the last dog...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20121304

Summary:

The popularity of small dogs the so-called “handbag dogs” is increasing rapidly. This causes a downfall on a number of native breeds such as the Sheepdog. The popularity of the Sheepdog and other breeds rose because people have seen them on television. If the registration of one kind of dog is under 300 this breed is considered vulnerable. This breed will be placed at the At Watch List when the number of registrated dogs is even lower. At this point there are 30 vulnerable breeds and four breeds are placed on the List. The Spaniel and Terrier are the most vulnerable breeds so far this year with less than 30 registrations. This is in large contrast with the almost 30,000 Labrador Retriever puppies registered last year.

Are there reasons for the Sheepdogs downfall? Well it needs lots of grooming and exercise and fashion had to do a lot with it.

Luckily there are also some success stories on former vulnerable breeds. The Norwich Terrier has seen a large increase in numbers since last years. This breed increased almost by 100%.

Opinion:

I believe it is sad that the popularity of a breed is depending on television and celebrities. Today Miss Paris Hilton has a Chihuahua and tomorrow she has a Labra Doodle. Those people make the standard of what is hot or not. If you what or need to be popular you look at the rich and famous and do what they do not thinking about the consequences. People intend to forget what a certain breeds need and do not know where this breed is most successful to keep. They just take a dog because of his cute face.

 On the other hand I believe that television and commercials could help a breed. Maybe this is what commercial makers should implement in their commercials. So away with the Retriever on the Cottonelle’s toilet paper packaging and on comes the sheepdog. When this has had the positive impact to increase a certain breed than it is time to use a new breed that is in trouble. Perhaps East Enders could use a lovely Terrier or a Spaniel to keep one of the families busy for a while.

I do think television is part of the successes or downfall of a breed but it could also help a breed in need.