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British dog breeds in danger of dying out in favour of 'fashionable' dogs from Europe

Numbers of the English Pointer, an old favourite, show that new registrations have dropped to historic lows and the classic family dog is now at risk of extinction. (The Dog Kennel Club)
Numbers of the English Pointer have dropped to historic lows, leaving the classic pooch at risk of extinction. (The Dog Kennel Club)

Britain's oldest dog breeds are dying out as owners opt for more fashionable dogs from Europe, the Kennel Club has warned.

Several historic native British breeds including the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Boxer and the Border Terrier have all been bumped from the UK's top 10 dogs in recent years, according to recent data released by the dog welfare organisation.

Numbers of the English Pointer have dropped to historic lows, leaving the classic pooch at risk of extinction.

Small breeds have grown in popularity because they are seen as easier to handle in a city environment, according to the Kennel Club.

However, the Labrador is still Britain’s most popular dog, followed by the French Bulldog.

Shifts over the last five years indicate that continental dog breeds are becoming a more popular choice with UK dog owners.

Of the 10 breeds that have risen the quickest in popularity since 2015, nine are of foreign origin.

A yellow Labrador Retriever dog smiles as it lays on a wooden bench outdoors on a sunny day.
The Labrador remains Britain’s most popular dog.
Smiling akita puppy portrait
Among the top breeds is the fluffy and small city-suitable dog the Japanese Shiba Inu. (Getty)

Among the top breeds are the small dogs like the German Dachshund, the Miniature Schnauzer (both of German descent), the Pomeranian, the fluffy Chow Chow from China and the Japanese Shiba Inu.

Ten years ago, the UK’s favourite breeds were iconic British favourites such as the West Highland White Terrier, Boxer, Staffie and Border Terrier.

The Parsons Russell Terrier could also find itself on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list.

The British breed has seen a 23 per cent fall in registrations so far this year compared to the same period in 2018.

Portrait Of Parsons Terrier Dog
The Parsons Russell Terrier could also find itself on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list. (Getty)

This list is maintained so that those breeds that number between 300 and 450 registrations annually, and are at risk of disappearing in the future, can be closely monitored.

In total, 16 vulnerable native breeds have declined so far this year, while 13 have increased.

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Bill Lambert, spokesperson for the Kennel Club, said: "These latest figures show that whilst some historic native breeds like the Corgi are having a revival, others continue to fall rapidly in popularity and are genuinely at risk of disappearing.

"While we’re lucky to have such diversity amongst our canine companions, it is worrying that old favourites like the Pointer and Parson Russell Terrier are dropping in numbers to historical lows.

Queen Elizabeth II (left) receives the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, during an audience in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle, Berkshire.
One historically native breed is the Welsh Corgi, a favourite of the Queen's after she first fell in love with the breed in 1933. (PA)

“We urge people to make sure they understand the breed and its characteristics before they make a decision to buy or rescue a dog, and to spend time researching the wide variety of breeds we are lucky to have in this country, to make sure they get the right one for them.”

The impact of celebrity may have had a positive effect on at least one vulnerable native breed, the Sussex Spaniel, which experienced a burst in popularity this year compared to the same period in 2018, with registrations increasing by 56%.

Last year it was the most vulnerable breed in the UK, with just 34 puppies registered with the Kennel Club.

It is thought the high profile of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are known to be dog lovers, has seen a rise in demand for this breed.