Notable other breeds on the watchlist include the cairn terrier, which counts Toto from the Wizard of Oz as its most famous member; the Dulux mascot, the Old English sheepdog; and the Scottish terrier, a dog so synonymous with British identity it is immortalised as a Monopoly piece and an emblem for Radley handbags and Walker’s shortbread.
There were 437 Totos registered last year, data show, which is more than the 359 Dulux dogs and 406 Scotties. In the late 1930s, only the cocker spaniel and the wire fox terrier were more popular than the Scottish terrier.
The Bedlington terrier, bullmastiff, Norfolk terrier, Parson Russell terrier, pointer and Welsh terrier are the other breeds on the watch list.
More breeds than ever before are now either at watch or vulnerable, the Kennel Club said, despite there being a record number of dogs in the country. There were just 27 vulnerable breeds a decade ago, with there now being 35 classed as vulnerable and 11 others at watch.
A majority of owners are now focusing on a small number of popular and trendy breeds, driven by celebrity endorsements and social media, which is seeing a smaller number of breeds account for a larger proportion of pet dogs.
Dachshunds and Bernese mountain dogs are among the breeds seeing the biggest surge in popularity this year, as they become the latest darlings of online influencers.
Bernese mountain dogs have seen a 24 per cent increase in popularity compared to 2022, more than any other breed, followed by dachshunds at 20 per cent, English setters at 18 per cent, Yorkie’s at 14 per cent and the Jack Russell terrier, a favourite of the King and Queen, also up 14 per cent.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
