyeds Boomer and Diya have 3.3 million followers, and plenty of adoring fans. So while reputable breeders are unable to scale up demand overnight, the real effect of the pup’s popularity may be visible in just 12 months time. Comment now