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UK and USA List Endangered Dog Breeds
Hounded out! They're
classic British dog breeds facing extinction - thanks to the mania for trendy
pooches. So can YOU help save them?
- Native-bred
dogs have fallen out of fashion in favour of imports like Chihuahuas
- British
dogs like the Skye terrier and Bloodhound have become unfashionable
- Last
year the Kennel Club only registered 28 Skye terriers and 40 otterhounds
- But
breeders are fighting back with schemes like sperm imports and DNA
banks
Published:
18:07 EDT, 5 March 2017 | Updated: 02:55 EDT, 6 March 2017
Spare
a thought for man’s spurned best friends. Proud British pedigrees such as the
Skye terrier, bloodhound and Dandie Dinmont are facing extinction — rejected in
favour of ‘It’ breeds beloved of celebrities.
A
mere 28 Skye terriers were registered with the Kennel Club last year, along
with 40 otterhounds, 53 bloodhounds, 49 Sussex spaniels and 84 King Charles
spaniels.
Such
numbers are insufficient to protect their minuscule gene pools from inbred
doom. Breeders believe a birth rate of 300 puppies a year is needed to
guarantee a large enough pool for a healthy population.
Ahead
of the Crufts dog show, which starts on Thursday, supporters are fighting back
with rescue schemes that include financial breeding incentives, frozen-sperm
imports, DNA banks and even a visitor centre.
Blame fickle humans for the plight. Doughty natives have fallen from fashion in
favour of imports such as Chihuahuas
(more than 5,200 registered last year). With tiny bodies and pop-eyes, they are
must-have ‘handbag dogs’ for the likes of hotel heiress Paris Hilton and singer
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.
Snub-nosed
French bulldogs and pugs are also popular, thanks to celebrity owners sharing
cutesy snaps on social media. More than 10,000 pugs were registered last year.
Most vulnerable British
dog breeds
Number
of puppies registered with the Kennel Club in 2016:
1.
Skye terrier: 28 puppies
2.
Otterhound: 40 puppies
3.
Sussex spaniel: 49 puppies
4.
Bloodhound: 53 puppies
5.
Irish red and white setter: 63 puppies
6.
Glen of Imaal terrier: 76 puppies
7.
Field spaniel: 80 puppies
8.
Curly coated retriever: 83 puppies
9.
King Charles spaniel: 84 puppies
10.
Smooth collie: 89 puppies
11.
Lancashire heeler: 90 puppies
12.
Dandie Dinmont terrier: 91 puppies
And
there is the cockapoo, a cocker spaniel/poodle cross. I confess: we own one.
When we unleash ours in the park, it merges into a scampering blur of identikit
pooches.
Gail
Marshall, of the Skye Terrier Club, sighs when I admit cockapoo ownership. It
must be galling. No breed has fallen farther from fashion than the Skye
terrier.
‘Queen
Victoria had a kennelful,’ says Marshall. ‘Mary, Queen of
Scots had one inside her petticoats at her execution.’
The
breed’s star rose higher thanks to the legend of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye
terrier who stood guard over his owner’s grave in an Edinburgh churchyard for 14 years.
But
Bill Lambert, of the Kennel Club, says British terriers are now perilously
unfashionable. ‘They often get bored and cause mischief if left alone,’ he
explains. ‘That’s a problem in families where both parents work.’
The
Skye Terrier Club has launched a breeder assistance scheme offering £800 for
members to import a puppy suitable for breeding, or frozen sperm from a
genetically approved overseas donor. But the initiative has not caused a
stampede.
‘The
cost of bringing in a puppy can mount into thousands,’ Marshall says.
The
Skye’s gene pool also comes with problems such as hereditary kidney and liver
ailments. To rid the breed of these, the club works to ensure that the records
of potential pairs are screened, and their organs are scanned.
Perhaps
the Skye should take tips from another fallen dog star, the Dandie Dinmont
terrier. They look like a hairy dachshund, but in the 17th century they were
highly prized for hunting rabbits, rats and badgers. Only 91 were registered
last year. But now Dandies are to have a £65,000 visitor centre on the Haining
Estate in Selkirk, Scotland — the home of the breed.
Protection
of native breeds is not only for the dogs’ sakes. Lambert warns that fashion
often means buying the wrong animal for your lifestyle.
‘Trendy
breeds are being brought in illegally and sold without proper paperwork,’ he
adds. ‘They may have developmental problems caused by unscrupulous puppy
farmers.’
We
love our cockapoo. But as a child of the South Downs,
I’m determined to have a Sussex spaniel after
Roxy has lived her natural span.
I’ll be buying a British barker… if there are any left.
------------------------------------
Now here is a test for you. My dog is named Mr. Henry and is he a
Bloodhound
or a
Fila Brasileiro
Here is Mr. Henry
-------------------------------
20 of the World's Rarest Dog Breeds
American Kennel Club Report
1. Telomian
The Telomian is the only known Malaysian breed to live elsewhere, but
originally it was bred by the Orang Asli indigenous people to catch vermin.
Because the Orang Asli built homes on stilts to stay safe from dangerous
animals, Telomians developed an unusual climbing ability.
2. Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is believed to have origins in a number of breeds like the Mastiff and Bloodhound, which could explain its large bones, loose skin and smooth coat. The working breed is known for its tracking ability, but also for its sometimes aggressive temper.
3. Catalburun
Possibly because of severe inbreeding due to their rarity, the Catalburun
is one of the only dogs in the world featuring a split nose and suspended ears.
They were originally bred for hunting in Turkey.
4. New Guinea Singing Dog
The New Guinea Singing Dog gets its name from its unique vocalization, but
the once-wild breed gets its reputation as an excellent companion from its
intelligence and physical ability.
5. Carolina Dog
Also known as the American Dingo, the Carolina Dog actually started out as
a wild and free roaming dog. It was discovered in the cypress swamps of the Southeastern United States around the 1970s, and is now
bred in captivity.
6. Karelian Bear Dog
The Finnish Karelian Bear Dog is one of the top 10 most common breeds in
its home country. Originally used for hunting and as a watchdog, it has quick
reflexes and a fearless nature, and is still popular with big-game hunters.
7. Stabyhoun
The Stabyhoun comes from Friesland, a province in the Netherlands, and today there may be
fewer than 4,000 in existence. Stabyhouns make excellent hunting and guard
dogs, and they’re also great at catching vermin like moles and rats.
8. Mudi
This Hungarian herding dog is as active as it is versatile. It makes a
talented hunter, rodent exterminator, herding dog and flock guardian, but as a
pet the Mudi is happiest when given long walks or jogs and a large area in
which to run free.
9. Lagotto Romagnolo
Hailing from the Romagna sub-region of Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo was
named as a lake dog and traditionally used as a gun dog. Its most interesting
occupation, though, is truffle hunting.
10. Azawakh
This West African sighthound makes a
fiercely protective companion and guardian, and an extremely intelligent lure
courser. The breed is elegantly built and features a short coat in a wide
variety of colors and markings.
11. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback was previously unknown outside of its country of origin,
but it is now gaining popularity elsewhere. What makes it most unique? A ridge
of hair, growing in the opposite direction of its coat, running along its back.
Only two other breeds have the same feature.
12. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid has been around since before AD 750, and today it
remains an uncommon but treasured pet. The “agile, smart and swift” breed is
good at hunting and lure coursing as well. But its most notable quality is that
it is sometimes hairless, with skin that appears in a variety of colors.
13. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The often multi-colored or spotted Catahoula Leopard Dog is believed to be
the first dog bred in the United
States. It was named after Catahoula Parish
in Louisiana
and was traditionally used to hunt wild boar.
14. Chinook
The name Chinook means “warm winter winds” in Inuit, and its double coat
keeps it comfortable in the cold. The Chinook originated in New Hampshire as a
drafting and sled-dog racing breed, combining the power of a freighting dog and
the speed of lighter racing sled dogs.
15. Norwegian Lundehund
With six toes on each foot, prick ears that it can control at will, and the
ability to tip its head backward to touch the backbone, the Norwegian Lundehund
is unlike any other breed. Its unique build helped it excel at Puffin hunting,
but it also makes an “easy-to-live-with” pet.
16. Otterhound
As its name implies, the massive Otterhound is very capable in the water.
The scent hound has webbed feet and a rough, double coat, which also makes it a
great hunter on land. Otterhounds excel as pets too, being inquisitive,
boisterous, and amiable.
17. Finnish Spitz
This agile and hardworking breed resembles a fox in many ways. The Finnish
Spitz features erect ears, a dense coat, and a bushy tail, appearing in a range
of colors from pale honey to deep auburn. The breed is known for its
intelligent expression and brisk movement.
18. Bedlington Terrier
Known for its curly and pale-colored wool coat, the Bedlington Terrier
bears some similarity to a lamb. But this breed is much more athletic than it
appears, traditionally used for racing and to catch vermin. Its graceful build
aids in speed and endurance.
19. Swedish Vallhund
Swedish Vallhunds are athletic dogs, excelling in obedience, agility,
tracking, herding, and flyball, in addition to traditionally being a farm dog
used for herding. The “small, powerful, fearless” breed comes in a variety of
colors and with a variety of tail lengths, from bobtail (no tail) to a full
curl tail.
20. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is huge in size and noble in bearing, known for a
“solemn but kind expression” and an impressive double coat. Its aloof,
watchful, and independent nature makes the Tibetan Mastiff an excellent
guardian breed but a reluctant participant in organized activities like
obedience.
American Dog Breeds Nearing Extinction
Spinoni Italiani
Bluetick Coonhound
Kerry Blue Terrier
Manchester Terrier
Redbone Coonhound
Australian Terrier
Tibetan Mastiff
Briard
English Toy Spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Irish Terrier
Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeen
Miniature Bull Terrier
Clumber Spaniel
Most Endangered American Breeds
No. 1: English Foxhound
Like the American
Foxhound, the English Foxhound — which finishes
off the list as the rarest dog breed in the country — is frequently found
on the Atlantic seaboard or in the southern United States, usually as a member
of a pack owned by a foxhunting club. She, too, is an older, established breed
and has been part of the American landscape since the 18th century or earlier.
