Endangered Breeds

Some of our older breeds are under threat these days as people purchase “designer” dogs and we have, over the years, lost many original breeds. We have a duty to ensure the survival of indigenous breeds as they are part of our heritage and we should preserve them. Luckily there are some dedicated people who are now trying to save them by careful breeding with the few remaining breeding bitches and others who are  endeavouring to breed back to type certain breeds i.e. the bulldog, so that they can breathe, mate and enjoy life to the full properly.

Why is the popularity of breeds from abroad sidelining many traditional British dog breeds, putting some at risk of extinction? More than 20 British breeds have become vulnerable. Could the decline in popularity of many breeds be blamed on celebrities who popularise designed breeds, i.e. the labradoodle, or handbag fitting breeds like the Chihuahua? Unfortunately there are these fads in dog ownership every time a breed is given media attention.

 
Most of the vulnerable breeds are working dogs: terriers (used for vermin control), gun dogs and hunting hounds.

Some of the endangered breeds are:

Bloodhound, Clumber Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Deerhound, English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan), Field Spaniel, Glen Imaal Terrier, Gordon Setter, Irish Red & White Setter, Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, Lakeland Terrier, Lancashire Heeler, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Otterhound, Sealyham Terrier, Skye Terrier, Smooth Collie, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Sussex Spaniel, Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) and Welsh Terrier