The Old English sheepdog is now among 32 vulnerable native British breeds and have become less popular as they require a lot of grooming and exercise and aren’t suitable for smaller living spaces
One of Britain’s most recognisable dog breeds, the Old English sheepdog, is in danger of dying out, warn experts.
Best known as the Dulux dog after featuring in TV adverts for the paint brand, the Kennel Club recorded just 227 puppy registrations in 2020, meaning the breed has been classed as vulnerable for the first time.
This is the lowest figure since 1961, the first year the Old English sheepdog was used in the adverts, and came as the club registered the largest number of puppies in a decade.
Bill Lambert, a spokesman for the club, said: “It’s likely the numbers have dwindled over the years as a result of lifestyle changes as they require a lot of grooming and exercise and aren’t suitable for smaller living spaces.
“However, it is a breed that is faithful and trustworthy with an even disposition that can make lovable family pets for the right owners.”
Fifteen of these have increased in popularity over the past year, including Irish red and white setters, named Britain’s most vulnerable breed last year.
Lakeland and Kerry blue terriers also recovered by 54 per cent and 49 per cent respectively.
Bill Lambert added said: “The nation has gone through a huge collective lifestyle change and of course many have either become first-time dog owners or are looking to buy one soon.
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“With some people now deciding to move out of our cities towards more rural areas, there is hope for some of our larger and more vulnerable breeds yet.
“We have such a rich diversity of breeds in the United Kingdom, all with their own unique characteristics, so we really do urge the British public to find out more about the lesser-known breeds, especially those who are at risk of disappearing.”
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This is the lowest figure since 1961, the first year the Old English sheepdog was used in the adverts, and came as the club registered the largest number of puppies in a decade.
Bill Lambert, a spokesman for the club, said: “It’s likely the numbers have dwindled over the years as a result of lifestyle changes as they require a lot of grooming and exercise and aren’t suitable for smaller living spaces.
Lakeland and Kerry blue terriers also recovered by 54 per cent and 49 per cent respectively.
One of Britain’s most recognisable dog breeds, the Old English sheepdog, is in danger of dying out, warn experts.
Fifteen of these have increased in popularity over the past year, including Irish red and white setters, named Britain’s most vulnerable breed last year.
As well as the iconic Old English Sheepdog, other pups that are doing particularly well include the small Skye Terrier and English Setters — a breed which saw its popularity more than double in 2021.
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The shaggy white breed, famously known as the Dulux dog, moved to the Vulnerable Native Breeds list in 2020 after falling below 300 annual puppy registrations, but has now seen a significant surge in registrations far exceeding the national average.
“We are delighted to see that so many of our vulnerable native breeds saw a boost in popularity over the past year, indicating that many puppy buyers were resisting the urge to go for the most obvious and fashionable choices and instead using lockdown to properly research the full range of breeds and select the best fit for their lifestyle,” Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, says.
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