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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd November 2023
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Wire fox terrier at risk of extinction
Registrations of wire fox terriers have dropped by almost 30 per cent in the last five years.
The Kennel Club reveals long-term decline in registrations.

The wire fox terrier, famously the breed of Tintin’s dog Snowy, could soon be added to The Kennel Club’s ‘At Watch’ list of native breeds considered at risk of disappearing.

Just 281 wire fox terrier puppies have been born so far in 2023, a 21 per cent decrease compared with the same period in 2022. Over the last five years, there has been a decline of almost 30 per cent in the number of registrations.

The breed used to be a favourite among dog owners and in popular culture, appearing in the successful Thin Man film series in the 1930s and starring in the Tintin comics by Hergé, first published in 1929.

Fox wire terriers birth numbers peaked in 1947, when more than 8,000 were registered in the UK.

A native breed qualifies for the ‘At Watch’ list if there are between 300 and 450 registrations a year. If the fox wire terrier is added to the list for the first time, it will join eight other breeds including the old English sheepdog and the Norfolk terrier. There are a further 34 breeds listed as vulnerable as they have fewer than 300 registrations a year.

Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, said: “The wire fox terrier was the nation’s favourite breed a century ago, and it remained popular for decades, so it is very concerning to see such low numbers for a friendly and lively dog that was once beloved by royalty and families alike, and there is a real danger that we could lose them forever.

“There were just 27 vulnerable dog breeds a decade ago. There are now another eight breeds either vulnerable or at risk, with the wire fox terrier sadly looking likely to join this growing list.

“We have such a rich diversity of breeds, so we urge the British public to find out more about the lesser-known breeds, especially those who are at risk of disappearing.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.