Anish Vij
What was once one of the UK's most favourite dog breeds is now 'facing extinction'.
A total of 34 dog breeds in Britain are at 'facing extinction' in the UK, while another eight are said to be at risk.
If the number of dogs within a single breed are dropping too low, they are classed as 'facing extinction', according to the Kennel Club, which are the 'UK's largest organisation devoted to dog health, welfare and training'.
"Vulnerable native breeds are dog breeds of British and Irish origin that are considered to be vulnerable due to their declining registration numbers," they explain.
"These breeds are at risk of disappearing from our parks and streets, simply because people don’t know they exist or because they aren’t considered fashionable.
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"Many native British and Irish breeds are at risk of disappearing from our parks and streets.
"The top ten breeds in the UK (including the Labrador, French Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel) account for more than 60% of annual puppy registrations for all breeds."
Now, according to the Kennel Club’s annual list 2023, numbers for the Wire Fox Terrier are rapidly depleting.
Many will recognise the breed as being ‘Snowy’ from the TinTin franchise.
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Although it was a popular dog in the UK 100 years ago, this is no longer the case.
Just 281 were born in the first three quarters of this year, which is a 21 percent decrease from last year’s 359 puppies.
This means that the Wire Fox Terrier could soon join Kennel Club’s ‘At Watch’ breeds, which looks at those with between 300-450 puppy births a year.
Take a look at the full lists below:
Dog breeds - At Watch list
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Bedlington Terrier
Bullmastiff
Irish Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Norfolk Terrier
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Parson Russell Terrier
Old English Sheepdog
Welsh Terrier
Vulnerable Native Breed list
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Bearded Collie
Bloodhound
Bull Terrier (miniature)
Collie (smooth)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Deerhound
English Setter
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
Foxhound
Fox Terrier (smooth)
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Gordon Setter
Greyhound
Harrier
Irish Red & White Setter
Irish Wolfhound
King Charles Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Lakeland Terrier
Lancashire Heeler
Manchester Terrier
Mastiff
Norwich Terrier
Otter Hound
Retriever (curly coated)
Sealyham Terrier
Skye Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spaniel (Clumber)
Spaniel (Field)
Spaniel (Irish Water)
Spaniel (Sussex)
Spaniel (Welsh Springer)
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
According to their website: "Breed clubs exist for every single breed and they offer a wealth of information for anyone considering getting a dog. Anyone wanting a specific breed should speak to the relevant breed club for information and guidance."
It continues: "People can also consider rescuing a dog. The Kennel Club Breed Rescue is made up of a number of breed-specific rescue services that may be able to offer the right dog to the right home."