Eleven dog breeds are on a ‘watch list’ after the Kennel Club warned they may be wiped out.
The UK’s largest organisation devoted to dog health and welfare has announced the list of dogs that could be disappearing from our ‘parks and streets’.
What are the UK's top dog breeds?
These dogs have experienced a decline in registration numbers, as the UK’s top 10 breeds make up for 60 percent of all annual puppy registrations.
Some of these breeds include popular pups such as Labradors and Cocker Spaniels.
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But with hundreds of breeds of dogs out there, the Kennel Club is urging people to consider welcoming a lesser-known breed into their family.
However, it also warned that if you are planning to choose a puppy from the 11 at-risk breeds, it is important to choose a responsible breeder.
The organisation said on its website: “If you're thinking about getting a vulnerable breed, or any other breed, it's crucial that you go to a responsible breeder.
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“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.
“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.”
Which dog breeds are vulnerable?
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bullmastiff
- Cairn Terrier
- Collie (Rough)
- Fox Terrier (Wire)
- Norfolk Terrier
- Old English Sheepdog
- Parson Russell Terrier
- Pointer
- Scottish Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
These are the dogs that receive 300 to 450 registrations a year, and the Kennel Club monitors them very carefully.
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In most cases, these dogs are not commonly chosen because they are deemed less fashionable than other breeds, with another reason being because people just simply do not know that they exist.
But some of these dogs would make the perfect addition to a family, especially with young children.
The Dog’s Trust website says: “Every dog has a different personality shaped by their life experiences.
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“They develop likes and dislikes as they grow, and react differently to situations.
“However, some ways of respecting and behaving safely around dogs are universal to all pooches.”
The charity also give some advice on how to teach children to be careful around their furry friends, saying: “When your dog is resting or sleeping on the sofa, you could ask your child to sit on the other end.
“Your dog might then choose to come over to your child for a snuggle.”
Mia Williams