The Kennel Club have revealed that only 316 Old English Sheepdog puppies have been registered this year.
The breed will be considered at a vulnerable level if less than 300 puppies are registered. Bill Lambert, manager of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, said: “The decline of the old English sheepdog… can be partly explained by lifestyle changes as it needs a lot of grooming and exercise and so is not suitable for the fast-paced urban lifestyles of many people.”
Despite these dogs having a good temperament and can make fantastic family pets, it seems that there are more fashionable breeds that are proving to be more popular. These include Chihuahuas, Pugs and Labradors, the UK’s most popular dog breed.
Whilst it can be seen that there are certain trends for dogs, it is essential for owners to research the breed of dog thoroughly in order to assess whether they can cope with the needs and demands the dog will require.
Other breeds which are also on the “At Watch” list include the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Let’s hope that The Kennel Club have highlighted this problem early enough to save the beloved pups which have been used in advertisements for Dulux for more than 50 years!