Do you know your Gordon Setter from your Deerhound? Rare dog breeds are rising in popularity in the UK this year, according to a report
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You may not have heard of them, but the Gordon Setter, Deerhound and Manchester Terrier all have something to celebrate.
According to official statistics, these rare breeds have become the most popular this year.
All three are classed as ‘vulnerable native breeds’ due to their low numbers in the UK. However, the largest percentage increase in puppy births has been seen in the first half of this year.
Gordon Setters emerged as the winner, welcoming 120 puppies – more than double the number from the same period last year.
The Deerhound has seen a 61 percent increase in births, with 95 puppies born, compared to 59 puppies in the first half of 2023.
The Gordon Setter, Deerhound and Manchester Terrier have all seen a huge increase in popularity this year. These three breeds, which are classed as ‘vulnerable native breeds’ due to their low numbers in the UK, have seen the biggest increase in puppy births in the first half of the year
The number of Manchester Terrier births has also increased by a third compared to last year: from 48 puppies to 64.
Prospective dog owners are advised to do research into which dog will best suit their lifestyle before purchasing.
The Gordon Setter takes its name from the Duke of Gordon, who introduced the breed to Scotland in the early 19th century. It is recognizable by its black and tan coat.
According to the Kennel Club website, these dogs make good companion dogs and their temperament makes them ideal all-round family dogs.
However, they also need more than two hours of exercise per day, as they belong to the hunting group of dogs. These dogs were originally bred to find and retrieve game.
Gordon Setter (pictured) is a large, tough and robust dog breed that originated in Scotland and Northern England
The Deerhound, the ancient Scottish wolfhound, was once a popular breed for hunting deer. However, in the 18th century, its numbers began to decline as hunters began to purchase weapons for their sport.
The ‘gentle giants’ need more than two hours of exercise a day and owners need a large house with a garden to house them.
Unlike many other terriers, the Manchester Terrier has its origins in the city, not the countryside.
It was bred in the city of Manchester and the surrounding area to control rats in the emerging cities and factories during industrialisation in the mid-19th century.
The advent of modern pest control methods threatened the breed’s survival and by 1945 there were only 11 registered purebred dogs.
Fortunately, the work of a number of dedicated breeders has revived interest in the breed, and the intelligent, small dogs are now becoming increasingly popular, both in shows and as pets.