Vulnerable Native Breeds

On November 12th (yes I know bear with me I haven't been blogging, i think i might start referring to it as a my 'sabbatical') I attended Discover Dogs at Earls Court in London, because, yes, big surprise, i want a dog :). This event allows normal, dog loving people to meet and greet up to 209 breeds of all dog types (hound, working, terrier, gundog, pastoral, utility, and toy), learn more about breeds they haven't heard of, or are interested in, and potentially make links with breeders. As well as a stand for each breed, they have various stands for doggy organisations, charities such as Dogs Trust, stands where you can buy doggy items, and show rings with things going on from agility and flyball to showing. My personal favourite was the Golden Retriever display team shown in the photo. It is a real introduction into the world of dogs and is a must for anyone thinking about taking on a dog. The breeders and handlers at the show are all very helpful and friendly, which leads to you learning more about the breed and if it is for you, and also gives you hands on experience with the breeds of your choice.

The most interesting stand for me was the British and Irish Dog Breeds Preservation Trust. Here I was informed that the breed I had come to Discover Dogs to see, the Wheaten Terrier, was on the Vulnerable Native Breeds list. As I understand it to be considered on this list, the breed must be from the UK originally and has to have an average of less than 300 puppies registered per year. Wheaten Terriers are the lucky ones. They are on the borderline between vulnerable and normal. They also have a wonderful system for breeders and potential owners alike. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Great Britain have a list of approved breeders, and if you wish to apply for a puppy you fill in their puppy application form, which can be found on the website, and they will put you in touch with breeders in your area (ncluding a local person who will allow you to see Wheatens in a home environment so you can decide if they are the breed for you).

It is shocking the breeds that can be found on the Vulnerable Native Breeds list. The dogs at risk are:

• Bloodhound
• Deerhound
• Greyhound
• Otterhound
• Miniature Bull Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Irish Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lakeland Terrier
• Manchester Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Skye Terrier
• Smooth Fox Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Welsh Terrier
• English Toy Terrier (black and tan)
• King Charles Spaniel
• Clumber Spaniel
• Curly Coated Retriever
• Field Spaniel
• Gordon Setter
• Irish Red and White Setter
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Sussex Spaniel
• Cardigan Corgi
• Lancashire Heeler
• Smooth Collie

And websites for many of these breeds can be found here.
Both of the dogs my mother and sister were interested in (Otterhound and Skye Terrier respectively) are also found on this list.

The two breeds which are considered most at risk currently are the Sealyham Terrier and the Skye Terrier (pictured above right [taken from http://www.evcilkopekler.com/kopek-irklari/skye-terrier]). Both breed clubs have stated that if nothing changes the breeds could be extinct by 2010. In the famous (true) story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who stayed by his masters grave after he died for fourteen years until he himself passed away, was a Skye Terrier. Last year there were only 30 Skye Terrier puppies registered in the whole country, and it is estimated that there are less than 3000 left worldwide. To put this into context in terms of numbers, there were 45,000 Labrador Retriever puppies registered last year, and that is just the puppies in this country.

Awareness of these problems in 'at risk' dog breeds is low, but the lower the numbers fall, the lower the gene pool to breed from. Some have even suggested that the vets automatic reaction to suggest neutering or spaying in puppies just makes the problem worse, and that they should be being informed on which are the vulnerable breeds and give advice accordingly. I myself have decided that when I get a dog on leaving university I am going to have a Skye Terrier. It's all very well feeling bad for the situation of the breeds, but not if afterwards you are still rushing out to get a Labrador. If you are thinking of getting a dog then check out the Vulnerable Native Breeds, their characteristics and traits, if there is one that will suit you and your lifestyle why not take on a breed that will be unique and will give you just as much love and affection as the 'in-dog' of the moment?!

Discover Dogs will also be at Crufts at NEC, Birmingham

Some Links:
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Great Britain
Bentley's Home Page (Diary of a Wheaten Terrier Owner)
Skye Terrier Club
Sealyham Terrier Club