Latest news with #TheKennelClub
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Famous breed of dog is dying out with barely any puppies born
Famous breed of dog is dying out with barely any puppies born The breed is facing an uncertain future after recording its lowest annual puppy births since records began, whereas once they numbered in the thousands One type of dog breed is proving far less popular than was once the case (Image: Shared Content Unit ) The Smooth Fox Terrier, a quintessentially British breed and the recognisable face of the HMV mascot, is facing an uncertain future after recording its lowest annual puppy births since records began. Once among the top ten most popular breeds a century ago, with nearly 3,000 puppies registered annually at its height, this small terrier breed has recently been classified as a vulnerable native breed by The Kennel Club due to dwindling numbers. A mere 45 puppies were born in 2024, marking the lowest ever number recorded for the breed. Several other iconic British breeds have also had a concerning start to the year. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here The Airedale Terrier has been added to the 'At Watch' list for the first time – a category for breeds with between 300 and 450 annual puppy births - while both the Yorkshire Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog have recorded their lowest numbers since 1944 and 1946 respectively. The Scottish Terrier, which was added to The Kennel Club's 'At Watch' list last year, has seen a further decline, with last year witnessing the breed's lowest-ever annual puppy births, amounting to just 387 puppies. Article continues below Toy fox terrier puppies Despite the worrying trend, other quintessential British dog breeds reported a significant rise in popularity last year. Notable beneficiaries of this surge include the Rough Collie and Cairn Terrier. Having previously featured on the 'At Watch' list, the Rough Collie and Cairn Terrier secured a spot for themselves by documenting over 450 puppies in 2024. And in a remarkable upswing, a couple of vulnerable breeds reportedly recorded twice the number of the preceding year. For instance, the instantly recognisable Skye Terrier from the Magic Roundabout nearly doubled from a meagre 36 to 71, while the rather elusive Otterhound similarly increased its tally, reaching a considerable 42 in 2024 from 18 in 2023. Expressing concern at the figures Bill Lambert, spokesperson for Crufts, said: "The Smooth Fox Terrier was once one of our most popular breeds, and recognisable the world over as Nipper, the HMV dog, so these latest figures are a real cause for concern. "With 223 different breeds of dog, each with unique characteristics and personalities, we have such a rich diversity of dogs in this country but some are in real danger of disappearing forever, simply because many people don't know about them, meaning many people might not be getting the perfect match for them. "Opportunities to meet less popular breeds of dogs are limited, which is why we have a unique Discover Dogs area at Crufts where visitors can talk to experts and meet more than 200 breeds." Article continues below
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Electric shock collars for dogs in Scotland could finally be banned as new consultation launched
EXCLUSIVE: A potential ban in Scotland was first considered almost 20 years ago but they currently remain legal. A ban on remote-controlled shock collars for dogs is being considered by the Scottish Government despite an official review stating the evidence against them is inconclusive. The devices - which can be bought online for as little as £50 - are used to train pets by delivering an electronic pulse which can be administered by their owners through a handset. The use of such collars has long been a subject of controversy with some organisations claiming they cause pain and distress to dogs and that their use could not be justified. A potential ban in Scotland was first considered almost 20 years ago but they currently remain legal. An official review of the Animals and Wildlife (Scotland) Act 2020 has now concluded a new consultation should take place. After considering evidence gathered over the past 20 years it found there is 'no consensus' within the dog training industry or among dog owners on whether a ban was needed. Opinion is also divided among dog breeding organisations, pet training and pet advisory organisations, vets, the police, farmers, and other groups. The review added: 'While there is a risk of misuse of these devices, as there is with many other training tools, the scientific evidence does not indicate that static pulse collars are inherently harmful to all dogs, and there is no evidence to suggest that they are more harmful than other aversive training devices in common use." But it concluded that a consultation on a ban should still take place, given that 10 years has passed since the previous one. It also highlighted a 2023 report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission, which concluded that on balance, shock collars should be banned. Holly Conway, head of public affairs at The Kennel Club, said she was strongly in favour of a ban. "While government guidance condemns their usage, an outright ban has been recommended by the independent Scottish Animal Welfare Commission and is supported by the welfare, veterinary and positive dog training sector,' she told the 1919 current affairs magazine. "Evidence has shown time and again that they are outdated and unnecessary devices and so we urge the Scottish Government to ban them as a priority.' A spokesperson for the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Scotland said any ban would make it more difficult to train working dogs. "NFU Scotland recognises the need to safeguard animal welfare and supports proportionate, evidence-based regulation,' they said. "However, we would urge the Scottish Government to engage with the farming and rural community before introducing any ban on static pulse collars. "For many hill and upland farms, working dogs are essential tools for managing livestock safely and efficiently across difficult terrain. "In these contexts, remote training collars – used responsibly by trained handlers – can offer a humane and effective way of reinforcing critical commands at distance, reducing the risk of livestock stress or injury." A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'As part of our review of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020, we considered whether or not further legal provisions are required on the use of collars that use a static pulse on animals. "To date, the only type of device recommended for a ban by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission is remote-controlled static pulse training collars, which they describe as e-collars. On this basis, we have committed to consulting on a potential ban of these specific devices."
