Dog breed 'facing extinction' as numbers fall dramatically - full list at risk

There are definitely certain dog breeds that we see more of than others whether we're out walking our dogs or just spending time outdoors. Dog breed popularity tends to change over time, which means that if a breed's population declines too much, it may become extinct.

The breed that was once the favorite of the Royal Family might be in danger of becoming extinct, according to the Kennel Club. It was also the most popular dog breed in the UK. According to experts, the Wire Fox Terrier is expected to be included in the Kennel Club, "at danger" list for the first time ever.

This terrier breed—many of you will recognize it as 'Snowy' from the TinTin series—was the most well-liked dog in the UK a century ago. However, its population has severely declined in recent decades.

   

According to the dog registration body, the breed has seen a sharp decline in popularity thus far in 2023, with just 281 Wire Fox Terrier puppies born. This represents a 21% drop from the same period in 2022 when 359 puppies were born in the first three quarters of the year.

According to historical accounts, both King Edward VII and Queen Victoria possessed the tiny, wiry-coated species, which was a favorite of the Royal Family during the Edwardian period. However, the once-popular breed is probably going to be included in the Kennel Club's "At Watch" list, which is limited to breeds with 300–450 puppy births annually, after 100 years.

 Breeds included on the company's Vulnerable Native Breed list are those that register less than 300 puppies annually. This list now includes 34 breeds; eight more are on the At Watch list, and the Wire Fox Terrier may shortly be included.

These are all the dogs on the Vulnerable Native Breed list and the current list of breeds that the Kennel Club is "on watch" for.

Dog breeds - At Watch list

• Bedlington Terrier

• Bullmastiff

• Irish Terrier

• Jack Russell Terrier

• Norfolk Terrier

• Parson Russell Terrier

• Old English Sheepdog

• Welsh Terrier

Vulnerable Native Breed list

• 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)