Sadly, over the years, many endangered dog breeds have now become extinct. Dogs were bred originally not only as companions but they usually had a job to do too. Many of those jobs are now redundant – protecting against wolves, or badger and otter-hunting, for example. When their work dies out, so does the breed required to do it – and this is the same with other rare dog breeds across the world. Among those breeds now consigned to the history books are the Blue Paul Terrier, a fighting dog, and the Tweed Water Spaniel, which has given rise to other more popular gundog breeds and been usurped by them.
While dogs are still the nation’s favourite pet, with 31% of British households owning at least one pooch, some dog breeds are far more popular than others. The top 10 breeds in the UK account for 60% of puppy registrations each year. Out of Britain and Ireland’s 200-plus canine breeds, there are dozens deemed endangered. The Kennel Club recognises any breed with fewer than 300 registrations a year as vulnerable, and those with between 300 and 450 “at watch”. These are all being monitored.
There are 35 breeds currently listed in the vulnerable category, and a further 11 on the “at watch” list. However, of the 35, both the foxhound and greyhound are accepted to have skewed registration statistics with the Kennel Club as they are on an alternate specialist register.
Let’s take a look at five of the most endangered breeds, those with the fewest puppy registrations in 2023. We have excluded the foxhound, greyhound and harrier (only recognised as a Kennel Club breed in 2020), which both have exceptionally low numbers with the Kennel Club due to their specialist registers.
CT36YP Otterhound sitting
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Otterhound
The most at-risk breed, with just 18 puppies registered in 2023. Since otter hunting was banned in 1978, and the packs were dispersed or destroyed, numbers have dwindled. However, Otterhound enthusiasts have kept the breed alive. Ironically, these dogs were so skilled at hunting otter that the sport was outlawed to protect that species from extinction, with the effect of decimating the breed.
These expert swimmers are big, bouncy and affectionate, with shaggy coats, bottomless stamina and a superb nose.
2H7RJJ0 Sussex Spaniel
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Sussex Spaniel
While other land spaniels such as the English springer and cocker spaniel pop up in the top 10 breeds, others seem to be largely forgotten with just 27 puppy registrations in 2023. The feathery, golden liver-coated Sussex is the rarest of all land spaniels. A unique feature is that he is the only spaniel to bark while working – possibly to enable his handler to keep tabs on him.
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CTFR93 Skye Terrier standing in flowers
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Skye Terrier
Originally used to hunt fox and badger, this is a plucky, fearless little dog. These distinctive-looking terriers, with their long, flat coats, peekaboo fringe and feathery ears, also make the most devoted companions. Hailing from the Hebrides, the Skye Terrier plays a part in the ancestry of all the Scottish Terrier breeds, yet despite his progenitor role, there were only 36 puppy registrations in 2023.
HFG50A King Charles Spaniel Dog
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King Charles Spaniel
While the Cavalier King Charles is in the top 20 of popular dogs, its smaller cousin languishes in the vulnerable category, with 36 registrations in 2023. Many people get these two distinct breeds confused – they share the same coat colours and a common history in the miniaturisation of sporting spaniels, but have been separate breeds since 1945. A few of the more obvious distinguishing features of the King Charles include its distinctive domed head, shorter muzzle and smaller size (8–14lb compared to 12–18lb).
We’re probably more familiar with the full-coated rough Collie thanks to its starring role in several Hollywood films. The smooth Collie has never been quite as popular as the rough version – although the latter is now also on the “at watch” list. Until 1994 these lithe herding dogs could be bred together, however, meaning you could get both rough and smooth in the same litter, but they are now two distinct breeds. Like any Collie, this breed is swift, athletic and one of the most incomparably intelligent dog breeds. And while the rough has rugged charm, the smooth is elegant, beautiful and has all the attributes of its more popular cousin.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
