Dying breeds: the dogs that could be extinct sooner than you think

• Yorkshire Terriers could be extinct by 2060 as owners opt for more ‘fashionable’ breeds such as French Bulldogs
• Westies are also at risk of extinction, as numbers have fallen by 71 per cent since 2008¹
• More than half (55 per cent) of dog shelters believe celebrities and social media are driving sales of ‘fashionable’ breeds such as Boston Terriers, Pugs and Miniature Dachshunds² whilst unpopular breeds dwindle in numbers

New research from dogsblog.com and Direct Line has found that celebrities and social media may be driving once-popular breeds into extinction, as new owners demand ‘fashionable’ breeds, inspired by famous owners.

Sadly, with celebrity ownership boosting the popularity of French Bulldogs and Pugs, several once-loved breeds have drastically fallen in numbers, with several facing the worrying possibility of becoming extinct in the UK in the next 50 to 100 years.

The breed that has faced the most drastic drop in numbers over the last ten years, and is therefore at greatest risk of dying out, is the Yorkshire Terrier. In 2008, there were just under 4,000 Yorkshire Terriers bred in the UK, yet in 2017 there were only 876 – a radical fall of 78.1 per cent. If the numbers continue to fall at this rate, Yorkshire Terriers would disappear altogether by 2060.

Bichon Frises are also at risk, as their numbers have dropped by 72 per cent in the last ten years, from 2757 to just 769. If these trends continue, Bichon Frises may only be around until 2070. Similarly, in 2008, there were just over 7000 West Highland White Terriers bred, but by 2017, the number of Westies had reduced by 71 per cent. Should this trend continue, the breed could disappear by 2080.

Table one: Top five breeds that have fallen in popularity

While some breeds dwindle in numbers, others are rapidly growing, as is the case with French Bulldogs. Ownership of French Bulldogs has increased more than thirtyfold in the last ten years, with 1,025 owned in 2008 in comparison to over 30,000 in 2017. Most of this rise in popularity has occurred over the last three years, as their numbers grew by over 300 per cent between 2014 and 2017. More than half (55 per cent) of dog shelters believe celebrities and social media are driving sales of ‘fashionable’ breeds such as Boston Terriers, Pugs and Miniature Dachshunds². 
 

Table two: Top five breeds that have risen in popularity

Other breeds that are also at risk of dying out include Bull Mastiffs, having reduced in numbers by over two thirds (70 per cent) in the last ten years. Similarly, Siberian Huskies have dropped by 65 per cent in the last ten years and should the trend continue, both breeds could be extinct in the UK by 2080.

Numbers of Schnauzers are also dwindling, with only 192 bred in the UK last year, just over half (59 per cent) as many as in 2008. Similarly, King Charles Spaniels have significantly reduced in numbers in the last ten years, falling by 60 per cent. Greyhounds come in at just over half as popular in 2017 as they were in 2008, a similar situation for Staffies who have dropped in numbers by 61 per cent overall.

Prit Powar, Head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “It is sad to think that some of the dog breeds we are familiar with in the UK may not exist in the next 100 years, if the trends we are seeing continue. Celebrity ownership undoubtedly influences the desirability of breeds and those that are unfashionable appear to be paying the price.

Powar continues: “We would like to encourage prospective dog owners to consider one of these ‘at-risk’ breeds, in order to secure these loveable dogs’ futures. As always, owners should conduct thorough research into their preferred breed before committing, to ensure that the dog is compatible with their lifestyle and they can meet that breed’s needs.”

The reason behind certain breeds becoming more or less popular is debated amongst rescue shelters, as 77 per cent have recorded a rise in abandoned dogs in their care over the last year, and 86.2 per cent predict a rise of ‘designer dogs’ in particular in rescue over the next ten years, due to their current popularity.
 

Ryan O’Meara, dogsblog.com co-founder, said:

 “Not every person who buys or adopts a popular breed or cross-breed will do so having been inspired by celebrities or social media. However, it is evident that changes in the popularity of certain breeds coincide with celebrity and influencer ownership which can be analysed to predict which dogs, for example, may fall completely off the radar. Sadly, dogs that have fallen in numbers are also some of the most common breeds in animal rescue shelters. Our research showed that the average age of a dog abandoned to a rescue shelter is just two years and two months old5, which supports our research showing a correlation between the fast pace of ever-changing popularity and pet abandonment.”
 

-- Ends –

For further details, please contact:

Olivia Thwaites
olivia.thwaites@directlinegroup.co.uk
01651 832145

Kim O’Meara
kim@totalpetpublishing.com
07903 410421
 

Interview opportunities are available with dogsblog.com co-founder Ryan O’Meara.

¹ According to Kennel Club breed registration annual statistics 2008-2017

² Animal shelter study carried out by dogsblog.com among 514 animal rescues between April-May 2018

About dogsblog.com:

dogsblog.com is the UK’s leading dog adoption site. Launched in 2007, the site was set up to help publicise the concept of dog adoption, support animal rescues and help more dogs to find loving new homes.
 

Working alongside over 600 animal rescues across the UK, the site has helped more than 50,000 dogs to find new homes.
 

About Direct Line:

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. UK Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting https://www.directline.com/pet-cover