Did you know one of Britain’s oldest dog breeds is on the verge of vanishing? The smooth fox terrier, once famed as the iconic HMV mascot, is teetering on the edge with a startling decline in puppy births. It’s a wake-up call for us as a nation of dog lovers.
While our parks are brimming with cockerpoos and retrievers, some breeds are slipping into obscurity. The Kennel Club’s latest figures reveal just 45 smooth fox terriers were born in 2024, marking an all-time low. This historic breed, which was once a top favourite, is now on the vulnerable native breed list. Similarly, the Airedale Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shetland Sheepdog have seen worrying drops in numbers.
On a brighter note, some breeds are making a comeback! The Rough Collie and Cairn Terrier have bounced back, while the Skye Terrier and Otterhound have shown promising growth.
Bill Lambert from Crufts highlights the importance of exploring a variety of dog breeds to find your perfect match. With a staggering 223 breeds each sporting unique traits, there’s a dog out there waiting to be your perfect companion. Crufts offers a fantastic chance to delve into this diverse canine world, meet rare breeds, and get expert advice.
Want to see these charming canines up close? Make your way to Crufts this March, where more than 20,000 dogs will gather at the NEC in Birmingham. Let’s not let these wonderful breeds become just a part of history. Every dog deserves its place by our side, offering loyalty and companionship. 🐾✨
#LoveDogs #SaveOurBreeds #VulnerableDogs #DogLovers #Crufts2026