‘Lassie’ dog breed at risk of dying out as numbers fall

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This is the lowest recorded number for the breed since the 1940s, and if the decline continues they will be placed on The Kennel Club’s “at watch” list, which monitors breeds with between 300 and 450 puppy registrations a year. Those with less than 300 puppy births annually are recorded on the organisation’s “vulnerable native breeds” list – devised to highlight those British and Irish native breeds which could be at risk of disappearing. I’ve spent my life surrounded by rough collies who have enjoyed long, healthy lives and I can confirm their friendly, happy temperament, but each year their popularity is decreasing Carole Smedley, Rough Collie Breed Council “Of course, no breed will suit everyone, but for the right owner, who can provide the right space and environment, they have so much love to give and they adore children. “It is such a shame that some of our most native historic and recognisable breeds are continuing to drop in popularity and we hope that more people will become aware of the range of breeds out there and responsibly select the right one for them.” In 2022, there were more vulnerable breeds recorded than ever before, as both the shaggy-coated bearded collie and the distinctive miniature bull terrier were placed on the list while the Bedlington terrier, bullmastiff, Irish terrier, Norfolk terrier, and parson russell terrier were added to the “at watch” list.