She's a spirited hound who can be an excellent companion to an active person,
and although her stately bearing makes her look almost regal, know that this
dog is generally always ready for fun — and barking. Her loud bay can
carry surprisingly long distances, so she's typically best in a rural home.
No. 2: American Foxhound
He's not always thought of
as a companion animal, but the typically friendly and energetic American Foxhound certainly has the
capacity to be a great workout buddy. This is one of the older American breeds,
but more often than not, he's a member of a pack owned by a foxhunting club.
No. 3: Norwegian Lundehund
A fairly recent addition
to the AKC's list of recognized breeds, the Norwegian Lundehund is quite the
contortionist. This spitz breed was bred to climb cliffs on Norwegian islands
and retrieve live puffins, which explains a few of her unusual characteristics:
six-toed feet and a surprising flexibility that allows her front legs to extend
flat to the sides and her head to bend backward almost to her back.
No. 4: Cesky Terrier
With his long body and
bearded face, the small Cesky Terrier has a distinct look. He's
all terrier, too, with a tendency toward barking and digging,
and he generally has loads of energy. He requires a securely fenced yard to
keep him safe, and it's best to keep him away from small animals and birds,
which he's likely to chase and try to kill. Still, this intelligent breed is
known to love his family, even if he is somewhat aloof with strangers.
No. 5: Harrier
The Harrier
may look like an oversized Beagle or small English Foxhound, but she is her own
breed. She's typically sweet, affectionate and highly energetic. This scenthound
was originally used to hunt hare and fox, and she tends to be a good competitor
in agility and a natural tracker.
No. 6: Otterhound
The laid-back Otterhound is the
sixth rarest dog breed, and given the fact that this breed nearly disappeared
when hunting otters became illegal in Britain in the late 1970s, that's
hardly a surprise. This big dog (up to 125 pounds!) tends to be hairy and
messy, so he's not for the house proud, but he loves to "communicate"
with his people with various muttering, grumbling and groaning sounds.
No. 7: Finnish Lapphund
Another medium-size spitz
breed whose double coat sheds heavily, the Lappie is known to be noisy, agile and
alert. These characteristics came in handy in her early days as a reindeer
herder, but now she tends to be calm, friendly and submissive with people.
No. 8: Finnish Spitz
A medium-size spitz
breed, the Finnish Spitz is quite the talker. He
barks, first and foremost, but also uses many different sounds to get his point
across. In fact, this is one breed that can actually claim the official title
of "King of the Barkers" each year in Finland, where he is the national
dog.
No. 9: Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyr Shep is the smallest of the
French herding breeds, but she generally has a big personality and energy to
spare. She tends to be highly alert, extremely devoted to her family and quite
intelligent, all of which means she requires a home with a family who's fully
committed to giving her the training and exercise she needs.
No. 10: Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Named after a character
in Sir Walter Scott's book Guy Mannering, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a true
darling, with big, dark eyes; a poufy topknot; and plenty of self-confidence.
He's typically playful and affectionate with his family but can be reserved
around strangers.
No. 11: Glen of Imaal Terrier
Like many other terriers,
the Glen of Imaal Terrier tends to
think she's larger than her 32 to 40 pounds. She's often called
"scrappy," doesn't generally care much for other dogs, and don't even
get her started on cats. She is usually a bit quieter than other terriers, though,
making her a breed to consider for apartment dwellers who love the terrier
group.
No. 12: Norwegian Buhund
This Norwegian farm dog
is generally cheerful, hard working and talkative. The Norwegian Buhund has made a name for
himself as a hearing assistance dog and agility and obedience athlete, as well
as a companion. He tends to be very active and barks
and sheds, but his fans adore his foxlike face, confidence and lively
disposition.
No. 13: Scottish Deerhound
Although Hickory,
a Scottish Deerhound, won
Westminster in 2011, this tall and noble breed is rare. Despite her
regal air, she's a bit of a prankster, particularly during her highly active puppy
years. She's typically equally at home in a condo or castle, and the two
things she may love most in life are running and cuddling up with her people on
the sofa.
No. 14: Canaan Dog
The independent Canaan
Dog is a natural watchdog with historic roots. In fact, he may have
originated in the biblical land
of Canaan, where he
guarded camps and flocks. The breed became feral after the Romans dispersed the
population, and it wasn't until World War II that these dogs were
redomesticated after displaying their intelligence and trainability. However,
the Canaan is still a bit primitive, with a
few quirks in general, so finding just the right home is of the utmost
importance for this breed.
No. 15: Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever, a
charming and protective dog with an unusual, tightly curled coat. She
originated in the 18th century, most likely by crossing the now extinct Old
English Water Dog, Irish Water
Spaniel and small Newfoundland,
with some Poodle added later. She
is a constant thinker and generally loves channeling her energy and brainpower
into new sports like agility
and flyball, or games like pulling a child on a skateboard. With proper
motivation (like play, praise and treats), this talented and entertaining breed
tends to learn quickly.
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