Research shows that one of Britain’s oldest native dogs is at risk of extinction
Sad news for British dog lovers...

By Lucy Buglass
Choosing between dog breeds can be very hard. Unfortunately for one British dog, it’s at risk of extinction as its numbers are now at an all-time low.
Data on dog breeds from the Kennel Club shows that whilst the Labrador is Britain’s most popular, the Pointer is now at risk of extinction.
In 2019, only436 registrations were recorded for the breed - a decline from previous years - which could soon put thePointer into the Kennel Club’s ‘At Watch’ list for the first time ever.
There are currently seven dog breeds on Kennel Club's 'At Watch' list: Bearded Collie, Bedlington Terrier, Bullmastiff, Irish Terrier, Old English Sheepdog, Parson Russell Terrier and Welsh Terrier.
MORE:This is how long different dog breeds should be walked for every day
On top of this, other British favourites such as West Highland White Terrier (known as Westies), Boxers, Staffies and Border Terriers, are no longer on the most popular list.Instead, dog owners are now favouring popular international breeds such as Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Chow Chows and Shiba Inus.
As a result of award-winning Netflix series The Crown, people are also favouring Corgis, the Queen’s favourite dog breed. The monarch has owned over thirty Corgis in her life.
But, in an effort to protect dog breeds, the Kennel Club is urging Brits to resist adopting popular dogs. Bill Lambert, a spokesperson, says, “People simply forget there are so many different dog breeds, with different personalities and characteristics, and it’s not just the popular, well-known ones that make a great match for our varying lifestyles.”
He added, “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."
The Kennel Club’s website offers a Find A Breed service, which helps potential dog owners find the right match for their lifestyles.
Questions include how much exercise you’re able to provide, grooming commitments, and whether you live in a town or country.
Finally, they ask if you’re interested in a Vulnerable Native Breed. The website reads, ‘Breeds of British and Irish origin who are considered to be vulnerable i.e. those whose numbers are declining and whose status within the world of dogs has diminished over a number of years.’
Some dogs on this Vulnerable Native Breeds list include Bloodhounds, King Charles Spaniels, English Setters, Fox Terriers, Mastiffs and more.
-
-
Tiger Woods is 'awake and responsive' after having surgery for injuries following a horror car crash
The 15x gold major champion had to be "extricated from the wreck" by firefighters and paramedics
By Selina Maycock •
-
A closer look at Bagshot Park, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex's sprawling country estate in Surrey
The pair live at Bagshot Park with their two children James Viscount Severn and Lady Louise
By Amy Hunt •
-
Tiger Woods is 'awake and responsive' after having surgery for injuries following a horror car crash
The 15x gold major champion had to be "extricated from the wreck" by firefighters and paramedics
By Selina Maycock •
-
A closer look at Bagshot Park, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex's sprawling country estate in Surrey
The pair live at Bagshot Park with their two children James Viscount Severn and Lady Louise
By Amy Hunt •
-
Mandy Moore has given birth to a baby boy – and his name has a link to the royals
The This Is Us star has just welcomed her first child with her husband, Taylor Goldsmith
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Princess Eugenie have been in contact during their pregnancies, source claims
The royal mothers are supposedly 'very close'
By Emma Shacklock •
-
The Countess of Wessex gives a sneak peek inside her stunning royal home
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex gave fans a glimpse at her royal residence during a virtual award ceremony
By Laura Harman •
-
Ghost has the best selection of spring dresses - we predict Kate Middleton will fall for these
Kate Middleton's favorite dress brand Ghost is serving up gorgeous designs for spring 2021.
By Fiona Embleton •
-
Prince William keen to focus ‘purely on family matters’ with Harry as royal exit is resolved
It’s been claimed that the royal exit review had been ‘hanging over both sides’ for some time
By Emma Shacklock •
-
President Biden reveals the White House dogs' special privilege
The White House dogs, Champ and Major Biden, have been granted an exclusive privilege by the president himself
By Emma Dooney •