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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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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.