5 dog breeds that are at risk in the U.K.

In the U.K. there are some dogs that are more popular than they are in the U.S., and the same can be said for dogs here. Where you live can have an impact on the popularity of certain dog breeds. But did you know that this can also lead to some breeds going extinct in these regions? And some of these breeds are actually at risk on a more global scale as well.

While dog ownership has actually seen an increase over the last few years, not every breed is being adopted or purchased as a puppy. Some breeds have simply fallen out of favor. In the U.S. the Otterhound is in danger of extinction, as the AKC indicated that there are no more than seven litters of puppies born in a given year. And the sad thing is that this British breed is also in danger of extinction in its home country as well.

Preservationists are doing what they can to prevent the extinction of a number of dog breeds, but it is truly a group effort. And that means that people need to be aware of the possibility that some of these dog breeds could be no more if something isn't done.

So what are some of the dog breeds that are at risk of going extinct in the U.K.? And are any of these breeds also at risk in the U.S.?

Here are the five dog breeds that are at risk of extinction in the U.K.

• Bloodhound - According to The Scotsman, in 2023 only 36 Bloodhounds had been registered with the Kennel Club. And that is not looking good for this amazing breed with a lot of personality.
• Skye Terrier - You may never have heard of the Skye Terrier, and that makes sense when you consider that there are apparently "more Giant Pandas in the world" than this breed of dog. And in the U.K. where they originated, it seems that as of 2020 there had only been 36 registered with the Kennel Club. Essentially, this dog is truly in danger of extinction on a worldwide scale and that is definitely sad news.
• Otterhound - As mentioned above, the Otterhound is a breed on the verge of extinction. While these British pups may have once been quite popular, they are now in true danger of disappearing. Not only have only seven of these pups been registered in the U.K., but they are in danger in the U.S. as well. And it is said that on a global scale there are maybe 600 total. This is not good news for the breed and could spell trouble in the very near future.
• King Charles Spaniel - This breed was a true surprise as they are known to be a popular breed at least they have been. And of course they do share a name with King Charles himself. But according to The Scotsman as of 2020 only 56 of these delightful pups had been registered with the Kennel Club.
• Curly Coated Retriever - We all know that the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds, both in the U.S. and the U.K.. But did you know that its cousin, the Curly Coated Retriever has not had the same luck in terms of popularity. And it makes no sense as these pups are very much like their cousins, but their coats have the delightful curls that we think of when we think of Poodles. Sadly, their popularity is nowhere near the Labrador Retriever and it is said that only 55 were registered in the U.K. as of 2020.

There are so many dog breeds across the world. And it can be hard to keep track of them all. But in some cases, these are breeds with long histories and they deserve better than to go extinct because of what amounts to a popularity contest. Every single dog breed has something that makes them special and unique. And they all deserve a chance to survive.

Are you at all surprised by the dog breeds on this list? Would expect to see some of these breeds in danger of extinction?