There are some dog breeds that are falling under the radar. Their numbers are reducing dramatically to the point where their breed is under threat. Some breeds in the UK are currently at risk of extinction if numbers continue to drop. The popularity of dog breeds is heavily influence by the media. Celebrities and public figures can dramatically increase the popularity of certain breeds. The number of Chihuahuas has grown enormously in the last few years thanks to the 'handbag dog' craze. Registrations of the French Bulldog increase by 50% from 2012, with celebrity owners such as Jonathan Ross and Reese Witherspoon it's not surprising. The Skye Terrier is seriously at risk of being wiped out, it's estimated there are less than 400 of the breed left in the UK. Last years winner of the Skye Terrier at Crufts, Sue Breeze said "As somebody who adores this breed, I am terrified by this new record low in their numbers. The simple reason that Skye Terriers are in decline is that people don't know they exist. It's that basic. '
Breeds seriously under threat:
- The Skye Terrier - there were only 17 Skye terrier pups registered last year with the Kennel Club
- Otterhound - there were only 42 otterhound pups registered last year with the Kennel Club
- Glen of Imaal - there were only 55 Glen of Imaal pups registered last year with the Kennel Club
The Kennel Club Under Threat List
The Kennel Club has a list of breeds that are under threat on their website. The Kennel Club is 'concerned with protecting those breeds of dog which are of British origin and are considered to be vulnerable. ' This list contains over 20 breeds, each having less than 300 puppies a year. The aim of the Kennel Club under threat list is to draw attention to the strengths of these dogs and identify those at risk. Hopefully by making people aware of their falling numbers they might be able to encourage something to be done. Here is their current list of breeds that are under threat according to the Kennel Club:
- Deerhounds
- Otterhounds
- Irish Red & White Setters
- Clumber Spaniels
- Field Spaniels
- Irish Water Spaniels
- Sussex Spaniels
- Miniature Bull Terriers
- Dandie Dinmont Terriers
- Smooth Fox Terriers
- Glen of Imaal Terriers
- Kerry Blue Terriers
- Lakeland Terriers
- Manchester Terriers
- Norwich Terriers
- Sealyham Terriers
- Skye Terriers
- Smooth Collies
- Lancashire Heelers
- Cardigan Welsh Corgis
- English Toy Terriers (Black & Tan)
- Irish Wolfhound
- Curly Coated Retriever
- King Charles Spaniel
- Mastiff