The Kennel Club has analysed more than 11 million dog registrations, revealing that the number of pedigree puppies in Britain has steadily dropped since 1990. As a result, 115 dog breeds could ‘disappear’ from the UK, with owners warned about the implications for canine welfare.
Steady Decline in Pedigree Registrations
The data shows that the breeds have fallen by around 0.9 per cent every year. This long-term decline has been attributed to the rising popularity of cross-breeds such as cockapoos, labradoodles, and the more recent pugapoo – a pug and poodle mix. According to Pets4Homes, these hybrids now make up roughly 35 per cent of all puppies sold in the UK.
Cross-breeds are not registered with clubs like The Kennel Club, and their parents often are not tested for inherited diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or heart disease. This has raised concerns among veterinary professionals about the health and welfare of these increasingly popular dogs.
Veterinary Concerns Over Breeding Practices
Veterinarian Iryna Smyrnova told the Daily Mail that it is important for owners to select their pet based on lifestyle needs. She said: “Ultimately, my recommendation has been to select a dog for your home based on that dog's personality, care requirements, and ability to thrive in your environment/lifestyle, as opposed to selecting one simply because of how popular it is.”
Dr Linda warned: “The biggest welfare concern, in my opinion, is that these dogs aren't always bred with health in mind.” She added: “Also, unlike the traditional British breeds, many of today's 'top dogs' are snub-nosed (or brachycephalic) and/or dwarf breeds. These dogs can struggle with their breathing and many have skin folds, malformed spines/tails and joint disorders.”
Impact on Traditional Breeds
Dr Linda also noted: “While extreme fad appeal may ultimately result in poor quality breeding practices and more adverse effects on the welfare of both the owner and pet, I believe that finding a balance in the number of interested buyers can help improve the overall reputation of that specific breed.”
The Kennel Club’s analysis lists the breeds most at risk, with the steepest declines seen in the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long Haired) at -16.89, followed by Akita (-16.48), Greyhound (-16.35), and Yorkshire Terrier (-16.34). Other notable breeds on the decline include the Siberian Husky (-15.19), Alaskan Malamute (-14.93), and Estrela Mountain Dog (-13.57).
Breed-by-Breed Declines
The full list of 115 breeds includes a wide range of traditional British and international dogs. For example, the Welsh Terrier has declined by -0.33, the Flat Coated Retriever by -0.73, and the Maltese by -0.74. More significant drops are seen in breeds like the German Shepherd Dog (-2.49), Beagle (-2.37), and Border Collie (-2.78).
Even well-known breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (-7.51), Shih Tzu (-8.29), and West Highland White Terrier (-11.62) are experiencing notable declines. The data also highlights the fall of the Chinese Crested (-10.41), King Charles Spaniel (-10.28), and Cairn Terrier (-10.12).
With cross-breeds now dominating the market, the future of many pedigree breeds remains uncertain. The Kennel Club’s findings serve as a warning to owners and breeders alike about the importance of preserving genetic diversity and ensuring that breeding practices prioritize health over popularity.
