A number of beloved dog breeds are at risk of completely disappearing in the UK if pet owners continue to overlook them in favour of more popular and 'stylish' puppies.
The Kennel Club, the UK's largest organisation devoted to dog welfare, has expressed its concern that some breeds now have such low numbers, they are completely unrecognisable to the British public.
Despite once being well-known and iconic canine breeds, the bearded collie, miniature bull terrier and the Irish wolfhound all feature on the nation's list of vulnerable dogs.
Speaking to the Mirror about the dwindling statistics, Bill Lambert, from The Kennel Club, said: "We're so lucky to have such a variety of breeds in this country, with so many different personalities and characteristics, so the fact that some could disappear completely is concerning.
"People simply forget there are so many wonderful dogs to discover, not just the popular and well-known ones, and we urge people to spend time researching the many breeds that we have in Great Britain and Ireland."
Bill explained that there are a number of factors that play a part in the popularity of particular breeds, including culture, celebrity ownership and current fashion trends.
"Many native breeds were bred centuries ago for a specific working function, such as the Otterhound which was originally bred to hunt, but are now primarily owned as pets," he continued.
"Changes in lifestyle can also have a huge impact - while this good-natured and easy-going breed can be a great companion in the right environment, as a bigger breed, they won't suit those living in cities with smaller living spaces and less access to outdoor space."
In order to monitor and protect historic native breeds that are considered 'at risk', the organisation created the vulnerable native list (breeds with fewer than 300 puppy births a year) and the 'at watch' list (breeds with between 300 and 450 births annually).
According to the most recent statistics from 2022, there are currently 34 vulnerable native breeds and a further eight classed as 'at watch' - this is the most declared at risk than ever before.
Meanwhile, the top 10 breeds in the UK - including the Labrador, golden retriever and cocker spaniel - account for more than 60 percent of annual puppy registrations.
Bill added: "We have such a rich diversity of breeds, but if people don't look beyond the most popular choices then there is a real danger we could lose them forever."
Most vulnerable dog breeds in the UK:
Otterhound - 30 puppies born in 2022
Bloodhound - 34 puppies born in 2022
Sussex spaniel/ smooth collie - 44 puppies born in 2022
Field spaniel - 53 puppies born in 2022
English toy terrier - 64 puppies born in 2022
Popular breeds on the decline:
The landscape of Britain's favourite dogs has seen a shift, with some historic native breeds now so rare they could disappear altogether.
Last year, there were only 281 bearded collie puppies registered in the UK, along with 293 miniature bull terriers and 238 Irish wolfhounds.
Bearded Collie
Bearded collies date back for at least 500 years and originate from the Borders and Highlands of Scotland. The herding dog tends to be steady, intelligent and lively - suited to dog-loving families.
Highest annual puppy births: 1,945 in the year 1989
2022 puppy births: 281
Irish wolfhound
A gentle giant and the tallest breed recognised in the UK, the Irish wolfhound was originally bred to see off wolves in Ireland. But by the end of the 18th century, the wolf was extinct in Ireland and breed numbers dwindled.
With the Great Famine in Ireland 1840s the breed became very rare, but it bounced back due when it became regimental mascot of the Irish Guards in 1902.
Highest annual puppy births: 971 in the year 1989
2022 puppy births: 238
Smooth fox terrier
At the start of the 20th century, the fox terrier was the most popular breed in England, but the popularity of the breed has since plummeted to under 100 puppies born a yet.
Highest annual puppy births: 1,085 in the year 1955
2022 puppy births: 90
Iconic breeds on the 'at watch' list:
Old English sheepdog
Known to many as the 'Dulux dog', for over 60 years, the breed was once the ninth most popular breed in the UK, but has since sadly dwindled in numbers and is now classed as 'at watch'.
Highest annual puppy births: 5,731 in the year 1979
2022 puppy births: 333
Irish terrier
The Irish terrier is considered to be one of the oldest terriers and was the fourth most popular dog in the 1880s.
Highest annual puppy births: 1,949 in the year 1923
2022 puppy births: 359
Do you have one of the most vulnerable dog breeds? Get in touch. Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
