'Over the last half century, we have seen many of our native breeds almost ignored, while we have concentrated on abnormally hairy, almost hairless or absurdly loose-skinned breeds from afar,’ laments David Hancock in a Country Life article of 1987
Although this may be a little harsh, and it should be noted that many imported breeds have perfectly acceptable amounts of both hair and skin, it is nonetheless true that some of our native breeds are being ignored by the dog-owning public to the degree that they are in danger of disappearing entirely.
‘We’re so lucky to have such a variety of breeds in this country, with so many different personalities and characteristics, so the fact that some could disappear completely is concerning,’ says Bill Lambert, spokesperson for the Kennel Club (KC). ‘People simply forget there are so many wonderful dogs to discover, not only the popular and well-known ones, and we urge people to spend time researching the many breeds that we have in Britain and Ireland.’
The smooth collie is an elegant, active dog; friendly and faithful.
When it comes to selecting a new canine companion, it is easy to be blinded by fashion and perhaps overlook something less obvious that might better suit your lifestyle. The following list is of 10 dogs that have fallen from favour for various reasons — from size to appearance or loss of a traditional working role — and found themselves on the KC’s list of vulnerable native breeds, but that might be the perfect fit for you.
Of course, it goes without saying that any prospective addition to the household should be thoroughly researched. Clearly, an otterhound is not a sensible choice for someone who lives in a flat and a smooth collie will soon go doolally if you don’t have time to exercise it properly. With this in mind, we encourage you to go forth and be a little different.
10 vulnerable native dog breeds
- Dandie Dinmont terrier
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 81
- Town or country:?Either
- Otterhound (above)
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 42
- Town or country? Country
- Lancashire heeler
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 75
- Town or country? Either
- Irish red and white setter
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 49
- Town or country? Either
- Mastiff
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 107
- Town or country? Country
- Smooth collie
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 29
- Town or country? Either
- Kerry blue terrier
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 77
- Town or country? Either
- Deerhound
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 146
- Town or country? Country
- Field spaniel
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 73
- Town or country? Country
- Irish water spaniel
- 2024 KC puppy registrations: 53
- Town or country? Country
-
A bum deal on a bog-standard property? The former public conveniences being sold off for a songLondon has several affordable properties with enviable postcodes and great lighting... so long as you're happy spending more than a penny on a Victorian loo.
-
In which country does the Royal Company of Archers act as The King's ceremonial bodyguard? It's the Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 16, 2025Test your general knowledge in today's wide-ranging quiz.
-
A handy five minute guide to Frieze — and the things you really don’t want to missThe London art fair returns this week.
-
The Lancashire heeler: A clever, compact and very rare terrier that was once described as having 'the same value as an ox'From cattle drover to companion, the Lancashire heeler is as versatile as it is rare.
-
The English bull terrier is mischief meets muscleFrom the 19th-century show rings to the homes of artists, royals and rock stars, the English bull terrier is one of our most original and loveable dogs.
-
How American political refugees, economic migrants and devoted Anglophiles are transforming LondonOne luxury restaurant, apartment and tennis court at a time.
-
‘Sex, Money, Race, Religion’: Unlikely pair Philharmonia Orchestra and Gilbert & George collaborate on one-off concertThe artist duo once declared music to be ‘the enemy’, but this hasn’t stopped them from teaming up at the Royal Festival Hall for the orchestra’s 80th anniversary.
-
'Nowadays, little separates the literati from the glitterati': Britain's literary festivals are this season's hot ticketsBritain is synonymous with the literary festival, says Will Hosie, and they are only growing in popularity.
-
The not-so-ugly duckling: What to know about the quirky Irish water spanielWith its curly topknot, ‘rat-tail’ and boundless energy for water, the Irish water spaniel is a breed apart. Quirky, clever and affectionate, it has been winning hearts for centuries — even if it still gets mistaken for a poodle.
-
'Top Trumps: British wildlife edition': How do our native animals measure up against one anotherPatrick Galbraith rates ten of the UK's most interesting native animals on their elusiveness, speed and deliciousness, and reveals everything else you need to know about them.
