With their big eyes and fluffy coats, it’s no surprise that dogs have been man’s best friend for centuries.
But a new study may raise alarm bells for many owners in the UK.
The Kennel Cub has released new figures detailing the 46 breeds at risk of being wiped out in the UK – including Scottish Terriers, Rough Collies and Pointers.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as some breeds including the Bernese Mountain Dog and Yorkshire Terrier have seen a surge in popularity in recent years
So, is it good or bad news for your favourite breed?
The Kennel Cub has released new figures detailing the 46 breeds at risk of being wiped out in the UK – including Scottish Terriers, Rough Collies and Pointers
The Scottish Terrier enters the ‘At Watch’ list for the second time in history, with just 406 puppy births in 2023
The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds list was created in 2004 in order to highlight the breeds that had fewer than 300 annual puppy registrations.
An ‘At Watch’ list was also created for those with 300-450 annual registrations.
These lists have now been updated with 2023’s registration figures, revealing a total of 46 breeds at risk.
The Scottish Terrier enters the ‘At Watch’ list for the second time in history, with just 406 puppy births in 2023.
This is a huge drop since its heydey in the mid-1930s through to the early 1940s, where the breed was the third most popular breed in the coutry.
The breed has a long histroy of being associated with both British and international brands, including Radley London, Walkers shortbread, Monopoly, and the character Jock from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.
‘The Scottish Terrier has been such an iconic and recognisable breed in the UK for decades, and means so much to so many different people, so these latest figures are really worrying,’ said Bill Lambert, a spokesperson for The Kennel Club.
The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds list was created in 2004 in order to highlight the breeds that had fewer than 300 annual puppy registrations. Pictured: a rough collie
English Setters saw an 18 per cent increase, while Yorkshire Terriers (pictured) and Jack Russell Terriers both increased by 14 per cent
Three other British breeds have entered the ‘At Watch’ list for the first time.
The Pointer has been added to the list, with just 437 puppy registrations in 2023, alongside the Rough Collie (431 registrations) and Wire Fox Terrier (378 registrations).
Meanwhile, the Cairn Terrier has rejoined the list, with just 437 registrations last year.
Overall, this means there are now more breeds classed as ‘At Watch’ and ‘Vulnerable’ than ever before.
While the reasons for these declines remains unclear, Mr Lambert points out that most registrations in 2023 were from just 10 breeds.
‘We are lucky to have an amazing 222 breeds of dog in this country, each with unique personalities and characteristics,’ he said.
But the vast majority of dogs that you will meet come from within the top ten breeds alone.
‘People often opt for the well-known choices and simply forget to dig a little deeper, with the worrying knock-on effect that not only are some of our most iconic breeds in decline but also that people might not be getting the perfect match for them.’
The Bernese Mountain dog (stock image) saw its numbers rise by nearly a quarter (24 per cent), while Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds also proved popular (20 per cent increase)
However, there was good news for some dog breeds, which saw a surge in popularity in 2023.
The Bernese Mountain dog saw its numbers rise by nearly a quarter (24 per cent), while Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds proved popular (20 per cent increase).
English Setters also saw an 18 per cent increase, while Yorkshire Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers both increased by 14 per cent.
The new figures come shortly before the launch of Crufts 2024, which begins in March and will see all of Britain’s 222 dog breeds on display.
‘Opportunities to meet less popular breeds of dogs are limited, which is why we have a unique Discover Dogs zone at Crufts,’ Mr Lambert added.
‘Visitors can talk to experts and meet any of the 222 breeds, from the most popular to vulnerable breeds, and a huge variety in between, including breeds that are new to the UK’s shores and those that yodel instead of bark.
‘We want people to enjoy lifelong relationships with their four-legged friends and urge potential dog owners to do their research, to meet the huge variety of breeds, and to use the information and resources we provide at Crufts and online, to really understand which breed and which breeder is right for them.’
