Once a beloved breed across the nation, the Scottish terrier, famously seen on the Monopoly board, is now facing uncertain times as it seems to have lost its charm among dog enthusiasts.
The Scottie, known for its unique charm and association with Walker’s shortbread and Radley handbags, has hit a record low in terms of registrations.
With only 406 puppy births recorded in 2023, the Kennel Club has put the breed on its watch list, marking a significant decline from its peak popularity in the last century when registrations exceeded 5,800 in a single year.
Originally bred to hunt in the Highlands, the Scottish terrier, a favorite of Queen Victoria, is now struggling to maintain its presence in the dog world.
On the flip side, breeds like Bernese Mountain dogs and miniature long-haired dachshunds have seen a rise in popularity, with increases of 24% and 20% respectively.
Other breeds climbing up the popularity ladder include the English setter, Yorkshire terriers, and Jack Russell terriers, known to be favored by King and Queen Camilla.
The Kennel Club has been closely monitoring British and Irish breeds with fewer than 450 annual registrations since 2004. This is the second time the Scottie has been placed on the watch list, first appearing in 2018.
Joining the list this time are the Cairn terrier, pointer, rough collie, and wire fox terrier, highlighting the shifting trends in the dog breed landscape.
While the club’s vulnerable list includes breeds like Sussex spaniels and Irish setters, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the diversity of dog breeds.
Bill Lambert from the Kennel Club expressed concerns about the declining popularity of iconic breeds like the Scottish terrier, emphasizing the need to explore beyond the commonly known breeds to find the perfect match for individual lifestyles.
Encouraging the public to embrace the variety of dog breeds available, Lambert stressed the importance of looking beyond the top ten popular choices and discovering the unique personalities and characteristics that each breed brings to our lives.