Nation's largest dog census reveals the dogs we just Labradore

WHEN it comes to the nation's favourite dog breed, Labradors still top the table, according to the UK's biggest survey of dog owners, Dogs Trust's National Dog Survey.  Earlier this year, Dogs Trust asked dog lovers across the UK to tell them about their pets, and over 244,000 people responded, revealing information about almost 350,000 dogs.  Although the nation still loves a crossbreed, accounting for just under 11% of dogs reported in the survey, when it comes to specific breeds, Labradors remain the number 1 choice of UK dog lovers, closely followed by Cocker Spaniels and Cockapoos. Other breeds making the top 10 include Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.  As well as the most popular breed, the National Dog Survey revealed the dog names loved by the nation. Taking the top spot for female dogs was Poppy, followed by Bella and Luna, with Alfie, Charlie and Milo topping the table for boys. Willow, Lola, Buddy and Barney also made it into the top 10.

Full results of the National Dog Survey will be released in January, and the information gained as part of this survey, the largest dog:- "census" of its type in the UK, will help the charity continue to shape its services to support the estimated 13 million households who own dogs across the country. Following the results of last year's National Dog Survey, Dogs Trust set up its Behaviour Support Line, providing free over the phone advice and guidance for owners struggling with their dog's problem behaviours.

Dogs Trust finds homes for 10,490 dogs... The results of the National Dog Survey mirror what Dogs Trust is seeing within its 21 rehoming centres. Of the 10,490 dogs rehomed by the charity this year, the most popular names were Bella, Luna, Buddy, Poppy and Milo. Meanwhile, the most popular breeds to be adopted over the last 12 months were Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collies, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Labrador Retriever.

Crossbreeds also account for a large number of the dogs rehomed by Dogs Trust, and this year for the 1st time, the charity is able to reveal the make up of these dogs. Cockerpoo, Jack Chi (Jack Russell and Chihuahua), Shepsky (German Shepherd and Husky), German Sheprador (German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever) and Labradoodle (Labrador & Poodle) all make the top 10 crossbreeds rehomed by Dogs Trust.

101 Dalmatians Dachshunds... The oldest dog rehomed by Dogs Trust in 2023 was a West Highland White Terrier called Alfonso, rehomed from Dogs Trust Cardiff, aged 18 years. At the other end of the age scale, it has been a record-breaking year for puppies, with a record 394 born in Dogs Trust rehoming centres. This includes 101 Dachshunds, 84 Crossbreeds and 37 Lurchers.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says:- "Whether you have a Bella, a Luna, an Alfie or a Milo, it's clear that dogs are important members of the family, so it comes as no surprise that almost a quarter of a million people shared information about their dogs with us. The information we have gained from the National Dog Survey will help us to continue to shape our services and support dog owners to do the best for their beloved pets. We're also delighted that our hard-working staff, volunteers and foster carers have helped over 10,000 dogs find their forever homes this year. From the oldest dogs in our care through to the almost 400 puppies born in our centres, we work tirelessly to ensure every dog finds a home they can call their own. On behalf of everyone at Dogs Trust, we'd like to wish our supporters and the nation's dogs a very Happy New Year and look forward to helping many more four-legged friends to find their new homes in 2024."

New sexual health strategy launched for Liverpool

A new approach to improving access to sexual and reproductive health services in Liverpool has been launched. Liverpool's sexual health services for people of all ages and needs are now more joined up than ever before, following a process of partner workshops and resident engagement. The changes will mean users will see improvements in testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception.

At the heart of the strategy, which will be in place from 2024-2030 is a focus on reducing the inequalities in sexual and reproductive health across communities, and removing any barriers which are preventing people accessing services.

By 2030, it is hoped that there will be:-

• No rise in the number of STI diagnoses in Liverpool.
   

• Increased screening of young people.
   

• A broader range of services at Women's Health Hubs, with improved access to contraception, screening and vaccination.
   

• Improved cervical screening coverage to meet the national NHS Cervical Screening Programme target.
   

• A reduction in the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV to zero, and in doing so, be the 1st City to eliminate all new cases.
   

• Increased number and availability of HIV tests across the City.

Embedded in the strategy is a commitment to high quality research and innovation to continue to gather the evidence about how best to improve sexual health and well-being to inform plans and services.

The document can be downloaded at:- Liverpool.Gov.UK.

Services and Support in Liverpool:-

• Axess Sexual Health - Residents can order testing online or book an appointment. For more information visit:-  Axess.Clinic.
   

• Young Persons' dedicated clinic:- 'Axess 4 U' - For more information visit:-  Axess.Clinic/Services/Axess-4-u.
   

• Liverpool PaSH (Passionate about Sexual Health) - This service launched in September 2022 and is a charity led partnership between BHA, George House Trust and LGBT Foundation, which exists to challenge and address health inequalities and support people to improve their sexual health and wellbeing. For more information visit:- LPaSH.Org.UK.
   

• Sahir House - A service with a passion to deliver provision that will guarantee better sexual health and wellness for all and serve the needs of LGBTQ+ people across Merseyside. For more information visit:- Sahir.Org.UK.
   

• Primary Care Network; Women's Health Hubs/LARC provision - For access to contraception and screening, residents can also register with your local GP practice (or Women's Hub); eg. Central PCN Hub and be supported around testing and preferred method of contraception. There are multiple sites around the City (GPs in Primary Care Networks) that can provide contraception and support. There is also an extensive pharmacy offer (on the Axess website); where routine methods of contraception are available, alongside Emergency Contraception (EC) and STI testing (and treatment for chlamydia). For more information please visit:- CLPCN.Co.UK/LARC.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing said:- "This strategy has been shaped by partners across the system and shows ambitious intent in improving the sexual and reproductive health of all residents across our city. The strategy will support residents across our communities to feel empowered, supported and encouraged to look after their own sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing and lead happy, healthy sex lives."

Director of Public Health Matthew Ashton said:- "We are proud of the progress we have made in sexual health services over recent years. We have redesigned our services to make contraception, and STI and HIV testing more accessible. People can now also order tests online to do at home. We know there is more to do. This strategy sets out an ambitious vision to reduce, and eventually eliminate, the inequalities in outcomes across key population groups. We have a rich history of delivering bold public health interventions, and once again we will be looking to lead the charge locally and nationally."

James Woolgar, Sexual Health and HIV commissioning lead and Chair of Liverpool SRH strategy group said:- "We wish to extend a big thank you to everyone who worked with us to develop our plans and produce this important vision and piece of work. Achieving good sexual health and wellbeing is complex and so we need a system-wide approach, and buy in, to make an impact. We now aim to deliver the key actions within the strategy and hope to continue to improve outcomes for residents across this great City.".