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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 5th November 2013
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British dog breeds on the decline

Kennel Club warns against buying on impulse

According to the Kennel Club, formerly popular native dog breeds, such as the Queen's favourite Pembroke Welsh Corgi, are declining due to the rising popularity of small foreign breeds.

While the French bulldog has made it into the top ten most popular dog breeds for the first time this year, the number of West Highland white terriers and Cavalier King Charles spaniels registered has dropped by half, according to new statistics.

The Kennel Club says the number of Pembroke Welsh Corgis have dropped so dramatically that it is likely to become a "vulnerable native breed" by the end of the year.

Native dog breeds are classed as "vulnerable" by the Kennel Club if fewer than 300 puppies are registered in the space of a year. Only 241 Pembroke Welsh Corgis have so far been registered this year.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Small dogs are becoming much more popular and whilst in some cases this is because they may be a better fit for particular lifestyles, it is also because people are buying on impulse and going for the most obvious or fashionable choices."

The French bulldog, popular with celebrities including Jonathan Ross and Reese Witherspoon, has seen the largest boost in numbers. The Kennel Club reports a 50 per cent rise in the number of registrations in the first three quarters of 2013 alone, with 4,843 dogs registered so far this year.

Other breeds to receive a boost in popularity include the smooth coated chihuahua, Boston terrier, pug and long coated chihuahua.

Meanwhile, former favourites such as the West Highland white terrier have dropped out of the top ten for the first time, with registrations declining by 30 per cent so far this year, compared to the same period in 2012.

The Kennel Club has voiced concerns recently that people are buying dogs on impulse without doing their research on the best breed for them. The organisation's Discover Dogs event, taking place on November 9 and 10 this year, aims to educate dog owners of the care needs of different breeds.

Image courtesy of the Kennel Club

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

(a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/5b664856-dd20-4091-ac71-10b64eb07a21@39b82a55-e5f2-48c9-8e13-feb1a568f5ec">Click here to register for the webinar.