Cairn Terrier which rose to fame as Dorothy’s dog in the Wizard of Oz is at risk of EXTINCTION
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It’s the breed that became famous with the line, “Toto, I feel like we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
But the historic British dog, the Cairn Terrier, is in danger of disappearing.
New statistics released by the Kennel Club show a significant drop in numbers for the once popular breed.
In the first quarter of 2023, the working terrier recorded a 42 percent drop in popularity compared to the same period last year.
Their numbers have also more than halved in the past decade, from 1,085 annual puppies born in 2013 to just 492 in 2022.
It’s the breed that became famous with the line, “Toto, I feel like we’re not in Kansas anymore.” But the historic British dog, the Cairn Terrier, is in danger of disappearing
Experts are now warning that the small Scottish breed, which hails from the Isle of Skye, faces an uncertain future.
Their current predicament is a far cry from the 1930s when the Cairn Terrier was one of the top five most popular breeds in the country.
It became one of the most famous dogs in film, after starring as Dorothy’s beloved Toto in The Wizard of Oz.
After the film’s release in 1939, demand for the breed skyrocketed, with a 658 percent increase in registered puppies over the next seven years.
Their popularity peaked in 1989, with 4,189 puppies born that year.
But thanks to a recent nosedive in numbers, there are fears the breed could be placed on the Kennel Club’s list of vulnerable native breeds, which highlights British and Irish breeds at risk of disappearing from our streets and parks.
Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club said: ‘The Cairn Terrier is an iconic breed, best known as Toto, but also being a great family favourite, so the low numbers we are currently seeing are very concerning.
Cairn Terriers are active and fearless little dogs that make great pets for the right owners.
“We have such a rich diversity of breeds in this country, with over 200 different breeds, and we urge potential owners to make sure they spend time researching to find the right one for them, and be prepared to their different needs, such as care, exercise and training needs.’
In the first quarter of 2023, the working terrier recorded a 42 percent drop in popularity compared to the same period last year
Their numbers have also more than halved in the last decade, from 1,085 annual puppies born in 2013 to just 492 in 2022
Other breeds that have seen a rise in popularity thanks to their appearance on TV include the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, who was taken off the ‘At Risk’ list in 2017 after appearing on the hit series The Crown.
Demand for the wolf-like Alaskan Malamute tripled after the appearance of the dire wolf, an extinct dog, in Game of Thrones.
Meanwhile, the 1996 live-action release of 101 Dalmatians sparked a wave of people buying the spotted puppies.
However, Mr Lambert warned that people should not buy a breed just because they see it on TV.
While exposure in movies or popular culture can help bring some of our beloved breeds in danger of extinction back to the public’s attention, as the Crown seemed to do with the Corgi, of course no one would want a dog simply because they have them. seen on TV, in popular culture or because they’re famous,” he said.
“Thorough, extensive, and responsible research should guide any decision to make sure the variety is right for you.”
Aside from the Cairn Terrier, other British breeds that have recorded a recent decline in numbers include the Airedale Terrier, the Irish Setter and the Pointer.
To raise awareness of these breeds in danger of disappearing, the Vulnerable Native Breeds Show is taking place this weekend (June 18) at The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, which will showcase all 34 vulnerable breeds and is free to the public. audience.