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With their big eyes and fluffy fur, it’s no surprise that dogs have been man’s best friends for centuries.
But a new study may sound the alarm for many homeowners in the UK.
The Kennel Cub has published new figures detailing the 46 breeds at risk of being culled in the UK, including Scottish terriers, rough collies and pointers.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however, as some breeds, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog and Yorkshire Terrier, have seen a rise in popularity in recent years.
So is this good news or bad news for your favorite breed?
The Kennel Cub has published 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 only 406 puppy births in 2023
The Kennel Club’s list of vulnerable British and Irish breeds was created in 2004 to highlight breeds that had fewer than 300 annual puppy registrations.
An ‘At Watch’ list was also created for those with between 300 and 450 annual registrations.
These lists have now been updated with 2023 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 big drop from its heyday in the mid-1930s to the early 1940s, when the breed was the third most popular breed in the country.
The breed has a long history of being associated with 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 an iconic and recognizable 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, spokesperson for The Kennel Club.
The Kennel Club’s list of vulnerable British and Irish breeds was created in 2004 to highlight breeds that had fewer than 300 annual puppy registrations. In the photo: a rough collie
English Setters saw an 18 percent increase, while Yorkshire Terriers (pictured) and Jack Russell Terriers increased 14 percent.
Three more British breeds have made the ‘At Watch’ list for the first time.
The Pointer has been added to the list, with only 437 puppy registrations in 2023, along with the Rough Collie (431 registrations) and the Wire Fox Terrier (378 registrations).
Meanwhile, the Cairn Terrier has rejoined the list, with just 437 registrations last year.
Overall, this means that there are now more breeds classified as “On Watch” and “Vulnerable” than ever before.
While the reasons for these declines are still unclear, Lambert notes that the majority of registrations in 2023 came from just 10 breeds.
“We are lucky to have 222 incredible dog breeds in this country, each with unique personalities and characteristics,” he said.
But the vast majority of dogs you’ll meet come from just the top ten breeds.
“People often opt for the most well-known options 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 people may also not find the perfect match for them.” them.’
The Bernese mountain dog (file image) saw its numbers increase by almost a quarter (24 per cent), while long-haired miniature dachshunds also proved popular (20 per cent increase).
However, there was good news for some dog breeds, whose popularity increased in 2023.
Bernese mountain dogs increased their numbers by almost a quarter (24 percent), while long-haired miniature dachshunds proved popular (20 percent increase).
English Setters also saw an 18 percent increase, while Yorkshire Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers both increased by 14 percent.
The new figures come shortly before the launch of Crufts 2024, which starts in March and will see all 222 of Britain’s dog breeds on display.
“Opportunities to meet less popular dog breeds are limited, which is why we have a unique Discover Dogs area at Crufts,” Lambert added.
‘Visitors can speak to experts and learn about any of 222 breeds, from the most popular to the vulnerable, and a wide variety in between, including breeds that are new to UK shores and those that sing rather than bark.
“We want people to enjoy long-lasting relationships with their four-legged friends and we urge potential dog owners to do their research, learn about the huge variety of breeds and use the information and resources we provide at Crufts and online to really understand what breed and which breeder is right for them.’