Traditional British dog breeds are facing significant declines in registrations as changing lifestyles and preferences favor smaller, low-maintenance breeds better suited to urban living. Recent data from the Royal Kennel Club, analyzed by online veterinary pharmacy VetMedi, highlight sharp drops in registrations for several historic breeds, raising concerns about potential losses of Britain’s canine heritage.
Among the affected breeds, the bloodhound has experienced a dramatic decrease, with registrations falling from 53 puppies in 2016 to just five in 2025—a decline of over 90%. Similarly, the otterhound saw only ten registrations nationwide last year. The Sussex spaniel dropped from 49 to 15 registrations over the same period, while the Old English Sheepdog recorded 218 births in 2025. Rough collies, long recognized from popular culture such as the Lassie films, have also seen their numbers halved to 345 registrations, placing them on the Kennel Club’s At Watch list.
Even breeds with broader public recognition have faced declining popularity. Dalmatian registrations fell by 32% over the past decade to 743 in 2025, showing a decline of more than 55% since peaking during the pandemic in 2021. In contrast, survey data indicate that more mainstream dogs such as the Labrador retriever, golden retriever, and cocker spaniel continue to dominate public preference.
Experts attribute these trends in part to shifts in lifestyle demands following the COVID-19 pandemic. “During Covid, there was a clear movement towards smaller breeds like cockapoos and French bulldogs, which typically require less space and exercise,” said Dr. Charlotte Inness, founder of VetMedi. Traditionally, breeds like border collies and dalmatians were developed for specific working roles requiring significant physical activity and mental stimulation. Border collies, for example, possess a strong work drive, while dalmatians historically ran alongside horse-drawn carriages.
Dr. Inness noted that such breeds require considerable time, early socialization, and daily exercise—often around two hours—which are increasingly difficult to accommodate in modern households constrained by time and space. The reduced ability of owners to meet these needs has contributed to a decline in demand for these traditional breeds.
The steep reductions in registrations have pushed several breeds onto the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list, signaling the risk of losing these historic dog breeds. Veterinary and breeding experts emphasize the importance of maintaining genetic diversity to avoid irreversible bottlenecks and preserve these animals’ cultural and historical value.
As preferences continue to evolve, the future of Britain’s traditional working and hunting dog breeds remains uncertain without increased awareness and efforts to support sustainable breeding practices tailored to modern living conditions.