Fox Terrier Wrecking Pillow
Numbers of this breed are declining fast (Picture: Getty Images)

As we’ve seen with recent surges in sausage dogs, pugs and spaniels, the popularity of dog breeds can fluctuate as the years go on.

So this means that certain breeds become more in-demand while others go down in numbers – and some can even be at risk of disappearing completely.

And, according to the Kennel Club’s annual list, a breed that previously used to be a popular dog in the UK may now be at ‘risk of extinction’.

Numbers for the Wire Fox Terrier are rapidly depleting, meaning it’s set to be ‘at risk’ for the first time ever.

Adorable happy fox terrier dog at the park
The breed was a firm favourite of the Edwardian Era (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It’s a breed many will recognise as ‘Snowy’ from the TinTin franchise, but despite being a firm favourite of the Edwardian Era – with both King Edward VII and Queen Victoria both reported to have owned a Wire Fox Terrier – interest has recently dwindled.

So, while the Wire Fox Terrier was a popular dog in the UK 100 years’ ago, today is a different story.

Annual numbers of Wire Fox Terrier puppies have rapidly declined, with just 281 born in the first three quarters of this year – a 21% decrease from last year’s 359 puppies.

This means it could soon join Kennel Club’s ‘At Watch’ breeds, which looks at those with between 300-450 puppy births a year.

Plus, it would be a another devastating blow as various terriers make up the majority of the list already.

Photo by: zhao hui
The Wire Fox Terrier is in trouble (Picture: Getty)

Dog breeds - At Watch list:

  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Bullmastiff
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Irish Terrier
  • Norfolk Terrier
  • Parson Russell Terrier
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Welsh Terrier

The recent news prompted Bill Lambert, a spokesperson for the Kennel Club, to warn there was a ‘real danger’ the beloved terrier could be lost forever.

It’s worth pointing out that breeds with less than 300 puppy registrations each year are noted on the company’s Vulnerable Native Breed list. The 34 ‘at risk’ dogs currently featured on it include the English Setter, Bloodhound, Irish Wolfhound, Skye Terrier and the Welsh Corgi.

The full list can be found below.

Vulnerable Native Breed list:

  • Bearded Collie
  • Bloodhound
  • Bull Terrier (miniature)
  • Collie (smooth)
  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier
  • Deerhound
  • English Setter
  • English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
  • Foxhound
  • Fox Terrier (smooth)
  • Glen of Imaal Terrier
  • Gordon Setter
  • Greyhound
  • Harrier
  • Irish Red & White Setter
  • Irish Wolfhound
  • King Charles Spaniel
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Lakeland Terrier
  • Lancashire Heeler
  • Manchester Terrier
  • Mastiff
  • Norwich Terrier
  • Otter Hound
  • Retriever (curly coated)
  • Sealyham Terrier
  • Skye Terrier
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
  • Spaniel (Clumber)
  • Spaniel (Field)
  • Spaniel (Irish Water)
  • Spaniel (Sussex)
  • Spaniel (Welsh Springer)
  • Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

MORE : Sweet moment sheepdog-in-training tries to herd giant sheep statue

MORE : From £2.60 to £59, I tried bargain vs bougie tights to see which can survive my dog