BBC News
11-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
One-eyed shih-tzu rescued from Torquay competes at Scruffts
One of 96 shih-tzus rescued from a breeding home in appalling conditions has just competed in Scruffts - the equivalent of Crufts for or Rhu, was among dogs described as "terrified" and "flea-infested" when rescued by the RSPCA from a property in Torquay, Devon in was taken to a rescue centre in Cornwall where vets attempted to treat a condition in her right eye, but were unable to save several months of rehabilitation, Lauraine Maddox from Bodmin adopted Rhu. While her pet did not win at Scrufts, Ms Maddox said she was extremely proud of her performance. Ms Maddox said she did not know how her dog would react during the contest at the NEC in Birmingham. She said: "You can't prepare for going out into a 7,000 seat arena with all the noise."She is a one-eyed dog with an awful history but she trusts me, and trusts that I will keep her safe."She trotted out there on her own accord. She needed a bit of convincing behind the scenes but I had treats in my back pocket and she blew me away."She did more than I could ever ask - she gave it everything. I am so proud of her. With the journey she has been on to see her trot out with such confidence is a big achievement - I'm just so so proud." Rhu was rehabilitated by the RSPCA for several months before she was ready to be rehomed in January was described by the charity as "very nervous" and with a "long road to recovery ahead".Ms Maddox said she had previously been a "collie girl" and they still have the family pet Ty who competes in agility was while attending one of these events at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge last year they happened to see a heat for Scruffts was going on at the same time."We paid £2 and entered Rhu in the prettiest bitch, and she won," Ms Maddox was then another heat in September where she qualified for the final, held on has had a DNA test which found she was 83% shih-tzu, 12% chihuahua, 3% pekingese and 2% lhasa apso."She is my princess - she is absolutely spoiled rotten", Ms Maddox Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year competition is run by The Kennel Club and recognises dogs whose parents are of two different breeds or a mixture of several breeds.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Crufts introduces new breathing assessment for brachycephalic breeds
All French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Pugs competing at Crufts must now have a vet assessment of their breathing before they're allowed to compete at the world-famous dog show. This requirement has been introduced to protect the health of these popular breeds and raise awareness about the importance of health testing amongst the public. The breathing condition is known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), with dogs having to pass the test before they're allowed to enter the world's greatest dog show. READ MORE: Woman who raped children with Tinder lover dies in jail as investigation launched READ MORE: Why supermarket shelves are empty as expert says it could get worse Those with a grade 3 score, which means that are affected by BOAS and showing signs of the condition, will not be allowed to take part. Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit
BBC News
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Dog who gave Oxfordshire mum 'new lease of life' wins at Crufts
A one-year-old whippet-saluki-collie cross who gave her owner "a new lease of life" after a difficult childbirth has claimed a top award at owned by Bex Hall, from Banbury in Oxfordshire, won the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year Hall said the dog had given her a "new lease of life" when she was in a "bit of a bad place" after giving of dogs competed in qualifying heats around the country this year, with the shortlisted dogs and their owners taking part in the semi-finals and final at Crufts on Saturday. 'So proud' The finalists were judged by actress and Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson and dog judge Glenn pair were looking for qualities such as good character, health and temperament with people and other Atkinson said: "They've all got such lovely back stories, they've all changed their owners' lives in some remarkable way. "Bex had a very traumatic childbirth, which I also did and I know how that feels."She said little Lola brought her back to life, so I think the fact that she is there helping her be a better mum, it's like a full circle for them all. "It's a lovely little family."Ms Hall said she was "so proud" of her dog, adding that she had cried a lot."Lola came at a time where I was in a bit of a bad place," she said. "I'd had a really bad birth with my baby, I'd shut down and I wouldn't really go out. "But me and Lola have now done so many things together and she's just given me a new lease of life."The Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year competition is run by The Kennel Club and recognises dogs whose parents are of two different breeds or a mixture of several breeds. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
