Trends change, lifestyles evolve, and certain dog breeds that were once popular may experience a decline. They may have been household names at one point but are now overshadowed by breeds better suited for emerging trends and lifestyles.
While the popularity of the Golden Retriever and the French Bulldog remains in the spotlight, these 5 dog breeds are gradually fading into the shadows.
5 dog breeds decreasing in popularity
1. English Foxhound
English Foxhounds were once revered for their usefulness in traditional fox hunting, but have declined in popularity. They are also incredibly energetic and have ample space to roam. Furthermore, they have strong pack instincts, which makes it difficult for this breed to fit into modern urban living.
There may be several reasons for this breed's decline, one of which is the shift in hunting practices. Their role during these hunts has dwindled, not to mention fox hunting has been outlawed in most regions. Seeing that this breed was explicitly bred to hunt foxes and has a high prey drive, it makes them an unsuitable family dog.
2. Irish Red and White Setter
Despite their striking appearance, the Irish Red and White Setter is another breed continuing to decrease in popularity. One key reason for this is that they are overshadowed by the popularity of their cousins, the Irish Setters. People tend to gravitate towards the solid red coloring versus the red and white variation.
Many people also do not realize that the Red and White Setter is a separate breed. This lack of awareness has then led to challenges regarding breeding. The gene pool for this breed is smaller, making it impossible to find quality breeding stock. Thus, this breed is becoming a rare sight indeed.
3. Otterhound
The Otterhound, similar to the English Foxhound, was bred for hunting. Unfortunately for the Otterhound, hunting otters has been outlawed. Therefore, their specific need is no longer relevant. Specifically, they were used to hunt otters. Unfortunately for this breed, hunting otters has been outlawed, therefore, their specific need is not longer relevant.
Otterhounds also lack the ability to transition into a traditional family pet, unlike other hunting breeds. Their decline can also be attributed to their large size, high energy levels, and requirement for lots of exercise, which makes them unsuitable for urban environments. The Otterhound is a high-maintenance breed. They are also incredibly rare, and so many people are not aware of their existence.
4. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a friendly and playful breed, yet they are decreasing in popularity. This is partially due to grooming requirements. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular brushing and trimming to prevent any issues with matting, which can become a demanding and time-consuming task for busy pet owners.
Another primary reason the Wheaten Terrier is declining in popularity is due to specific health issues they are more prone to. Many may suffer from a particular kidney disease known as renal dysplasia and a digestive issue called protein-losing enteropathy.
5. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff has been a victim of overbreeding. In China, they were considered a luxury breed, which caused their price to skyrocket, which led to excessive breeding and crossbreeding. Once there were so many of them, the price for one of those furry giants went down, which caused a major decline in popularity.
There are also some concerns regarding the Tibetan Mastiff's temperament. They were bred as guard dogs, and due to this, they may be aggressive towards strangers. Therefore, if someone chooses to own this breed, they need to take the time to socialize them properly to ensure they do not become aggressive. This can be a significant deterrent for potential owners.
Trends come and go, and things that once were popular lose their spotlight, and these dog breeds are not exempt from that. The decline in popularity in the English Foxhounds, Irish Red and White Setters, Otterhounds, Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers, and Tibetan Mastiffs shows the influence of these ever-evolving trends and lifestyles. However, these breeds can still add significant value and allure to the dog world.