Dogs in danger: Rise of the 'designer pet' endangers other breeds

By DAVID DERBYSHIRE ENVIRONMENT EDITOR

Endangered: The affectionate and courageous Norwich Terrier (left) and the spirited Manchester Terrier (right) are being putting at risk by the trend for 'celebrity dogs'


They have been man’s best friends for thousands of years.

But the fashion for ‘celebrity dogs’ is driving some of Britain’s oldest and most endearing breeds towards extinction, a report warns today.

The Kennel Club says owners are turning their backs on traditional dogs, including the Norwich Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel and Otterhound.

Instead, they are choosing breeds made popular by TV shows, adverts and celebrity magazines, such as the Labradors in the Andrex adverts or the pug belonging to Paris Hilton.

Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, said: ‘Buying a dog is a lifetime commitment, which could well last for 15 years or more, so it is very worrying to see that so many people are not doing any research at all and basing their decisions entirely on a dog’s looks or media profile.

‘There are 210 breeds of pedigree dog recognised by the Kennel Club and every one is so different – from the lazy and the laid back to the energetic and the playful – so the choice you make is critical.’


Disappearing: Intelligent breeds such as the Irish Water Spaniel (left) and the royal-linked Otterhound are increasingly less popular


A poll for the club revealed that 45 per cent of owners do no research about the personality and needs of a dog before bringing one home.

Almost 60 per cent said they would choose a dog based on looks, while one in five admitted they would opt for breeds they had seen in films, TV shows, adverts and magazines.

But the trend for celebrity-endorsed canines is putting long-established breeds at risk.

Last year, the Kennel Club registered just 57 Otterhounds - an ancient breed used by King John and Henry VIII to hunt otters. They are now considered the most endangered dogs in Britain.


Another victim is the Sussex Spaniel - a friendly breed with a distinctive golden liver colour that originated in the 18th century. In 2009, the club registered just 60 of them, compared to 12,700 English Springer Spaniels.


Mrs Kisko said: ‘These are breeds which were popular in the past, but which have lost popularity over the last 50 years. We regard a breed as vulnerable if the number of registrations falls below 300.

‘That’s a significant point in terms of a breeds’ health because as numbers go down, you are breeding from a smaller number of dogs.'


source: dailymail