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Purebreed Dog Popularity Wanes in the UK as Crossbreeds Gain Favor
The familiar adage stating dogs are humanity’s best companion may be losing relevance for specific British dog breeds. New data indicates a shift in British preferences, with purebred dogs declining in popularity in favor of fashionable crossbreed varieties.
Decline in Pedigree Dog Registrations
Analysis by the Kennel Club, encompassing over 11 million dog registrations, reveals a consistent decrease in pedigree dog ownership in Britain, averaging approximately 0.9 percent annually since 1990. This trend has become more pronounced since 2010, with a sharper rate of reduction observed in recent years.
Yorkshire Terrier Sees Steepest Drop
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The Yorkshire Terrier has experienced the most significant decrease, with its numbers diminishing by 16 percent year-over-year since 2010. Researchers suggest this decline is potentially linked to the increasing appeal of mixed breeds like the Cockapoo and Labradoodle.
Concerns for the Future of Dog Breeding
The Kennel Club expresses concern that this rapid decrease could pose challenges for the long-term future of responsible dog breeding in the UK.
Dr. Joanna Ilska, a genetics and research expert at the Kennel Club, stated that while negative perceptions of pedigree breeding may contribute to reduced breeding activity, experts emphasize the necessity of a consistent supply of healthy puppies from informed and ethical breeders.
Purebreed Dog Decline Amidst Overall Pet Dog Increase
Between 2012 and 2021, the overall pet dog population in the UK surged from 7.6 million to 12 million. However, Kennel Club registrations for purebred dogs continue to fall across numerous breeds.
In 1990, over 24,000 Yorkshire Terriers were registered in the UK. By 2021, this number plummeted to a mere 529 new puppies.
Other Declining Breeds
Following the Yorkshire Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier demonstrates the next most substantial contraction since 1990, declining at an average of 8.4 percent per year. In 2021, only 1,238 West Highland White Terrier puppies were registered.
The Pekingese and Anatolian Shepherd Dog have also experienced significant drops, with populations decreasing by eight percent and 7.2 percent annually, respectively, over the 30-year period.
Acceleration of Pedigree Breed Decline Since 2010
Data indicates that the decrease in pedigree varieties has accelerated since 2010. Purebred dog populations have fallen by approximately 1.3 percent each year between 2010 and 2021 on average.
During this timeframe, the Kennel Club identified ten breeds experiencing population decreases exceeding ten percent annually.
Fastest Vanishing Purebreeds (2010-2021 Proportional Change)
- Pyrenean Sheepdog: -16.89 percent
- Akita: -16.48 percent
- Greyhound: -16.35 percent
- Yorkshire Terrier: -16.34 percent
- Bichon Frise: -15.86 percent
- Siberian Husky: -15.19 percent
- Alaskan Malamute: -14.93 percent
- Estrela Mountain Dog: -13.57 percent
- Lhasa Apso: -13.44 percent
- German Longhaired Pointer: -11.76 percent
(Proportional change from 2010-2021)
The Pyrenean Sheepdog experienced the most drastic decline, shrinking by 17 percent annually, with zero puppies registered in 2021. Akita, Greyhound, and Yorkshire Terrier populations also each fell by over 16 percent per year in the same decade, with a mere single greyhound registered in 2021.
This situation presents a significant possibility that some breeds may disappear from the UK entirely. Diminishing breed populations reduce the pool of breeding dogs, increasing the danger of harmful inbreeding. Maintaining a sustainable rate of genetic diversity loss is crucial to prevent population decline and, in extreme cases, breed extinction.
Dr. Ilska adds, ‘We are concerned about decreased popularity, especially for less common breeds with already small populations, and ensuring the availability of healthy, well-bred puppies with predictable traits so owners can find suitable matches for their lifestyles.’
Trendy Crossbreeds and Population Growth in Specific Pedigree Breeds
Researchers attribute the declining purebred dog registrations partially to the rising trend of contemporary crossbreeds. Dr. Ilska notes that while pedigree dog registrations are down, the number of recognized breeds has increased by 12 percent.
Fastest Growing Purebreeds (2010-2021 Proportional Change)
- French Bulldog: 34.91 percent
- Lagotto Romagnolo: 23.36 percent
- Dachshund (Miniature Smooth-Haired): 17.44 percent
- Dachshund (Smooth-Haired): 16.32 percent
- Korthals Griffon: 14.44 percent
- Chow Chow: 14.19 percent
- Dachshund (Wire-Haired): 14.01 percent
- Belgian Shepherd Dog: 14.01 percent
- Sealyham Terrier: 12.73 percent
- Welsh Corgi: 12.03 percent
(Proportional change from 2010-2021)
However, Dr. Ilska contends that fashionable crossbreeds such as the Labradoodle can still encounter similar health issues as pedigree dogs. She elaborates, ‘Despite the perception that crossbreeds are healthier, limited data exists on their health status and methods for preventing diseases within their populations. There are also fewer evidence-based resources to guide breeders or puppy purchasers in making informed and responsible decisions concerning health and genetic diversity.’
Certain popular breeds have seen substantial population increases. For instance, French Bulldogs experienced the most significant growth, increasing by 22.1 percent annually between 1990 and 2021, and 34 percent since 2010. Various Dachshund varieties have also displayed rapid population growth since 2010. Despite growth in some breeds, overall UK pedigree dog breeding remains limited. Only 13.7 percent of UK pedigree dogs were used for breeding between 2005 and 2015. To compensate, a significant number of dogs are imported, with over 3,000 arriving annually between 2011 and 2019. Ireland, Russia, and Poland are key exporters of dogs to the UK.
Genetic Diversity Concerns and Future Breeding Strategies
The reliance on imports and limited UK breeding means that even popular pedigree breeds still face challenges related to decreasing genetic diversity.
Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at the Kennel Club, points out that ‘Pedigree dogs offer advantages due to known ancestry, enabling better prediction of their characteristics. However, this also means they are genetically similar, necessitating the monitoring and management of breed populations, as reduced genetic diversity elevates the risk of new health conditions arising.’
Researchers hope this study will assist breeders in developing strategies to preserve the most rapidly declining breeds and ensure the continued availability of healthy, well-bred puppies in the UK.