As a nation of dog lover’s, we have forgotten some beautiful breeds that are on the vulnerable register here in the U.K and Ireland that are now facing very low breeding numbers.
You may not have heard of some of these breeds but they are unique and each have wonderful qualities and a history behind them, what will happen if we as a nation just let them slip away into the history books as pet parents, we could consider one of these breeds as our next choice of dog and become part of rebuilding the breeds that have been decreasing over the years slipping away from our heritage.
Starting with the Bearded Collie – A excellent family choice with beautiful kind natures, very intelligent and enjoy the outdoors so make great walking, running and hiking companions.
Next up is the Bloodhound – These large breed dogs require an owner that has a good amount of dog handling experience as they are very scent driven and need training on an ongoing daily basis not a breed for everyone but a very affectionate breed that does do well in a family environment.
Third is the Miniature Bull terrier – Smaller than their more bred counterparts the Bull Terrier a smaller dog but with all the same unique adorable face and the bully strong muscular body these dogs are loyal and loving and should be considered they just get over looked so often.
Next, we have the Clumber Spaniel – These stunning dogs are naturally quiet they bark less due to their training over years making them a great alternative to other spaniels that are seen more often, they are also good with children and fit well into family life they are facing extremely low breeding numbers currently and anyone considering a spaniel breed should consider this spaniel.
Another Spaniel is the Sussex Spaniel – A beautiful looking spaniel that is of gentle temperament, known for their calm and easy-going nature they would make a fantastic therapy dog and could be used more in families where children and adults need an emotional support fuss pot.
There are many terrier breeds such as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Skye Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier, English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan), Dandie Dinmont Terrier & The Fox Terrier (Smooth) This is a huge amount of English , Scottish & Irish terrier breeds we could no longer see over future generations because people just do not know about them they all have their unique features and quirky terrier ways , if you are looking for a small breed it would be great for you to consider one of these.
There is a similar situation with the setters – English Setter, Gordon Setter, Irish Red & White Setter all are on the low breeding register with Crufts. Setters have beautiful natures make excellent family dogs and have that Peter Pan personality they never seem to grow up they have a brilliant reputation with children especially.
There is one other collie the Collie Smooth – These dogs are like any other Collie loyal, focused and devoted companions but get over looked for other Collie breeds with longer hair but if you’re a Collie lover do give them consideration.
Two of the largest breeds that very often are now no longer thought of is the Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound mostly due to size these beautiful friendly giants are lovely family pets and do well with children and other animals, they do have an instinct to chase as they are originally bred to hunt regardless of this, they still make a great choice for big breed lovers.
Another large breed that is low in their numbers in the U.K is the Mastiff these bigger than life loving fur babies ideally need a experienced pet parent as they are large and powerful dogs that need time invested into their training. A super loyal loving patient natured dog that size needs to be accounted for.
There are a few other spaniels that are overlooked that are just as energetic, easy to train and loveable as the spaniels that we see around daily they are the Field Spaniel, Welsh Spaniel & King Charles Spaniel. All of these spaniels are less bred than others in the U.K and they are excellent family dogs that can also work if needed.
Two hounds often forgotten are the Foxhound – A energetic, high-spirited hound that has similar features to a beagle but is taller version with a placid nature and devoted heart.
Next is the Harrier- A hound bred for hunting hares but makes an excellent companion for long walks and bringing energy to the family dynamics as they are playful, outgoing and make great family dogs.
There are a few you would have not expected to be on this long list such as the Retriever Curly Coat & Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) both dogs have the Corgi is very popular due to is royal history but the Welsh Cardigan Corgi is not so often bred many people just do not realise they exist! And it’s a similar story for the Retriever Curly Coat- They are very much like any other retriever loving, fun, outgoing and loyal but with a curly coat making them very different to your standard longhair retriever they are really just not well known about.
Lastly is the most under bred dog in the world to date being the Otterhound- These loving, loyal companions over the years have sadly declined to numbers so low it’s hard to know what will happen if we do not shed light on their declining numbers. They make great family dogs they were originally bred to hunt otters, have webbed feet and a beautiful bay! What’s not to love.
So if you’re looking to bring a dog into your home and family here is the low down on all about our vulnerable breeds. You might find yourself the proud pet parent of a breed that not many know about and join us on bringing awareness of their existence.