Native dog breeds face uncertain future as registrations tumble

Some of Britain’s oldest dog breeds are registering so few puppies that concerns are growing over their long-term survival and genetic health.

Close to 40 breeds now appear on the Royal Kennel Club’s (RKC) list of vulnerable native breeds, which covers breeds registering fewer than 300 puppies a year. Breeds on the list include the Dandie Dinmont terrier, Bedlington terrier and smooth collie.

Some of the steepest falls have come over the past decade. RKC figures show just five bloodhound puppies registered in 2025, down 90% in ten years. Greyhound registrations fell to ten, a 75% drop. Registrations of the Old English sheepdog have roughly halved over the same period.

Small breeding populations bring a risk of genetic bottlenecks. When fewer dogs contribute to the next generation, genetic diversity narrows, and that can be hard to restore once lost.

The decline has come as cross-breeds have grown in popularity. Records from RVC VetCompass, which draws on data from UK veterinary practices, show cockapoos now outnumber all vulnerable native breeds combined by more than five to one. Many traditional breeds also need more time, space and exercise than some households can offer.

Registration data has limits, however. It counts only puppies registered with the RKC, not the full UK dog population, and many factors can affect breed numbers. The RKC says it is working with breeders, breed clubs, owners and researchers to support vulnerable breeds.

Not every trend points the same way. Demand for brachycephalic breeds appears to have peaked. French bulldog registrations fell by more than 85% in 2025 from a 2021 high of over 54,000. Pug registrations dropped by more than 92% over the same period, to 834.