Today is not a good day for British dogs; sadly, some of the country's top breeds are now in such a vulnerable position that they could soon be extinct.
GMTV ran a piece today about all the breeds that are now "out of fashion" unlike more exotic dogs such as the Chihuahua and Shih Tzu. Think Paris Hilton, Britney and Coleen. Yes, when it comes to dog breeds, they all favour handbag-sized toys.
The Kennel Club has its own Vulnerable Breed Committee and together with some passionate dog folk at Native Breeds (www.nativebreeds.org.uk), they are sounding the alarm for the dogs most at risk. And the campaigners see fashion and the cult of celebrity as the reason why such dogs on the list are being ignored. The breeds in danger include:
Bloodhound, Greyhound, Miniature Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Welsh Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Gordon Setter, Sussex Spaniel and Smooth Collie.
Now, I have met many of these breeds in Central London; has my own park become the dog version of a zoo, with all its protected and endangered species under one roof? These are all lovely dogs and deserve to be preserved. For example, the Skye Terrier was immortalised in Greyfriars Bobby (http://greyfriarsbobby.co.uk/story.html), a more loyal dog would be hard to find. But, I fear there may be other reasons – apart from fashion – that have caused the number of these pooches to be dangerously low.
Take the Dandie Dinmont; indeed, one appeared on GMTV's sofa this morning. She was called Scarlet. And what a laid back girl she was but not, I hasten to add, one with questionable morals.
David Blunkett's former squeeze, Kimberly Quinn (publisher of The Spectator and all round well connected girl about town) owned a Dandie Dinmont called Laszlo. But, unfortunately, Laszlo took a distinct dislike to Blunkett's guide dog Sadie, so Laszlo had to go. (Blunkett went later, of course.) And, as Laszlo was rehomed somewhere in the countryside, there were no more parties in grace and favour residences for him! Oh no.
So, has Laszlo's former owner damaged the breed's reputation forever – through power of association? Who can say? But, the more I think about it, the more parallels I see between David Blunkett and the Dandie Dinmont. Once at the top of their game, where are they now? Farmed out and left to graze quietly. When asked what could be done about the plight of the Dandie Dinmont breed, the Kennel Club representative said it needed positive publicity. I think Ms Quinn has scuppered any chances of that.
You've got to admit it, if your most famous ambassador has been involved in a scandal, it's not good news is it?
So, what can be done? Well, the message seemed to be – go out and buy these dogs and save the breed. I have another suggestion; why not try breed rescue? These groups rescue specific breeds so, if you know what you want, you can try to find the dog of your choice. (Rescue centres are not breed specific so it’s luck of the draw.)
At least if you get a breed rescue dog, you will be back in fashion because let me tell you, rescue dogs are very much revered. Why even fashion writers admit it; the more sad a dog’s history, the greater the aahh factor! Just imagine the kudos that Laszlo’s new owner has; she has saved a dog that was dumped by a Cabinet Minister’s mistress. Laszlo will get the sympathy every time. Mark my words.
Woof Woof
Here’s the full list of vulnerable breeds:
Bloodhound, Deerhound, Greyhound, Otterhound, Miniature Bull Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Skye Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Welsh Terrier, English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan), King Charles Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Field Spaniel, Gordon Setter, Irish Red & White Setter, Irish Water Spaniels, Sussex Spaniel, Cardigan Corgi, Lancashire Heeler and Smooth Collie.